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The North Idaho College theatre department is presenting "The Diary of Anne Frank," directed by NIC aluma Tracey Vaughan.

The NIC theatre department produced the same play 20 years ago, with Vaughan (then Tracey Benson) playing the role of Anne. Keith Knight, who plays Anne's father, Otto Frank, in the upcoming play, also appeared in the 1993 performance.

The play is based on the famous book "Diary of a Young Girl," by Anne Frank, which details Frank's experiences while hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II.

"The chance to tell this story again has been priceless. I have an even deeper appreciation for the plight of the characters with the greater understanding that comes with age," Vaughan said. "I have always seen Anne's side, but now that I am a parent, I have more empathy for the adults in the situation as well."

Knight credits the timelessness of the Anne Frank story to the emotional impact it has on audiences.

"It touches not only our empathy but also our fear because we know we still live in a world not that much different from theirs," Knight said.

Vaughan said the script does a good job of capturing the emotional highs and lows experienced by the characters.

"And it all started with a gifted young writer who hoped she would have an impact, but who never lived to see how her words have touched lives around the world," Vaughan said.

Anika Bryceson, the actress playing Anne in the current production, also played the role previously. She described the experience this time around as "electrifying."

"I know so much more about acting and I am more in tune to who Anne really was. The cast is great, too. I've never worked with a group of actors so passionate about their characters," Bryceson said. "Tracey also has such a clear vision about this show, and she loves Anne just as much as I do so her direction has been a real helping hand in my portrayal of this spirited young woman."

Vaughan said casting this particular show isn't easy because the actors must not only be talented in their craft, they must also have empathy and sensitivity to the circumstances of the show's characters.

She said she feels fortunate to have found actors who fit their roles well and care deeply about the show.

"It has been such a pleasure and honor to be a part of telling Anne's story again. It was the experience of a lifetime the first go-around, and, astoundingly, it has proven to be once again," Vaughan said. "At times, it has been a little surreal to revisit this production in a different way, but overall, the experience has deeply affected me. Anika's portrayal of Anne is everything I hope for going into this experience."

The show will be performed Oct. 24, 25, 26, 31 and Nov. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center on the North Idaho College campus.

All performances are free and open to the public.

There will be two special speaking presentations connected with two of the performances.

On Oct. 25, Bill Proser will host an after-play discussion with the director and cast. There will be a pre-play discussion at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, with Nazi resister Carla Peperzak who knew the Frank family.

Info: 769-3220