A provocative theatrical production, "Slam Frank," has ignited a storm of controversy in New York City's performing arts scene. The satirical musical reenvisions Holocaust victim Anne Frank as a pansexual Latina, featuring a non-binary love interest and a neurodiverse family. The play, which opened on September 17 at the AsylumNYC venue, is scheduled to run until October 26.
The concept originated from composer Andrew Fox, a Jewish artist, who initially created a parody on Instagram. Fox's viral post humorously suggested a desire to make "Latinx girlies feel included in the Holocaust." This parody evolved into the full-fledged stage production that audiences are witnessing today.
"Slam Frank" uses a play-within-a-play format, following a fictional theater troupe's efforts to "decolonize" the narrative of Anne Frank. The production amplifies its satirical take by having characters explore marginalized identities through song, replace the yellow star (symbolizing Jewish persecution during the Holocaust) with rainbow pronoun pins, and reflect on ancestral losses at border crossings.
Comparisons have been drawn between the musical numbers in "Slam Frank" and the work in "Hamilton," as both employ historical context for modern social commentary. Despite facing intense criticism, the show's performances have largely sold out, with the Daily Mail reporting that most of its 34 showings have been at capacity in the 150-seat theater.
Supporters hail "Slam Frank" as a daring piece of satire, in the vein of productions like "The Book of Mormon," praising its capacity to provoke thought and challenge societal norms. On the other hand, critics rebuke the play for its potential to trivialize the Holocaust, a period marked by profound human suffering and tragedy.
A significant opponent of the play, Joy Rosenthal, has initiated a petition demanding its immediate cancellation. Rosenthal argues that "Slam Frank" diminishes the solemnity of Anne Frank's story, converting it into shock-value entertainment, which she believes is fundamentally inappropriate and deeply offensive.
The petition emphasizes that the play undermines extensive efforts by the Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, and educators to preserve the dignity and educational value of Holocaust history. Rosenthal expressed concerns about the risks of misinformation, desensitization, and mockery of the Holocaust's painful reality.
Composer Andrew Fox has responded to the backlash, stating to the Daily Mail that the criticism has negatively impacted ticket sales and his mental health, revealing that he suffers from Rejection Sensitivity Disorder (RSD). Fox lamented the reduced number of patrons being turned away due to the play's negative coverage and requested privacy for himself and his "chosen family" amidst the ongoing criticism.
Despite the moral outrage and calls for its cancellation, "Slam Frank" has maintained popularity with its audience base, suggesting a divide between public reception and the vocal detractors of the play.
