Biedermann and the Arsonists

Opportunism | Self-deception | Conformity

‘Biedermann and the Arsonists’ is, alongside ‘Andorra’, Max Frisch’s best-known play. It tells the story of the factory owner Biedermann and his wife, in whose town arsonists are running riot, occupying houses and setting them alight. One day, Biedermann too receives a visit from a stranger, who is soon joined by a second. They make themselves at home and gleefully pursue a plan involving the purchase of barrels of paraffin and fuses. They do this right under Biedermann’s nose, whilst he refuses to acknowledge the threat. Will Mr Biedermann end up handing them the missing matches, simply because he refuses to face the truth?

Max Frisch’s ‘Lehrstück ohne Lehre’ is a wicked, funny prank, a clownish escalation. A few years ago, no one would have believed that it would once again be a play of our times. Populists, who see themselves as representing ‘the people’ and trample democratic coexistence underfoot, are acting with ever-greater ruthlessness. Like Biedermann, a large section of ‘enlightened’ society loses itself in whitewashing and trivialisation, despite clear warning signs. In Elias Perrig’s successful production, Biedermann plays a role just as dangerous as that of the actual arsonists themselves – an aspect that should certainly strike a chord with us here and now.

6.45 pm | Introduction

Duration: approx. 90 mins, no interval
Age: 14+
Language: German