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Thalia Theater Stages Annette Hess's 'Deutsches Haus' About First Frankfurt Auschwitz Trial

opinion-review · 2026-09-11

The Thalia Theater in Hamburg has adapted Annette Hess's novel "Deutsches Haus" for the stage, directed by Jorinde Dröse. The production centers on the first Frankfurt Auschwitz trial. According to the review, the result is disastrous, though the inclusion of audio recordings from the proceedings provides a powerful moment. The novel itself deals with the historical trial, and the stage version attempts to translate that narrative into a theatrical format. The review criticizes the adaptation, suggesting that the production fails to effectively convey the gravity of the subject matter. The audio recordings of the trial are noted as the only compelling element. The Thalia Theater, located in Hamburg, Germany, is known for its innovative productions. The first Frankfurt Auschwitz trial took place in the 1960s and was a significant legal proceeding in post-war Germany. Annette Hess is a German author and screenwriter. Jorinde Dröse is a theater director. The review was published by Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Key facts

  • The Thalia Theater in Hamburg stages an adaptation of Annette Hess's novel "Deutsches Haus".
  • The novel deals with the first Frankfurt Auschwitz trial.
  • The production is directed by Jorinde Dröse.
  • The review describes the result as disastrous.
  • Audio recordings from the trial are included in the production.
  • The review was published by Süddeutsche Zeitung.
  • The Thalia Theater is located in Hamburg, Germany.
  • The first Frankfurt Auschwitz trial was a significant post-war legal proceeding.

Entities

Artists

  • Annette Hess
  • Jorinde Dröse
  • Johanna Vater
  • Barbara Steiner
  • Juliane Kalkowski
  • Eva Bruhns
  • Wera Kapkajew
  • Bruno Gröning
  • Nellie Fischer-Benson
  • Jürgen Wittner

Institutions

  • Thalia Theater
  • Süddeutsche Zeitung
  • Thalia Theater Hamburg
  • kulturnews

Locations

  • Hamburg
  • Germany
  • Frankfurt
  • Auschwitz
  • Poland
  • Saxony-Anhalt
  • East Berlin
  • Yugoslavia

Sources