Anna Scher
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Anna Valerie Scher (26 December 1944 – 12 November 2023) was an Irish-born British teacher known for her contributions to drama education.[1]
Born in Cork, Ireland, she was the eldest of four daughters of Eric, a dentist of Lithuanian-Jewish descent, and Claire (née Hurwitz).[1][2] Scher was educated at St Angela's Convent in Cork, where she was the only Jewish student and developed an early interest in tap-dancing and stage performance.[1] Her early years were influenced by her involvement in the Cork Opera House until its destruction by fire in 1955.[2]
In 1959, the Scher family relocated to Hove, East Sussex, a move initiated by her father's desire to integrate into a larger Jewish community.[1][2] This transition presented Scher with new cultural and academic challenges, particularly at Hove Grammar School.[2] Her education continued at Hove Grammar School and Brighton School of Music and Art.[1] The period was further marked by familial conflict over Scher's career aspirations, culminating in her mother's departure from the family.[1][2]