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.
David Serero's masterful writing combines historical accuracy and dramatic tension to create a riveting theatrical experience. "The Trial of Adolf Eichmann" challenges its audience to grapple with profound questions about humanity's capacity for cruelty and the enduring quest for accountability in the face of unimaginable horror.
With a talented ensemble cast, David Serero’s direction, and meticulous attention to detail, this Off-Broadway production promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally charged exploration of a pivotal historical moment. "The Trial of Adolf Eichmann" is a timely reminder of the importance of remembering the past and seeking justice, even when the wounds are deep and the scars are still fresh.
The cast includes, among others, David Serero (as Gideon Hausner), Michael Takiff (as Adolf Eichmann), Ron Barba (as Judge Landau), Bruce Biggins (as Dr Servatius), Orlando Shelly, and Jonathan Hirsch.
Don't miss this compelling and thought-provoking theatrical experience as the world premiere of "The Trial of Adolf Eichmann" opens in July 2024 at the Center for Jewish History, inviting audiences to reflect on the lessons of history and the enduring struggle for justice and reconciliation.
MEET THE CAST:
DAVID SERERO - GIDEON HAUSNER, ZHI AHARONI (Director / Writer / Producer)
David Serero is a critically acclaimed and awards-winner opera singer, actor, stage and film director, and producer. He has performed more than 2,500 performances in more than 45 countries, directed and produced nearly 100 theatrical productions, starred in over 100 films and TV series, recorded and produced over 100 albums, and played more than 50 lead and title roles (in several languages) from the opera, theatre, and musical repertoire. In New York, he starred Off-Broadway in iconic roles such as Shylock, Cyrano, Othello, Barabas, Yiddish King Lear, Don Giovanni, Figaro, Romeo, Nabucco, as well as new works such as Napoleon by Stanley Kubrick, Queen Esther, Moses (The Ten Commandments), Otto Frank (Anne Frank a Musical), among others. In his native Paris, he starred as Don Quixote (Man of La Mancha), Happy Mac (Beggar's Holiday by Duke Ellington), and You Are Not Alone, The Jackson Musical, starring Jermaine Jackson. He entered the prestigious Who's Who America for demonstrating outstanding achievements in the entertainment world and for the betterment of contemporary society. In 2019, he received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, the Morocco Day Distinguished Achievement Award, Trophy of the Culture of Morocco. Morocco's airline, Royal Air Maroc, named him among the fifteen most influential Moroccans worldwide. David is a member of the Recording Academy and the Television Academy and a voting member of both the Grammys and Emmys. In 2020, David Serero received the UNESCO Award for Diversity in Paris and became an Honorary Member of the United Nations of Arts and Science. In 2021, he won 4 BroadwayWorld Awards for Best Performer of the Decade, Best Producer of a Musical, Best Producer of a Play of the Decade, and Best Opera Singer of the Year. He was awarded the Certificate of Recognition by the Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, for his contribution to the City's dynamic cultural landscape, enriching the vibrant performing arts sector, and uplifting and inspiring diverse New Yorkers. In 2021, his first documentary film on fashion designer Elie Tahari received nearly 100 film festival selections and won dozens of awards, including Best Director, Best Documentary, Best Fashion Documentary, and Best Producer, and received its premiere at Lincoln Center Film Society. He has since directed over a dozen feature documentary features. He is the founder of several festivals worldwide. He is the author of several plays, musicals, and books. He has his own record label and produced dozens of albums from Jazz to Broadway artists to pop stars. He was named Honorary Citizen of France for his cultural achievements. In 2022, he created the first national opera of Morocco: L'Opera Royal du Maroc (The Royal Opera of Morocco). He directed and produced the following films Lisa Azuelos, Helene Grimaud, and Richard Orlinski. In 2024, his new movie Rocancourt was released in movie theaters nationwide and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. “The Trial of Eichmann” is his new play opening Off-broadway in July 2024. www.davidserero.com
MICHAEL TAKIFF - ADOLF EICHMANN
Michael Takiff appeared off-Broadway at The Flea in 2022 as author and performer of Jews, God, and History (Not Necessarily in That Order), a solo show directed by Tony nominee Brian Lane Green. DirectorTalk raved that Michael “melds his prodigious intelligence and expert showmanship to illuminate the darkest (and most tender) moments in the life and mind of the modern American Jew.” Recent stage roles include Caesar in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (Shakespeare Workshoppe), Brutus in Shakespeare’s Coriolanus (Worlds Elsewhere Theater Company), and Papa in Goldberg’s Kaddish (New York Theater Festival). Recent feature film work includes principal roles in Beach Town Maidens and Gone Without a Past. Trained as a classical singer and jazz dancer, Michael spent ten years touring the country as a stand-up comic. A great-great-great-great-great grandson of the legendary Hasidic sage, Levi-Yitzhak of Berditchev, Michael is the author of numerous books, including an award-winning biography of Bill Clinton published by Yale University Press.
