The Collegian

Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Arts

The Tower Players' first play of the year, "Biedermann and the Firebugs," will hopefully promote discussion and debate, director James Brandon said.

"It's about the idea that bad people can take over because comfortable people don't stop them," he said. "I think it's relevant today."

Senior Katelyn Rasmussen, who has the lead female role, said she also hopes students seriously discuss the play's theme.

"Our hope with this play is to get people talking on campus," she said.

The play is Brechtian, meaning characters often step out of their roles and directly address the audience.

This style was developed in the 20s, 30s and 40s, Brandon said, and is more "experimental."

"It's a way to acknowledge the audience and make them part of the action," he said. "Actors often step out of their characters."

While the department does put on some plays purely for entertainment, Brandon said, many of the pieces they choose to perform are meant to promote discussion.

Written by the Swiss playwright Max Frisch just after World War II, "Biedermann" focuses on themes of fear and power and how corrupt people gain political control.

"It's an indictment of the confident middle class that allowed this to happen," Brandon said.

The play runs an hour and a half and will include one intermission.

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