2/27: The Reichstag Fire, 1933 - Comment on the Play

Comments

(Visit the 2/27/1933 bulletin board or email the author to add your comments.)

I was particularly struck by the distinction between morals and ethics, these people have a totally conservative moral stance and totally flexible ethics. Maybe morals are too subjective and cultural. Maybe we should concentrate on ethics?

-- jnoyes (7/15/2004)

Auduence Discussion

These questions might be helpful in a discussion following the presentation of 2/27: The Reichstag Fire 1933.

Although there is no reference to the current administration policies and recent laws, the play will probably suggest parallels between the events of 2/27/33 and 9/11. Any discussion that evokes these issues is useful.

From the audience:

1. Are the facts of this play true?

While the facts of the play are true, the dialogue and relationships of the characters presented is the imagination of the author. Hitler did arrive with Goring and Goebbels in the burning building and he declared the event a “God given signal.” Police Investigator Helmut Heisig was assigned to interrogate Marinus van der Lubbe, and he was finally convinced that he was the only perpetrator. Although no Communist conspiracy or plan to create an uprising was ever found, Chancellor Hitler did, within less than 24 hours of the fire, convince President Hindenberg to suspend basic civil rights just five days before the election—rights not returned to the German people until 1945.

2. Where can I go to verify these facts?

(Refer to the current and historical resources noted in this website.)

To the audience:

1. How do you see the themes and events of this play echoing events today?

(Possible responses: Patriot Act, Detention of Prisoners, Fear of terrorist attacks.)

2. In the play, fear is used to change laws. If you see that in the United States, how do you think fear is being used?

3. Are their other instances where irrational fear was used in the U.S. to detain its citizens?

4. What provisions of the Patriot Act are you aware of?

5. In the play the detention of prisoners without family contact or counsel is used the threaten the prisoner? How does this limit the prisoner’s rights?

6. How do you think the war in Iraq will affect terrorism and other events like 9/11?

About the play as a drama or entertainment:

1. What is your reaction to the play?

2. What are the factors you saw that might make Investigator Helmut Heisig could sympathize with van der Lubbe.

3. Did you find the personal stories believeable and engaging?

4. Was there tension and excitement in the play?

5. Would you recommend the play to others?

6. Do you believe the play should be shorter, or longer?

7. Would you like to see other plays concerning social issues?

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