Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler (Off-Broadway, Theatre Five @ Theatre Row, 2026) | Playbill

Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler

Off-Broadway
Play
Original


SYNOPSIS:

Based on a remarkable true story, Hans Litten centers on the brilliant young Jewish lawyer who, in 1931, did the seemingly impossible: he called Adolf Hitler to the witness stand and publicly exposed the future dictator’s embrace of political violence—two years before Hitler rose to power. It remains one of the most audacious legal confrontations of the 20th century.

The play moves from the charged atmosphere of Berlin courtrooms to the brutal reality of Nazi concentration camps, tracing Litten’s unwavering commitment to justice, reason, and human dignity. Refusing to remain silent in the face of rising authoritarianism, Litten risks—and ultimately sacrifices—his life for the rule of law.



Directed by Alexander Harrington

Cast includes Stan Buturla, Zach Calhoon, Robert Ierardi, Whit K. Lee, Barbara McCulloh, Dave Stishan, Marco Torriani, Mark Eugene Vaughn, Daniel Yaiullo

  • Running Time: 2 hours, including one intermission
  • playwright: Douglas Lackey