The Arsonists: A Roaring Show with Flame-Filled Commentary

Smoke pours from the attic, sirens wail through the night, and red light floods the stage. The audience all asks the same question: how did we let it get this far? UMKC Conservatory’s production of The Arsonists is a blazing reminder that when violence is normalized, complacency kills. Grab your popcorn and a fire extinguisher to experience this shocking yet timely show. 

The Arsonists is a dark satire and absurdist play by Max Frisch that comments on the enablement of evil in an unjust society. The show follows Gottleib and Babette Biedermann, a wealthy couple living in a 1950s town running rampant with fires. When two men appear at their door and ask to stay in the attic, Gottlieb reluctantly agrees. Despite claiming he hates arsonists, Gottlieb finds himself housing two of them, all the while denying the hilariously obvious signs that they are the perpetrators. As the barrels of petrol in the attic grow bigger and Gottleib’s conscious grows louder, he decides he must either speak out against the arsonists or stay silent and hope that his complacency saves him. This is not just a play—it's a reminder that a fire left untamed will only keep spreading.

The impact of this show could not exist without the talented actors, led by Sam Ragone’s portrayal of Gottlieb. Ragone harnesses physical comedy with ease and emphasizes every small detail in his emotions. Each jump, turn of the head, and pause creates a reason to keep watching. Additionally, his wife Babette, played by Clara Bay, offers a quivering voice of reason to the antics in the story. Bay understands the power of subtext and never falters with her inflection while bursting with energy. Arsonist Billy Eisenring is also depicted energetically by Nathanael Brushwood who commits to the character well, whether he’s hiding his motives or staring into the eyes of the crowd. While some actors’ lines feel forced, the collective cast has a strong understanding and delivery that keeps the audience hanging on every word.  

Some of the most memorable moments of the show are created by the crew. Jeremy E. Smith’s set design is captivating, with an attention to detail that flawlessly immerses the audience. The spacing between the attic and main floor allows the sinister arsonists to—quite literally—hang above the heads of the Biedermanns throughout the story, adding to the uneasiness the characters feel. Other breathtaking details are the floor-to-ceiling windows of the house which illuminate the flames around the cast. Led by Josh Taylor, the lighting is integral to this effect, adding realistic flickering as flames grow. The lighting commands attention as it carries the tone of the play. The sound crew also adds satisfying sirens that change volume with the actors’ proximity to the outside world. Additional elements like a smoke machine and intricate costumes are essential to further committing to the world this crew builds.  

With skilled lead actors, stunning technical work, and a dedication to the show by all parties, The Arsonists sets UMKC’s theater ablaze with passion. As the show comes to a close, it’s very clear about its message. Silence will not absolve you, and flattery will not protect you. And if you don’t douse the flames, you might as well hand the arsonists a match.