In der Sache J. Robert Oppenheimer

In der Sache J. Robert Oppenheimer ("In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer") is a German play by Heinar Kipphardt (1922-1982)[1].

The original text

A play about the development of a hydrogen bomb and the scientists' inner struggle whether to build the bomb or not, it 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).

Published in German in 1964.

Translations and adaptations

The play was made into a German TV movie (1964)[2]

Translated and published in English as In the Case of J. Robert Oppenheimer in 1967, First performed in English at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, New York (March 06, 1969 - April 20, 1969)

1971: Performed as In the Case of J. Robert Oppenheimer by PACT in Pretoria in January. Directed by Leonard Schach with John Hayter in the lead. The play was branded as "communist" and PACT initially abandoned the production, but when the province obtained a new administrator soon afterward the play was allowed to continue. by PACT in January 1971, by PACT in Pretoria. Directed by Leonard Schach with John Hayter in the lead. The play was branded as "communist" and PACT initially abandoned the production, but when the province obtained a new administrator soon afterward the play was allowed to continue.

Performance history in South Africa

1965: South African director Leonard Schach directed the play in Israel in 1965 (for which he was awarded the David's Harp Award as best director 1965-66). On the basis of this he was invited by PACT to do the play for them in October 1965. However, the piece was branded as "communist" by the board (chaired by the then incumbent Administrator of the Transvaal), so PACT abandoned the production until six years later when a new Administrator allowed the play to be staged.

1971: The first South African production was thus directed by Leonard Schach for PACT in Pretoria in January 1971, with John Hayter in the lead along with Norman Coombes, John Hussey, George Jackson, Anthony James, George Korelin, Michael McGovern, Billy Matthews, Angus Neill and Hugh Rouse. Decor by Leonard Schach. Both Hayter and Coombes were nominated for the Stewart Leith Award as Best English Actor of the Year for their roles. Hayter received the award.