The Investigation: Oratorio in 11 Cantos by Peter Weiss

Peter Weiss' The Investigation is a powerful and deliberately stark retelling of the Frankfurt war crime trials. It was premiered in 13 theatres across East and West Germany simultaneously in 1965 and is a dramatic reconstruction based on actual evidence given in those trials regarding the Auschwitz atrocities. Weiss edited the material but essentially the play presents the testimony of those involved; those facts and figures described by the nameless witnesses being the centre of the play's power. It is a shattering piece about the importance of truth and the need for justice, and is a real challenge for those students wishing to tackle it. Its adult subject material means it is suitable for A Level or potentially upper ability GCSE Drama scripted units. This is a vital piece of theatre that needs rediscovery.