RON BARBA - JUDGE LANDAU
Ron Barba is an actor and producer from Greenwich, CT. His recent films, “Bobby Mortal” and “God’s Will,” are on Amazon. He starred in the independent film Third Week in 2022 and has appeared in national commercials and off-Broadway plays. He is a stand-up comedian who has produced four of his own television pilots. He has performed several lead roles under the direction of David Serero in productions such as Merchant of Venice, The Cid, Jew of Malta, Napoleon by Stanley Kubrick, Tartuffe, and more.
BRUCE BIGGINS - ATTORNEY DR. SERVATIUS
Bruce has performed with The New York City Opera, Light Opera Of Manhattan, and New York G & S Players and has numerous Off-Broadway, Dinner Theatre, Summer Stock, and film credits, both acting and directing. Favorites include Petruchio in The Taming Of The Shrew and Kiss Me Kate, Strephon in Iolanthe, and The Red Shadow in The Desert Song, The King in The King And I, and Pedro in Man Of La Mancha with John Raitt, to name a few. He has directed and taught at St. John’s University and several High Schools. Bruce co-founded the Staten Island Academy Of Performing Arts and Go-Forth Productions with his wife, Elisa. Bruce would like to thank God, his beautiful and talented wife Elisa (who has a Masters in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and got me involved, and directed me in 3 productions of The Diary of Anne Frank as Mr. Frank, and co-starred in Two an Off-Broadway Production based on The Holocaust) and his 7 children and grandchildren. Also, praises to our talented director and writer, David Serero, for the courage to produce this and past relevant/resistance plays.
ORLANDO SHELLY - Narrator, Witness, U/S Eichmann, Judge, Servatius
Orlando Shelly was born and raised in Eastern New Mexico. He received a Bachelor of Music, Emphasis in Vocal Performance, from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master of Art, Theatre Concentration, from Louisiana Tech University. He has performed in several musicals and plays with his college, including Into the Woods, Rent, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, and The Producers. Orlando was nominated for his role as Duke Orsino in the Brickstreet Players production of Twelfth Night to compete regionally for an Irene Ryan Award. He went on to perform in American Idiot at Lakewood Playhouse in Washington, the world premiere of Diamond Lil with Three Cat Productions, and A Man of No Importance at PrideArts in Chicago.
JONATHAN HIRSCH - Mossad Agent, Witness, U/S Eichmann, Judge, Servatius
Jonathan Hirsch is an actor & writer from Philadelphia who strives to make work that challenges and intrigues world society to look at areas of ourselves that are unpolished, unfamiliar, or swept under the rug. Favorite credits include Indecent (Arden Theater Co.), The Knife Fighter (Film), and Nightbirds (TV Pilot)—special thanks to Vadi, Micky, Abba, Opa, and Mom.
The show dates are July 21st (7pm), 22nd (Premiere—8pm), 23rd (3pm), and 25th (8pm).
Tickets are $26 and $36.
855.688.7277 (ext.1)
Venue: Center for Jewish History
15 West 16th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenue), New York, NY 10011.
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