Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library

by Jenny Lyn Bader

Johanna Stern will become one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. But at the moment, no one has heard of her, or even of the name she writes under, Hannah Arendt. She is merely a graduate student with one book under her belt. Karl Frick is a young officer, recently promoted from the criminal police force to the political police force, a new division in 1933 Berlin. His first interrogation in...

Johanna Stern will become one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. But at the moment, no one has heard of her, or even of the name she writes under, Hannah Arendt. She is merely a graduate student with one book under her belt. Karl Frick is a young officer, recently promoted from the criminal police force to the political police force, a new division in 1933 Berlin. His first interrogation in this new job promises to be his most challenging one. A fantastical drama about one of our deepest thinkers, inspired by real events.

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Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library

Recommended by

  • Doug DeVita: Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library by Jenny Lyn Bader
    “

    I recently saw this at Luna Stage, and I'm so glad I did; a gripping, tense, and intelligent game of cat and mouse set in 1933 Berlin, it is a political thriller that resonates quite strongly with what is going on today. Highly recommended,

    I recently saw this at Luna Stage, and I'm so glad I did; a gripping, tense, and intelligent game of cat and mouse set in 1933 Berlin, it is a political thriller that resonates quite strongly with what is going on today. Highly recommended,

    ”
  • Elana Gartner: Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library by Jenny Lyn Bader
    “

    I had the great pleasure of reading this play and then seeing it on stage at 59E59. Bader's smart dialogue and clever choices lead to a fantastic political and strategic dance between the two main characters. This play should be seen everywhere!

    I had the great pleasure of reading this play and then seeing it on stage at 59E59. Bader's smart dialogue and clever choices lead to a fantastic political and strategic dance between the two main characters. This play should be seen everywhere!

    ”
  • D.W. Gregory: Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library by Jenny Lyn Bader
    “

    Saw this at 59E59. Wow! What a knock-out. The story of a very young Hannah Arendt's arrest by the Gestapo and the intellectual wrestling match that follows is both terrifying and satisfying. So deftly rendered and absorbing.

    Saw this at 59E59. Wow! What a knock-out. The story of a very young Hannah Arendt's arrest by the Gestapo and the intellectual wrestling match that follows is both terrifying and satisfying. So deftly rendered and absorbing.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations
HANNAH, 26, a scholar
KARL, 25, a police officer
ERICH, 50’s, an attorney
 

Development History

  • Reading, Urban Stages,

Production History

  • Professional, Martha's Vineyard Playhouse/Luna Stage, 2025
  • Professional, WP Theater/Luna Stage, 2025
  • Professional, Luna Stage, 2024-2025