one4review | On 22, Aug 2026

Jenny Lyn Bader’s Mrs Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library takes us to Berlin in 1933, shortly after the Nazis have come to power. It imagines a pivotal encounter in the early life of Hannah Arendt, who would go on to become one of the twentieth century’s most influential political thinkers.
The action takes place almost entirely in a police cell. Arendt, still known by her married name of Mrs Stern, has been arrested for treason and is questioned by Karl, a newly promoted member of the political police. He is determined to follow the rules and establish exactly what she has been doing in the Prussian State Library. She is considerably less intimidated than he might expect, responding to his formal interrogation with intelligence, wit and, at times, gentle mockery.
As the questioning develops, the political situation becomes increasingly clear. Arendt is Jewish, despite her family having lived in Germany for generations, and the very definition of who can be considered German is beginning to change. A Jewish lawyer arrives to offer assistance, although he seems unable to accept the reality of what is happening, and what is about to happen, to German Jews.
The play’s real interest lies in the developing relationship between Arendt and her interrogator. What begins as a strictly professional interrogation gradually reveals the human being beneath Karl’s uniform, leaving us wondering whether that humanity will ultimately make any difference to Arendt’s predicament.
Ella Kaille, Brett Temple and Daniel Adam Cantor give strong performances, and the claustrophobic staging works particularly well in Traverse 2. The play is intellectually demanding and occasionally it was difficult to keep track of all the detail, but the central relationship remains compelling.
A thought-provoking and well-acted drama about a terrifying period of history, with excellent performances and plenty to reflect on after the curtain falls. I would recommend catching this performance.

****
Reviewed by Howard

Traverse 2 at Traverse Theatre
89 Minutes (various Times)
Until 30th August (not 24th)