Audience intermingles with cast during ‘Arsonists’

BY NOUR HASSAN

The AUC Department of Arts production, The Arsonists, opened last Wednesday in the Malak Gabr Theatre, filling the house with a packed audience who got the chance to interact with the actors during the play.

The play was directed by Frank Bradley and written by Max Frisch, renowned Swiss writer.

“Great plays leave you with questions; engaging the audience in the play allows for everyone to enjoy the theatrical experience together, similar to Greek theatre,” Bradley told the Caravan.

The critically acclaimed play written after World War II and translated by Alistair Beaton is a comedy set in a city that is being terrorized by arsonists – criminals that deliberately set fire to properties.

The entire show is set in the home of Gottlieb Biederman, the lead character, with a small cast consisting of nine actors and a chorus of seven actors.

According to Bradley, the play is unconventional in every sense; the audience is engaged in the theatrical experience rather than merely acting as spectators.

“This play is different – it’s not a comedy and its not too serious either,” added Yacoub Masri, an actor in the play.

A chorus of firemen within the play added another dimension to the storyline. As described by the British playwright Simon Vinnicombe, it is an atmospheric play with a sinister twist.

“I joined the play because I wanted to work with the director. Being a part of the chorus is different than being an actual character; it’s a new experience,” said Reem Hashem, a member of the chorus.

The play deals with several themes including morality, responsibility, political commitment as well as human identity. According to Vinnicombe, the audience is not guided through the issues being presented, but rather shocked by each obstacle in a comical rather than overly dramatized manner.

“I enjoyed it because it was unique and theatrical; the moral issues are tackled in a clever way that keeps the audience guessing,” said Nihal Sherif a member of the audience.

The 15 cast members, all AUC students, have been rehearsing with their director for over two months in order to present the production.

“It’s my last semester, and I joined The Arsonists because of a love for theatre. It was a really enjoyable experience,” said Tanya Zaki, a journalism student who acted in previous productions.

The Arsonists will be performed until Nov. 27.