In the Case of J. Robert Oppenheimer

See In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Kipphardt) by Heinar Kipphardt. Originally written in German as In der Sache J. Robert Oppenheimer (more correctly translated as In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer). A play about the development of a hydrogen bomb and the scientists' inner struggle whether to build the bomb or not. Published in German in 1964 and in English in 1967, In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer, uses primary source material from the hearings regarding whether or not to grant Oppenheimer security clearance in the 1950s (after the development of the Hydrogen bomb).

First performed in English at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, New York (March 06, 1969 - April 20, 1969)

Performance history in South Africa

Directed by Leonard Schach for PACT in Pretoria in January 1971, with John Hayter in the lead. He was named Best English Actor of the Year, 1971 for this role. Others in the cast were Norman Coombes, John Hussey, George Jackson, Anthony James, George Korelin, Michael McGovern, Billy Matthews, Angus Neill and Hugh Rouse. Decor by Schach.

Schach directed this play in Israel in 1965 and was awarded the David's Harp Award as best director 1965-66. He was invited by PACT to do the play for them in October 1965 but it was branded as "communist" and PACT abandoned the production until six years later when a new Administrator of the Transvaal allowed the play to continue.

Sources

Inskip, 1977. p 96, 108, 127

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