The Helpers

by Maggie Lou Rader

The Helpers is a new perspective from of 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.

The Helpers is a new perspective from of 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.

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The Helpers

Recommended by

  • Ginna Hoben: The Helpers by Maggie Lou Rader
    “

    Beautiful play! Maggie Lou knows how to tell a good story with tension and humor.

    Beautiful play! Maggie Lou knows how to tell a good story with tension and humor.

    ”
  • Brenna McBride: The Helpers by Maggie Lou Rader
    “

    A compelling, heartbreaking story, exquisitely rendered. Even though we know the outcome of the story, suspense and hope underline each word."

    A compelling, heartbreaking story, exquisitely rendered. Even though we know the outcome of the story, suspense and hope underline each word."

    ”
  • Emma Goldman-Sherman: The Helpers by Maggie Lou Rader
    “

    Here is a fascinating drama about what Miep Gies and others have to go through to protect the Frank family during WWII, and the story of how Anne Frank's diary was saved. Resistance to popular sentiment is not easy, and this play is inspiring!

    Here is a fascinating drama about what Miep Gies and others have to go through to protect the Frank family during WWII, and the story of how Anne Frank's diary was saved. Resistance to popular sentiment is not easy, and this play is inspiring!

    ”

Character Information

Six Actor Doubling:
Actor 1: Miep Gies
Actor 2: Jan, Mr. Richter
Actor 3: Otto Frank, Silberbauer
Actor 4: Mrs. Stoppelman, Aliens Officer
Actor 5: Jo Koophuis, Stranger
Actor 6: Elli Vossen, Adalwolfa, Alfie
  • Miep Gies
    Housewife, secretary, immigrant, helper. In charge of every room she enters. Measured, yet impulsive. Driven by fire deep in her soul, but not always on her face.
    20-40
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Jan Gies
    Her husband. A social worker and helper. Measured and always thoughtful. Chivalrous and dashing of heart. Wheels always turning.
    20-40
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Otto Frank
    The embodiment of kindness with a bit of a nervous disposition. The leader of the Annex and father of Anne and Margot Frank.
    Any / Jewish (but not all Jews are white)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Mrs. Stoppelman
    The Gies’ landlord and housemate. A Jewish mother and grandmother with idioms for days. Lives on another plane, a charming one.
    40-70
    Any / Jewish (but not all Jews are white)
    fxmale
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Jo Koophuis
    Mr. Frank’s partner at Opekta. A curmudgeon, and yet, damn delightful soul.
    20-60
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Elli Vossen
    Quiet, not shy. Always watching and listening. Smart as a whip. She may be wrong occasionally, but this writer’s not seen it.
    20-30
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Looking for Lilith, 2023
  • Reading, Miami University, 2021
  • Workshop, DePaul University, The Theatre School, 2020

Awards

  • Henley Rose Playwright Competition for Women
    Yellow Rose Productions
    Finalist
    2021
  • New Works Play Festival
    The Full Circle Players
    Semi-Finalist
    2021
  • FutureFest
    Dayton Playhouse
    Semi-Finalist
    2021