Janet Langhart Cohen’s Anne & Emmett returns to The DuSable Museum July 24-26

Janet Langhart Cohen’s Anne & Emmett returns to The DuSable Museum July 24-26

Directed by award-winning director Tom Jones II, this powerful production brings to life an imagined conversation between two of history’s most enduring young voices.

CHICAGO (July 10, 2026) – The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (The DuSable Museum) is proud to welcome Anne & Emmett back by popular demand to its newly renovated theater. The powerful one-act play imagines a conversation between Anne Frank and Emmett Till – two young people whose lives were cut short by hatred and injustice. Anne & Emmett is written by Emmy-nominated journalist, author and playwright Janet Langhart Cohen, directed by award-winning director Tom Jones II, and presented by Langhart Communications, LLC. Tickets are on sale now for Anne & Emmett, playing for a limited time at The DuSable Museum. Click here to purchase tickets.

Since its last production at The DuSable Museum in 2015, Anne & Emmett has touched audiences around the world, including a special production at the Delamar Theater in Amsterdam, near the home of Anne Frank, which was realized through a partnership with The DuSable Museum. The play has fostered dialogue among people of all backgrounds while honoring the memories of two young lives whose stories continue to inspire us.

“This play is not about reliving tragedy,” said playwright Janet Langhart Cohen. “It is about remembering our shared humanity and challenging each of us to overcome hatred before it claims another child.”

In a place called Memory, the two teenagers meet and reflect on their lives, stolen futures, and the enduring hope that humanity can choose love over hate. Their imagined conversation is a reminder for audiences to reject prejudice, confront injustice, and embrace humanity.

“We are so excited to bring Anne & Emmett back to The DuSable Museum,” said Perri Irmer, President and CEO of The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. “The stories of Anne Frank and Emmett Till remind us not only of the tragic consequences of racism, hatred and intolerance, but also of the power of history, education, and collective action.”

The production returns to The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center during the week of what would have been Emmett Till’s 85th birthday on July 25. In recognition of his enduring legacy, a special performance and reception will be held on Saturday, July 25. The evening will provide audiences with an opportunity to engage more deeply with the themes of the production and reflect on Emmet Till’s impact on the Civil Rights Movement that helped change the course of American history.

Performance Schedule

  • Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM: Student/Senior Citizen Matinee ($5 per ticket)
  • Friday, July 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM: Evening Performance ($20 per ticket)
  • Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM: Reception followed by a special performance ($30 per ticket; including reception)
  • Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 3:00 PM: Matinee Performance ($20 per ticket)

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