The Arsonists

Max Frisch’s The Arsonists is a razor-sharp satire about respectability, self-deception, and the human tendency to ignore danger even when it is sitting directly in front of us. As arsonists begin setting fires in neighboring towns, the Biedermanns remain convinced that such a disaster could never reach their own home—until a stranger arrives at their door and their confidence begins to look increasingly absurd.

Written in the aftermath of World War II, the play balances dark comedy with a quietly unsettling sense of inevitability, using humor and a Greek chorus to explore what happens when the desire to appear decent prevents people from taking meaningful action. Directed by Luke Harlan, the production runs through September 20, 2026, with additional performances on September 19 at 5:00PM, and September 20 at 2:00PM.