Words do not do full justice to Mark Hayhurst’s most powerful play nor to Jonathan Church’s riveting production and his company of actors.
This astonishing play depicts the fate of young Jewish lawyer Hans Litten, who, in 1931, subpoenaed Adolf Hitler to be cross-examined in open court.
The self styled “Fuhrer”, called as a witness at the criminal trial of four of his storm troopers, was humiliated by the skilful lawyer. Revenge was taken later when Litten, taken into “protective custody”, was subjected to repeated brutality as he was moved between concentration camps.
The central character, his mother, acts both as narrator and protagonist in the on-going fight to release him. Penelope Wilton is magnificent in re-creating this woman who tirelessly harasses the Gestapo. Behind her commentary we see Litten in his various cells.
The first act manages to combine shocking brutality with black humour, coming from Mike Grady and Pip Donaghy, whilst the second, dropping the dramatic tension leads to a poignant and heartbreaking meeting between mother and son. Martin Hutson gives a superlative portrayal as Litten.
Great theatre – high drama, moral debate that informs and entertains, with excellent acting throughout.
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