Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, and Communist China: times that struck fear in the hearts of many. The rise of discriminatory political policy saw the everyday man taken over by hate. People would go door to door to take over the minds of many. Soon the country lost its sense of morality, and ideologies were indistinguishable from one person to the next. Now, what if one man tried to retain his morality without giving in to the accusatory nature of the government establishment? That is the question “The Firebugs” attempts to answer. A new angle for the Western Albemarle Drama Department, this play examines the social dilemma of a high-class man who is dealing with intruders attempting to light his house on fire. Mr. Biedermann (Phoenix Claibourn) is a man of high moral stature who is attempting to grapple with the growing invasion of cultists in his community. He retains his beliefs in humanity despite the arson and destruction around him. The character is elevated further by Claibourn’s gripping performance. As the story progresses, narrators in the form of firemen surround the set, a convincing portrayal of a quiet house and attic. These firemen act as the voice of reason in contrast to Biedermann’s principles of humanity, providing convincing cries for Biedermann to not give in to the cult that is the Firebugs.
These themes aside, the internal plot of “The Firebugs” is a compelling one. A siege has begun on Biedermann’s house at the hands of arsonists disguised as peddlers. The first visitor, Schmitz, played brilliantly by Sean Bradley, is a sarcastic man who pleads for Biedermann’s good graces despite the growing tension between Firebugs and the Biedermann’s community. Initially hesitant to give in due to the concerns of his wife and maid, Biedermann eventually lets Schmitz have free rein of the house. Schmitz even invites his other Firebug friend, Eisenring, played with style by Jack Jahoda Wassung. Schmitz and Eisenring schmooz over Biedermann further and are able to plant a fuse that when detonated, will engulf the house in flames. Biedermann, continually blinded by his self-righteousness, cannot see that his house is literally on fire. “The Firebugs” has a deep, metaphorical story to tell, one that may not be easy to follow, but will give great reward to those it engages.
Overall, “The Firebugs” is lifted by its masterful script, rewritten for a 30-minute timeframe by Western Albemarle; its fantastic performances; and its neat set. The play has garnered well-deserved attention statewide, where it won the first-place award at the regional VHSL one-act play competition and third at the state level. The play provoked unexpected thoughts on the deeper themes it tackles and was a treat to witness. Its short runtime makes the play viewer-friendly and enjoyable. One-act plays at Western have been elevated to a new level, and if you did not see “The Firebugs,” you missed out.
