THE GERMAN LESSON

by William Ivor Fowkes

Newly revised (2023)! FULL-LENGTH PLAY (105 MINUTES). IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS...THE SPIN. What happens when those who spin the truth for a living find their lies backfiring in their own lives? Trevor Greystone is a prime specimen of the PR species, a professional paid to put the best possible spin on things. At the moment, all he wants from life is to be left in peace to study his German lessons, but he keeps...

Newly revised (2023)! FULL-LENGTH PLAY (105 MINUTES). IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS...THE SPIN. What happens when those who spin the truth for a living find their lies backfiring in their own lives? Trevor Greystone is a prime specimen of the PR species, a professional paid to put the best possible spin on things. At the moment, all he wants from life is to be left in peace to study his German lessons, but he keeps being interrupted by people who pour their heart out to him and become infuriated when he minimizes their problems. Despite his calm exterior, however, we soon discover that his life is spinning out of control and that his German lessons are part of a plan—if an odd one—to free himself from his past and make amends for some of the lies he has committed. In the end, this play is about self-deception, self-knowledge, and authenticity.

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THE GERMAN LESSON

Character Information

Cast: 5 actors (3 male, 2 female) playing 8 parts.
Note: all roles may be played by actors of any race or ethnicity except for one of the women, who must be convincing as an older German Jewish woman with an accent.
  • ACTOR #3: Chuck O'Brian and Ira Klopnick
    Chuck O’Brian: College student. Athletic. A bit pushy and goofy.
    Ira Klopnick: Struggling songwriter. Single. Frustrated, pessimistic, and insecure. Has low self-esteem.
    Chuck O'Brian - 19; Ira Klopnick - 30s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • ACTOR #4: German Instructor (voiceover); Margaret Allen; Dr. Vivian Sedler
    German Instructor (voiceover): It would be helpful to cast someone who can read German out loud.
    Margaret Allen: Single. Timid. Fearful.
    Dr. Vivian Sedler: Therapist. Jewish; immigrated as a child; still speaks with a German accent. Wise and supportive, but weary. Aware that her time is running out.
    German Instructor - any age; Margaret Allen - 50s; Dr. Vivian Sedler - late 70s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Elizabeth (Beth) Greystone
    Trevor’s wife. Intelligent and competent. Hardened by her anger.
    40s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Trevor Greystone
    Works in PR. Married with college-age daughter. Likeable and easy to please, but secretive. On the surface, one of the nicest guys you’ve ever met.
    40s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • ACTOR #2: Jerry Hobart and Louie Allemano
    Jerry Hobart: Trevor’s neighbor and best friend. Married. A friendly guy.
    Louie Allemano: Married. Cocky. Obnoxious. A womanizer.
    Jerry Hobart - 40s; Louie Allemano - 40s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Great Plains Theatre Conference Playlabs, Omaha, NE, 2010
  • Reading, The Dramatists Guild, NYC , 2008

Awards

  • Cimientos
    IATI Theater, New York City
    Semi-Finalist
    2017
  • Robert J. Pickering Award for Playwrighting Excellence
    Branch Community Theater, Coldwater, MI.
    Runner Up
    2008