From AV Club · · 1m
Slam Frank: Subversive Theater Review
Slam Frank challenges theater's identity politics with bold satire.
In brief
Slam Frank challenges theater's identity politics with bold satire. Slam Frank uses Anne Frank's story to critique contemporary theater's performative progressiveness while questioning its ability to drive real change. Originally reported by AV Club.
Slam Frank's Subversive Pitch
Slam Frank reimagines Anne Frank's story as a Latinx immigrant to critique theater's identity politics.
“the real target of the hamiliton -ification of anne frank is contemporary theater itself”
Theater's Identity Politics Target
The show mocks performative progressiveness by making Anne's mother a black woman and father neurodiverse.
“anne's mother edith (austen horne) is played by a black woman”
Controversial Casting Choices
The show presents the sole straight white man in the attic as worse than hitler.
“mr. van daan (also bow), the show's sole straight white man, is literally presented in a worse light than hitler”
Theater's Political Critique
Slam Frank questions theater's ability to address systemic issues without oversimplifying.
“it's hard to think of the last major musical that felt as dangerous”
Geopolitical Shock Value
The show addresses a geopolitical issue with unprecedented boldness in new york theater.
“it's dangerous in a thrilling way because you're not totally sure if they're going to be able to land this plane”
Theater's Real Target
Slam Frank critiques contemporary theater's commercialism while respecting the art form.
“the show, written by composer andrew fox and librettist joel sinensky, has contempt for contemporary commercial theater”
The Show's Impact
Slam Frank leaves a lasting mental impact despite not changing the world or theater.
“i can't think of anything else i've seen on stage this year that has occupied so much of my mental space after i left the room”
The big picture
Slam Frank uses Anne Frank's story to critique contemporary theater's performative progressiveness while questioning its ability to drive real change.
