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INDIANAPOLIS -- Janet Langhart Cohen returns to Indianapolis this weekend to introduce her one act play, “Anne & Emmett.”
The story is centered on two historical figures. Anne Frank became the symbol of the Nazi Holocaust and Emmett Till helped spark America’s civil rights movement. His murder also left a deep impression on Cohen, who says she came full circle to present this play in Indianapolis where she also experienced racism as a child.
Cohen says she grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood on Indy’s west side. School integration meant she could have gone to Shortridge High School, but after Till’s death, she decided to attend Crispus Attucks High School, where she would feel more at home. Cohen says that was the most important decision of her life. She says the teachers at Attucks not only taught traditional subjects, but also life lessons like self-esteem and perseverance.
Cohen went on to have a successful career in modeling and journalism. She also married William Cohen, who served as Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton. Now the powerful couple shares a passion for this play and its deeper message.
“Anne & Emmett” opens at the Indiana Repertory Theatre Friday Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. There are also performances Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at www.IRTLive.com or by calling Indiana Repertory Theatre at (317) 635-5252. There are also a limited number of half price tickets available for the Saturday and Sunday performances.
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