by Maggie Lou Rader, directed by Lindsey Augusta Mercer

The Helpers is a new perspective from the other side of the most famous bookshelf in history. Miep Gies, an immigrant, and secretary for Otto Frank’s famous Opekta company, leads a group of helpers to preserve the residents of the Secret Annex and the spirit of goodness and survival during World War II. The Helpers is a tale of joy, hope, friendship, and resistance during one of history’s darkest moments.

“I don’t want to be considered a hero…. Imagine young people would grow up with the feeling  that you have to be a hero to do your human duty. I am afraid nobody would ever help other  people, because who is a hero? I was not. I was just an ordinary housewife and secretary.” 

― Miep Gies

If you are moved by the themes of this play, we encourage you to help keep the legacy of this story alive by donating to The Anne Frank House of Amsterdam. Visit: annefrank.org/donate

To learn more about how you can be an active ally in fighting oppression in our modern world, explore these resources:
THE GREAT UNLEARN at rachel-cargle.com/the-great-unlearn.ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES FOR ALLIEShttps://www.awis.org/antiracism-resources-for-allies

Production Team

Stephanie Colby — Streaming/Recording Manager

Lindsey Augusta Mercer — Director

Chloe Ash Padilla — Titles and Graphic Design

Charlotte Perez — Sound Designer

Grace Pierce —Stage Manager

Cast List

Miep Gies — Jamie Chmielewski

Jan Gies — Maddy Shilts

Otto Frank — Baxter Whitehead

Mrs. Stoppelman — Trystan Peters

Jo Koophuis — Joseph Sheridan

Elli Vossen —Delaney Wilson

Adolwolfa / Queen Wilhelmina / Kind Stranger — Becca Goetz

Silberbauer / BBC Radio Announcer — Ben Capella

German Radio Announcer / Mr. Richter —Jonathan Erwin

Dutch Announcer / Alfie / Aliens Officer — Drew Grant