By Dan Nonte, University Relations
Alex Amery, Bradley Brown and Jordan Long are among the cast of ‘The Firebugs.’
What duty do we have to confront evil in our midst? And if we fail to act, what responsibility do we bear for the ensuing carnage?
“The Firebugs,” written in the aftermath of World War II by Swiss playwright Max Frisch, demands answers. The UNCG Theatre production is set in the present.
Performances are at 8 p.m. Oct. 28-29, Nov. 4-5; 2 p.m. Oct. 30 and Nov. 6; and 7 p.m. Nov. 1-3 in Brown Building Theatre.
“This play makes an important statement about complacency,” says director Anthony Gaudio, a graduate student. “It allows us to see the evil of letting people slowly take control because we are afraid to act.”
This dark comedy is set in a town regularly attacked by arsonists disguised as door-to-door salesmen. They talk their way into the homes of wealthy businessmen, settle in the attic and bring about destruction.
An especially charitable businessman, Gottleib Biedermann, refuses to believe his generosity is fueling the fire. A chorus of firemen try to alert him to the danger.
Frisch said the play has a momentum “that can’t be stopped once it’s started, any more than a sneeze.”
Erin Dougherty designed the scenery, Kasendra Bell designed the costumes, and Jon-Michael Smith designed the lighting. The principal cast members are Bradley Brown, Gretchen Ferris, Daniel Stine, Brandon Thorne and Ambien Mitchell.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for groups of 10 or more, $5 for UNCG students with ID. Tickets can be purchased online, for a service charge.
For more information, call the University Box Office at 336-334-4849 or visit the Department of Theatre webpage. Free parking for evening and weekend performances is available behind the Weatherspoon Art Museum. For help finding Brown Building Theatre, visit our online campus maps.
Upcoming productions include “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” Nov. 12-13, 15-20; and Flannel Shorts Nov. 30-Dec. 3.
