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Event
Praxis Stage presents The Arsonists
What would make you hand over a book of matches to someone whom you have the creeping suspicion would turn your home to ashes?
Max Frisch's equally uproarious and urgent absurdist play The Arsonists builds to just such a moment.
Written in 1958 and previously translated as The Firebugs or The Fire Raisers, the play depicts the goings-on within businessman Mr. Biedermann's home in a town that is facing a spate of arson attacks on its homes and businesses. The arsonists have an M.O. that seems to be working again and again: They present themselves mildly to the homeowners, typically as door-to-door salesman, and through a combination of charm, flattery, and intimidation they secure a perch within their attic and begin calmly stockpiling the supplies needed for a good blaze. Townsfolk, aware of the peril all around, use facile notions of fate to somehow cling to the certainty that these fires affect only their neighbors whilst they remain safe within the security of their own four walls.
The Arsonists is A parable about the dangers of willful ignorance? Maybe. A parable about the pending environmental catastrophe? Sure, why not? A parable about potential leaders who promise that a vote for them will guarantee you never have to trouble with voting again? A lot of the best people are saying so... A parable about the illusion of personal comfort and safety, and its lures, within a society crumbling, and a population suffering just outside your comfort zone? If that's what you're into. Or just a good night out watching some actors and clowns do some bizarre and funny shit? You choose.
Praxis Stage has a assembled a dynamite cast, a blazing creative team, and a director who is pure fire, to mount this timely play in the black box theater at Chelsea Theatre Works from September 5th through the 15th -- just 8 performances, so come see us play with fire.
--And be sure to come early for the cabaret atmosphere of live music and an MC with stories to tell before curtain --
Praxis Stage Presents The Arsonists by Max Frisch, translated by Alistair Beaton
Directed by Bob Scanlan Stage Management: Maggie Caradonna and Adian Speth House Management: Miguel Dominguez Costumes Design: Maureen Festa Lighting Design: Kevin Fulton Sound Design: Mackenzie Adamick Poster Design by Evan Turissini Produced by Praxis Stage
Cast: Gotlieb Biedermann: Kim H. Carrell* Babette: Julia Trueblood Eisenring: Zair Silva Schmitz: Daniel Boudreau Anna: Stephanie Charlton The Policeman/Professor: Michael Anderson The Chorus: Alison Butts, Abby Duell, Jean Dany Joachim, Gabriel Pagan, Jessica Newman *Member of Actors Equity Association
The Band: Guitar and Music Director: David Kurimsky Vocals/Arrangements: Miss Mary Mac Guitar: Malachi Connolly Percussion and Backing Vocals: Benedict Dawn-Cross
Productions Booklet/Program, and Pre Show MC: Michael Anderson
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LocationChelsea Theatre Works (View)
189 Winnisimmet Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
United States
Categories
Dog Friendly: No |
Non-Smoking: Yes! |
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
Accessibility
Accessible - ground floor.
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