# Slam Frank: Subversive Theater Review

> Slam Frank challenges theater's identity politics with bold satire.
- Title: Slam Frank: Subversive Theater Review · AV Club | Shortify
- Summary: Slam Frank challenges theater's identity politics with bold satire. Slam Frank uses Anne Frank's story to critique contemporary theater's performative…
- Keywords: slam frank, anne frank, theater, hamilton, lgbtq, immigrant, new york, musical, contemporary theater, performance, entertainment, culture
- Source: AV Club — https://avclub.com/slam-frank-hamilton-off-broadway-review
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: slam frank, anne frank, theater, hamilton, lgbtq, immigrant, new york, musical, contemporary theater, performance, entertainment, culture
## 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
## Key takeaway

Slam Frank uses Anne Frank's story to critique contemporary theater's performative progressiveness while questioning its ability to drive real change.