2/27: The Reichstag Fire, 1933

A play in one act --

The political manipulation of a national disaster

Based on actual events: On February 27th 1933, a fire broke out in Berlin's Reichstag, the seat of German democracy. Nazi leaders, including Hitler, not yet in control of Germany, declared the fire a conspiracy. Marinus van der Lubbe was caught in the burning building, admitted to starting the fire. Police investigator Helmut Heisig was assigned to interrogate him to prove a national uprising was imminent. German national elections were to be held in five days. Heisig proved to his own satisfaction there was no conspiracy. Despite this, Chancellor Hitler, not yet a dictator, obtained a decree the following morning from President Hindenberg to suspend all civil rights. Thousands of suspects or "conspirators" were arrested.

The play follows this 24-hour period.

The play makes no reference to current administrations in the United States. But the parallel with our government's response to 9/11 will be clear to audiences.

Discussions following the play might be in order. If you are able to use the play before November in a reading, a workshop or production, there will be no fee to the author.

The play requires just four persons for a reading.

COPYRIGHT AND PERMISSION INFORMATION - Organizations and individuals are welcome to copy and make use of these materials for performance and may republish provided that a clear notice of source is included.