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K-State Today

October 2, 2017

K-State Theatre's 'The Arsonists' takes the stage this week

Submitted by Emily Trube

Performing in the newly renovated Mark A. Chapman Theatre in Nichols Hall is K-State Theatre's "The Arsonists," a drama by Max Frisch, translated by Alistair Beaton, directed by associate program director Jennifer Vellenga.

Show times include 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5-7; 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12-14; and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 15. 

The plot: Respected community member Gottlieb Biedermann believes nothing can upset his good fortune; even as fires are burning down his city. He happily fulfills his civic duty by giving shelter to strangers. When his houseguests start filling the attic with drums of gasoline, what is an accommodating host to do but help them light the fuse? Called a "Moral Play Without a Moral," "The Arsonists" raises questions about responsibility and complacency.

Max Frisch's absurdist play, "The Arsonists, which is also known as "The Firebugs" and "The Fire Raisers," was written in the aftermath of World War II. K-State Theatre's production is the script translated by British playwright Alister Beaton. The 2007 Royal Court production of Beaton’s translation starred Benedict Cumberbatch.

Tickets are $16 for the general public, $14 for seniors, military, faculty and staff, and $11 for students and youth. They can be purchased at the online K-State Theatre and Dance box office, by phone at 785-236-8638, or one hour prior to show time in the performance venue.

All tickets, regardless of purchase method, are free from convenience fees and sales tax is included.