The Bunker

by Annette Trossbach

Based on stories told to the playwright by her grandmother who survived, Lieselotte Jansen.

When he learns that his wife will be sent to a Nazi concentration camp, Willi forges leave papers to return home. He struggles to keep his family safe while being forced to build a community air-raid shelter, or bunker, in his hometown. The Gestapo and various neighbors, all of whom seek information on the whereabouts of his wife, watch and listen as the net tightens around these conscientious objectors who...

When he learns that his wife will be sent to a Nazi concentration camp, Willi forges leave papers to return home. He struggles to keep his family safe while being forced to build a community air-raid shelter, or bunker, in his hometown. The Gestapo and various neighbors, all of whom seek information on the whereabouts of his wife, watch and listen as the net tightens around these conscientious objectors who question whether their survival equals their complicity. This political play may be set in 1944, but mirrors current events. Based on a true story. This play is also about today.

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The Bunker

Recommended by

  • Melanie Payne: The Bunker by Annette Trossbach
    “

    History, humanity and the choices people make. This is a haunting play that stayed with me long after reading it. Even though it take place during WWII, it’s relevant to today.

    History, humanity and the choices people make. This is a haunting play that stayed with me long after reading it. Even though it take place during WWII, it’s relevant to today.

    ”
  • Kate Danley: The Bunker by Annette Trossbach
    “

    A stunningly powerful play. Rich, atmospheric, and filled with haunting imagery. It gave me flavors of Brecht in the best way. While it is about WWII, it is also about our humanity and those who who suffer and survive under crippling regimes.

    A stunningly powerful play. Rich, atmospheric, and filled with haunting imagery. It gave me flavors of Brecht in the best way. While it is about WWII, it is also about our humanity and those who who suffer and survive under crippling regimes.

    ”

Character Information

All smaller roles can be doubled with roles that appear in the PTSD flashbacks
  • Katharina
    A widow. Called “Mutter” by both her children and their spouses.
    She’s seen it all before. She’s cynical, wise.
    50
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Willi
    Former postulant (was in training to be a monk), Roman Catholic. Became a medic in the German Army, serving on the eastern front. Husband to Lieselotte. Suffers from PTSD. Must be physically fit, on thin side. Food was scarce and he must physically work to survive.
    25
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Irmgard
    Younger daughter of Katharina, sister to Lieselotte. Snarky, rebellious, angry about the situation the family is in. Thin, because food is scarce.
    16
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Brinkert
    A city building inspector. A Nazi party hardliner. He’s involved in the search for Willi’s wife, Lieselotte.
    25-35
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Schmidt
    A neighbor to the family. Entitled, complicit, he searches rubble and empty homes for interesting items for his collection. He is not to be trusted. He becomes involved in the search for Lieselotte.
    40s-50s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Gestapo Officer 1
    30s-60
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Lieselotte
    Conscientious objector to the Nazi party. The Gestapo are searching for her to take her to a concentration camp. She is in hiding until the end of the play. Wife to Willi, daughter to Katharina, sister to Irmgard.
    21
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman