Rolf Hochhuth

German writer

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June 29, 2026

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Rolf Hochhuth was a German writer associated with the "Theatre of Fact" movement in the early 1960s. This dramatic movement focused on examining recent historical events, often using official documents and court records. The playwrights, including Hochhuth, Peter Weiss, and Heinar Kipphardt, were concerned that Germany was forgetting the political horrors of the Nazi era and explored themes of guilt and responsibility.1

Hochhuth's play The Deputy (1963) gained international attention for its indictment of Pope Pius XII's silence regarding the Nazi extermination of Jews. The Theatre of Fact playwrights aimed to present a factual account of history, influencing political drama in Europe and North America.12

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Theatre of Fact
…early 1960s, associated primarily with Rolf Hochhuth, Peter Weiss, and Heinar Kipphardt. Their political plays examined recent historical events, often through official documents and court records. Their concern that the West, and especially Germany, was forgetting the political horrors of the Nazi era led them to explore themes of guilt…
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…early 1960s, associated primarily with Rolf Hochhuth, Peter Weiss, and Heinar Kipphardt. Their political plays examined recent historical events, often through official documents and court records. Their concern that the West, and especially Germany, was forgetting the political horrors of the Nazi era led them to explore themes of guilt…
Read More