“The Trial of Adolf Eichmann” is a new play by acclaimed director/producer David Serero that is set to have its world premiere at the Center for Jewish History in New York City. Performance dates are July 21st, July 22nd (Premiere), July 23rd and July 25th.
Inspired by actual events, this powerful drama takes audiences on a haunting journey through one of the most infamous trials in history, examining the depths of human evil and the quest for justice.
The play revolves around the trial of Adolf Eichmann, one of the principal architects of the Holocaust who orchestrated the systematic murder of millions of Jews during World War II.
Set in Jerusalem in 1961, the story follows the trial of Eichmann, a former Nazi officer captured by Israeli agents in Argentina and brought to Israel to face justice.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, audiences are confronted with the moral dilemmas faced by the prosecution, defense and the international community. Eichmann’s unapologetic defense, which hinges on his claim of “just following orders,” sparks intense debates about responsibility, collaboration and the nature of evil. The play delves into the legal and ethical complexities of the trial exploring how the pursuit of justice can intersect with the need for closure, healing and reconciliation in the aftermath of unspeakable atrocities.
Aside from being the play’s director and producer, David Serero is also cast in the role of Gideon Hausner, the Attorney General of Israel. Hausner led the team of prosecutors at the Eichmann trial.
Ahead of the world premiere, Serero shared his inspiration for making the play.
“I always thought this trial needed to be transmitted to the new generations to understand how evil was created. From a theatrical point of view, there is not a minute of this trial that is not dramatic. Bringing it to the stage and condensing it to a one hour and 20-minute play was challenging. I started to write this play on and off in 2019 and finished it in early 2024. I went through all the sessions of the trial (over 120), translated them into English and prepared the play. This trial is full of surprises and turning points. The end is very emotional as it connects to what is still happening today.”
Serero explained how the pursuit for justice intersects with the need for closure and healing.
“The trial enabled Jews to speak for the first time about what they saw during the Shoah as back then it was a taboo thing. No one spoke about it, and people thought you were crazy to talk about it. It was important that Israel chose to bring to justice a Nazi criminal. Every day, everyone in Israel listened to the radio and it was broadcast worldwide. The trial was completed on many levels which included the legal strategy from both the Eichmann and Gideon Hausner sides as well as the complete investigation. It also brought a strong message that you will be found accountable no matter where you commit a crime. Indeed, this trial brought international attention to the Holocaust and what Jews have endured. It was the first time we could hear these victims’ testimonies.”
Serero expressed how the play challenges audiences.
“It brings audiences to the heart of the trial and the answers to so many interrogations. We discover who Eichmann is and the strategies of Gideon Hausner, the Attorney General I portray on stage to make Eichmann accountable. The play forces audiences to confront difficult questions about justice, responsibility and the nature of evil. It explores whether individuals like Eichmann are inherently evil or are products of the systems they operate within. It brings to life a pivotal moment in history, compelling audiences to grapple with the atrocities of the Holocaust and the complexities of prosecuting war crimes. This historical engagement can be both educational and emotionally taxing. The play delves into the legal intricacies of the trial, examining the processes of international law and the concept of crimes against humanity. It questions the adequacy of legal systems in delivering justice for such vast atrocities. By presenting Eichmann not as a monstrous figure, but as an ordinary bureaucrat, the play challenges the audience to understand how regular individuals can commit heinous acts. This humanization can be disturbing as it blurs between good and evil. The testimonies and evidence presented in the play can evoke strong emotional responses, particularly from those with personal connections to the Holocaust or other genocides. It taps into deep wells of pain, memory and trauma. The play may provoke thoughts on forgiveness, revenge and reconciliation, prompting audiences to consider how societies can heal after such profound wounds. It often portrays the interactions between Eichmann, his accusers and the survivors, highlighting the personal and interpersonal dynamics of the trial. This can lead to a nuanced understanding of human behavior in extreme circumstances. Engaging with these themes, ‘The Trial of Eichmann’ encourages audiences to reflect deeply on the past and its implications for the present and future making it a challenging and thought-provoking theatrical experience.”
Following the world premiere at The Center for Jewish History, Serero shared his aspirations for the play
“I’m planning to bring the play to South Florida in the near future. Locations and dates will be announced in the Jewish Journal.”
The Center for Jewish History is located at 15 West 16th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenue) in New York. For ticket information visit app.gopassage.com/events/thetrialofeichmann or call (855) 688-7277 (ext.1).
