Description

Book Synopsis

Fires are becoming something of a problem. But Biedermann has it all under control. He's a respected member of the community with a loving wife and a flourishing business, so surely nothing can get to him. The great philanthropist is happy to meet his civic duty by giving shelter to two new guests but when they start filling his attic with petrol drums, will he help them light the fuse?

Max Frisch's parable about appeasement is given its first major UK revival since its Royal Court premiere in 1961, which was directed by Lindsay Anderson.

The play is published as a programme text for the production that runs from 1 November - 15 December on the main stage at the Royal Court.



Trade Review
Frisch's theme, as Alistair Beaton's sharp new translation makes clear, is bourgeois guilt … compact, well-characterised and easily applicable to today's world … a timeless political satire. -- Michael Billington * Guardian *
Alistair Beaton's new translation has a witty zest about it -- Charles Spencer * Telegraph *
A fresh, felicitous translation -- Nicholas de Jongh * Evening Standard *

The Arsonists Modern Plays

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    A Paperback by Alistair Beaton, Max Frisch

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      Book details

      Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing (UK)
      Published 1 January 2007
      ISBN-13 9781408103937
      978-1408103937
      ISBN-10 1408103931

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Fires are becoming something of a problem. But Biedermann has it all under control. He's a respected member of the community with a loving wife and a flourishing business, so surely nothing can get to him. The great philanthropist is happy to meet his civic duty by giving shelter to two new guests but when they start filling his attic with petrol drums, will he help them light the fuse?

      Max Frisch's parable about appeasement is given its first major UK revival since its Royal Court premiere in 1961, which was directed by Lindsay Anderson.

      The play is published as a programme text for the production that runs from 1 November - 15 December on the main stage at the Royal Court.



      Trade Review
      Frisch's theme, as Alistair Beaton's sharp new translation makes clear, is bourgeois guilt … compact, well-characterised and easily applicable to today's world … a timeless political satire. -- Michael Billington * Guardian *
      Alistair Beaton's new translation has a witty zest about it -- Charles Spencer * Telegraph *
      A fresh, felicitous translation -- Nicholas de Jongh * Evening Standard *

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