A DRAMATISTS PLAY SERVICE TITLE

Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 2m

Jenny Lyn Bader

An encounter in 1930s Berlin takes a surprising turn as an earnest young officer must interrogate the iconic political thinker Hannah Arendt – a woman in possession of untold wit, charm and ideas. Inspired by real events, this fantastical drama delves into the life and mind of one of history’s deepest thinkers.

Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library

Notify Me When Available
Get the Script
  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Period, Docudrama/History
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

Berlin, 1933. With martial law in effect, political activism has become a capital crime. The Gestapo has arrested a graduate student suspected of conducting illegal research. She undergoes intense questioning, and the arrival of a lawyer sent to defend her only complicates matters. But the encounter takes surprising turns as an earnest young officer must interrogate the iconic political thinker Hannah Arendt – a woman in possession of untold wit, charm and ideas. Inspired by real events, this fantastical drama delves into the life and mind of one of history’s deepest thinkers.

History

Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library received its New York premiere in October 2024 in a production directed by Ari Laura Kreith at 59E59 Theaters, starring Ella Dershowitz. 

Keywords
Performing Groups

HANNAH – 26, a scholar
KARL – 25, a police officer
ERICH – 50s, an attorney

  • Time Period 1930s
  • Setting

    Various locations, including a prison cell, in Berlin under martial law. 1930s.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes, Period Costumes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes
    • Violence

Media

“A powerful and timely tour de force.” – Voice of America

“A lesson on perceiving humanity and even dignity in all people under even the toughest of conditions.” – The New York Times

“An evocative exploration of resilience, identity, and the pursuit of freedom!” – Times Square Chronicles

“Jenny Lyn Bader is a terrific writer, and boy, she knows what to do every step of the way... This is well worth seeing.” – Broadway Radio

“Intellect and emotion travel in parallel in a subtle build that takes everyone by surprise.” – Front Row Center

“Opens up the tragedy and triumph of Jewish history.” – New York Sun

“An intimate, riveting revelation of insight and courage expressed in unexpected ways.” – NJ Arts Maven

“Fascinating and historically accurate… surprising yet ultimately impactful… Mrs. Stern and its compelling cast make us want to go back into our history books to learn more.” – Theater Pizzazz

“Thoughtful and thought-provoking!...I came away wanting to know more, and with the desire to engage someone very far on the other side of the ideological fence. The right time is now.” – Q Onstage

“Gripping... A play for our times!” – Jersey Arts

Videos

  • Hannah Arendt’s Escape from Nazi Germany in a Play by Jenny Lyn Bader youtube thumbnail

    Hannah Arendt’s Escape from Nazi Germany in a Play by Jenny Lyn Bader

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:
Get the Script

Authors

Jenny Lyn Bader

Jenny Lyn Bader
Jenny Lyn Bader is the author of plays including Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library (59E59 Theaters/Luna Stage), In Flight (Workshop Theatre); Equally Divine: The Real Story of the Mona Lisa (Theater at the 14th St. Y); Manhattan Casanova (Hudson Stage); and None o ...
View full profile

Now Playing