A Punchline

by Michael Schwartz

A Holocaust survivor, Leah, moves to Hollywood and creates a TV show featuring “funny Nazis” which has proven popular (as well as offensive to many). She tells her story in a synagogue as part of a lecture and discussion series, during which she remembers a special relationship she forged in the concentration camp, and the price she had to pay for survival on her own terms.

A Holocaust survivor, Leah, moves to Hollywood and creates a TV show featuring “funny Nazis” which has proven popular (as well as offensive to many). She tells her story in a synagogue as part of a lecture and discussion series, during which she remembers a special relationship she forged in the concentration camp, and the price she had to pay for survival on her own terms.

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A Punchline

Recommended by

  • Jewish Plays Project: A Punchline by Michael Schwartz
    “

    Jewish Plays Project congratulates A PUNCHLINE for receiving our COMMENDED status for the 15th National Jewish Playwriting Contest in 2025. Commended plays received strong advocacy for consideration through our signature Jewish Artistic Democracy community reading process out of the 315+ plays we received. Our readers appreciated the story of how humor is used to process trauma, weaving the bitter & comedic, and the examination of how we remember & tell stories.

    Jewish Plays Project congratulates A PUNCHLINE for receiving our COMMENDED status for the 15th National Jewish Playwriting Contest in 2025. Commended plays received strong advocacy for consideration through our signature Jewish Artistic Democracy community reading process out of the 315+ plays we received. Our readers appreciated the story of how humor is used to process trauma, weaving the bitter & comedic, and the examination of how we remember & tell stories.

    ”
FATHER, KURT, ANGRY VIEWER #1, GOTTHOLD, male, played by same actor, middle-aged

UNCLE, FRITZ, ANGRY VIEWER #2, JACOB, male, played by same actor, middle-aged

DRAMA TEACHER, CENSOR, ROMANTIC YOUNG MAN, ANGRY VIEWER #3, MICHEL, male, played by same actor, who could be young or middle-aged.

Directors should feel free to cast freely with regard to gender identification and race.

Development History

  • Reading, Ground and Field Theatre Festival, 2018
  • Reading, William Inge Festival Playlab Series, 2017

Awards

  • SETC/Stage Rights Ready to Publish Award
    SETC/Stage Rights
    Finalist
    2020
  • 2019 All Access Reading Series
    Equity Library Theatre Chicago
    Finalist
    2019
  • Semi-Finalist
    Detroit New Works Festival
    2019