What drives people to make irrational decisions? Why do so many allow themselves to be influenced by populist politics? The Swiss writer Max Frisch wrote an astute grotesque about the eternal human errors in "Biedermann and the Arsonists" back in 1958.
A "lesson without a lesson": The world of hair tonic manufacturer Gottlieb Biedermann could be perfect, safe and cozy if it weren't for the arsonists in town who set fire to houses at random and without any particular intention. One day, when the homeless man Schmitz appears on their doorstep and begs for shelter with flattering words, Mr. and Mrs. Biedermann are so taken by surprise that they immediately offer him their attic as a place to sleep. Enthusiastic about their selfless charity, they take in another supplicant named Eisenring the next day. But even when the guests drag petrol barrels into the attic and ask for matches, Mr. Biedermann refuses to recognize their danger.
Max Frisch shows in a humorous and satirical way how we have settled into security and comfort and how manipulable we are, for example when it comes to the fear of losing our prosperity. The renowned Slovakian director Sláva Daubnerová, who recently brought "The Trojan Women" to the stage of the Landestheater with great success, stages the play as an amusing call to action.
Premiere January 24, 2025
Further performances: February 1, 15, 18 and 21, March 19, 20 and 21, 2025
