why do you think audiences were silent at the end of the play of the diary of anne frank

Answer 1

The story is so moving and the ending is so sad, that applause seems inappropriate.

When I toured Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam, tourists were mostly as silent as they would be in a cathedral. It inspired awe and sadness.

Answer 2

"why do you think"?

Let us know what you think, and someone here will be able to comment.