Biedermann i podpalacze - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

The play's protagonist, Gottlieb Biedermann, is a typical representative of bourgeois society. Good-natured, somewhat naive, leading a quiet life and very wealthy, he considers preserving this status quo his highest goal in life. One day, ...See moreThe play's protagonist, Gottlieb Biedermann, is a typical representative of bourgeois society. Good-natured, somewhat naive, leading a quiet life and very wealthy, he considers preserving this status quo his highest goal in life. One day, two seemingly innocent strangers appear at his home. One is an unemployed wrestler, the other a former waiter. Biedermann tries to "befriend" them, thinking he can tame evil. He believes that further concessions will allow him to maintain his current status and peace. In reality, however, he becomes the unwitting perpetrator of his own downfall. The play is comedic in nature, but it was, and still is, perceived as a metaphor and political and social satire. Jan Holoubek's staging focuses on portraying the ever-present condition of the "terrible bourgeois," who, despite his position, proves helpless in the face of ongoing social changes. The performance, shot in a studio using cinematic techniques, unfolds in a realistic space where metaphysics creeps in. The chorus plays a key role, commenting, announcing, and warning. The singing firemen's choir contrasts with Biedermann's indolence as he watches the world "set on fire." Jan Holoubek says of his production: "Although the play was written in the mid-20th century, it has lost none of its relevance. Beneath the guise of black comedy lies a rather unsatisfactory message. My favorite part is when one of Eisenring's arsonists explains to Biedermann that the best camouflage for evil intentions is telling the truth. Why? Because people don't believe it. They find hundreds of explanations to avoid the absurdity that threatens them. (...) Aren't we just becoming witnesses and potential victims of another arson attack on the world? In my opinion, yes. And who are we handing the matches to? I leave that to the audience to judge for themselves." Written by TVP See less