
A Community Theatre in Downers Grove Since 1936
PO Box 92 | Downers Grove, IL 60515 | 630-415-3682 | dgroveplayers@gmail.com
Performances at Lincoln Center 935 Maple Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Characters/Descriptions:
Judge Dan Haywood (50s–60s)
American presiding judge. Calm, reflective, morally grounded. Carries the weight of the play.
Strong dramatic presence; quiet authority.
Colonel Tad Lawson (30s–40s)
Lead prosecutor. Intelligent, driven, idealistic. Represents moral urgency and righteous anger
beneath professionalism.
Hans Rolfe (40s–50s)
Defense attorney for the accused judges. Polished, sharp, pragmatic. Argues legality over morality;
highly articulate.
Dr. Ernst Janning (60s–70s)
Most prominent defendant. Brilliant, dignified, deeply conflicted. A towering role with emotional
and philosophical depth.
Judge Emil Hahn (50s–60s)
Defendant. Defensive, self-justifying, insists he merely followed the law.
Judge Friedrich Hoffstetter (50s–60s)
Defendant. Arrogant, openly anti-Semitic, unrepentant. A chilling embodiment of Nazi ideology.
Judge Werner Lampe (40s–50s)
Defendant. Nervous, fearful, evasive. Claims weakness and coercion.
Irene Hoffman (30s–40s)
German widow who befriends Judge Haywood. Warm, humane, conflicted. Represents civilian guilt,
loss, and survival.
Rudolf Petersen (30s–50s)
Victim of forced sterilization. Gentle, dignified, emotionally powerful despite limited dialogue.
Mrs. Bertholt (20s–40s)
Accused of racial defilement. Vulnerable, traumatized, emotionally raw. One of the most
affecting testimonies.
Ensemble / Supporting Roles (Various ages)
Guards, judges, lawyers, witnesses, spectators. Strong ensemble presence essential; some roles
may be doubled.
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Director: Nancy Greco
Asst Director: TBD
Producer(s): Michael Pemberton/Vicki Shargo/Ashley Ries/Nat Garofalo
Stage Manager: TBD
Set Design: Dave Omelka
Construction lead: Dave Omelka
Sound Design: Tony Lopez
Lighting Design: TBD
Lighting operation: TBD
Set Dressing: TBD
Props: TBD


