Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler
Closing: February 22, 2026Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler - 2026 Off-Broadway History , Info & More
Theatre Row Theatre
424 West 42nd St. (9th & 10th) New York, NY 10036
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.
At once intellectually thrilling and emotionally devastating, Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler is a powerful reminder of how fragile democracy can be, and how profound the impact of individual moral courage remains. As questions of justice, truth, and authoritarianism reverberate across the modern world, Litten’s story feels not only urgent but essential.
Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler - 2026 - Off-Broadway Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler
Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler Review.
7 / 10
It’s a somewhat baffling choice that the trial takes up only about twenty minutes of a play that runs two hours (including intermission.) The playwright, who is also a professor of philosophy, fills the rest of the play with biographical scenes, philosophical and political debates, some dozen songs and poems from the period, and lots of scenes of post-trial Hans in prison and concentration camps, during which he shows up for visits by his mother exhibiting the latest injuries from his various tortures (These were early iterations of the camps, but did they really allow family visits?) All of this material outside of the trial might have worked better if it were presented with more subtlety and subtext. For all the playwright’s effort at indicating Hans’ “inner life” (as he informs us in a program note), Lackey’s writing is too often on the level of a school play, all spelled out and on the surface.
The Jew who put Hitler on trial — and the play that stages his story
8 / 10
Despite the title, the play, directed by Alexander Harrington, is not a courtroom drama. It begins in 1924 in Königsberg, with Litten’s law professor father, Friedrich (Stan Buturla), discussing his son’s career prospects and handily alluding to the family’s Protestant conversion. Hans (Daniel Yaiullo) is convinced to pursue law, not as a calling, but as a kind of default — tempted, perhaps, by Friedrich’s sunny view of the profession.
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by Nicole Rosky - February 13, 2026
The World Premiere of Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler, just celebrated opening night off-Broadway. 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. Check out what the critics are saying...
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 30, 2026
The World Premiere of Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler, is offering $29 Rush tickets exclusively on the TodayTix app (for iOS or Android) on the day of the performance.
by Stephi Wild - January 22, 2026
All new studio photos have been released of the cast Han Litten, The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler. The cast is led by Daniel Yaiullo as Han Litten, Zack Calhoon as Hitler, and Barbara McCulloh as Litten's Mom. Check out the photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 6, 2026
Philosophy Productions has revealed the cast of the world premiere of Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler, a new play by Douglas Lackey, directed by Alexander Harrington.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 15, 2025
Philosophy Productions will present the world premiere of Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler, a new play by Douglas Lackey, directed by Alexander Harrington.
Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler History
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| 2026 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
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