A new musical debuting in New York City has sparked a heated debate by reimagining Holocaust victim Anne Frank as a pansexual Latina, who hides from Nazi forces with her neurodiverse family and a non-binary romantic partner.
Named “Slam Frank,” this satirical play aims to critique modern cultural movements of inclusivity and identity politics by applying them to one of history’s most poignant narratives. It explores how excessive ‘wokeness’ can sometimes skew storytelling.
The concept originated as a viral Instagram parody by Jewish composer Andrew Fox, who humorously suggested creating a show that would make ‘Latinx girlies feel included in the Holocaust.’
This parody quickly evolved into a full-scale production featuring a play-within-a-play structure, where a fictional theater group attempts to ‘decolonize’ Anne Frank’s story.
The satire intensifies as characters hilariously explore new marginalized identities through musical numbers, trade yellow stars for pronoun pins, and even communicate with ancestors who perished at border crossings.
With musical sequences reminiscent of a Hamilton parody, various outlets have noted that the show features characters uncovering new marginalized identities and theatrically swapping their yellow stars for vibrant rainbow pronoun pins.
Despite its controversial premise, the production has been a hit with audiences.
With a publicity budget of less than $60, it has sold out most of its 34 performances, drawing crowds who see it as either daring satire or deeply offensive.
Supporters compare it to the Book of Mormon for its willingness to provoke, while critics argue it trivializes one of history’s darkest chapters.
A new musical in New York City titled Slam Frank has ignited fierce backlash for reimagining Holocaust victim Anne Frank as a pansexual Latina hiding with her neurodiverse family and a non-binary love interest
Despite its controversial premise, the production has been a hit with audiences
A petition, started by Joy Rosenthal, has called for the immediate cancellation of the play, accusing Slam Frank of trivializing the death of Anne Frank, ‘one of the most sacred testimonies of the atrocities committed against the Jewish people’
In fact, a petition, started by Joy Rosenthal, has called for the immediate cancellation of the play, accusing Slam Frank of trivializing the death of Anne Frank, ‘one of the most sacred testimonies of the atrocities committed against the Jewish people.’
The petition reads: ‘Turning her story into a ‘slam’ or any form of entertainment that prioritizes shock value over historical reverence is not only inappropriate – it is deeply offensive.
‘The Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, and educators around the world have worked tirelessly to preserve the dignity and lessons of this history.
‘Slam Frank undermines these efforts by reducing a profound tragedy into a spectacle, risking misinformation, desensitization, and mockery of the very real pain millions endured.
‘Art and theater must be held to a standard of responsibility, especially when dealing with topics of such grave human suffering.
‘There are ways to tell difficult stories creatively and thoughtfully – this production, however, fails to honor the memory of Anne Frank and all victims of the Holocaust.’
Andrew Fox, however, remains unbothered.
Speaking to Daily Mail about the petition, he said: ’Besides the devastating effect this tidal wave of criticism has had on my mental health (I have RSD – Rejection Sensitivity Disorder), the petitions and outcries have been extremely bad for our sales.
‘When our shows started selling out weeks in advance, we had hoped that we would be able to turn away dozens of hopefuls in our standby ticket line – but now, due to all the negative coverage, we only turn away half-dozens.
‘We request some privacy, so that we may grieve with our chosen family. We hope the haters are happy with themselves.’
Slam Frank has sold out most performances at its 150-seat venue, AsylumNYC.
Its run, which began September 17, is scheduled to close October 26.
