Learning About Simon Wiesenthal

“Wiesenthal,” written by and starring noted actor/playwright Tom Dugan tells the remarkable true story of Nazi Hunter Simon Wiesenthal. 

Sometimes referred to as “The Jewish James Bond,” Wiesenthal devoted his life to bringing more than 1,100 Nazi war criminals to justice.  Dugan will bring this powerful piece of theatre to the Mizner Park Cultural Center Dec. 3- 5. 

Told with hope, humanity and humor, the play follows Wiesenthal as he addresses a group of visitors on his last day at the Jewish Documentation Center in Vienna. As he reflects on his life and work, Wiesenthal recounts how he faced Hitler’s SS; how he endured the loss of family and friends; and how, after liberation day, he began his remarkable journey — tracking down and gathering information on fugitive Nazi war criminals so they could be brought to trial.

Dugan, who was raised Irish Catholic, was inspired to write “Wiesenthal” by his father, a war veteran and liberator who received the Bronze Battle Star and a Purple Heart for his service in World War II.

There will be audience ‘talk backs’ after each performance, with a special appearance after the December show by long-time Simon Wiesenthal friend and lawyer Marty Rosen.

Rosen worked with Wiesenthal for over 30 years, helping with the legalities of bringing many Nazis to justice. When the statute of limitations for Nazi war criminals was about to run out in Germany, Rosen traveled to Germany and convinced Chancellor Willy Brandt to abolish it — assuring that for the rest of their lives Nazi war criminals could be chased, caught and brought to justice.