2/27: The Reichstag Fire, 1933 - Outline of the Play

The political manipulation of a national disaster

(Three male actors required. Heisig, 25, Gemp, 37, van der Lubbe, 28)

February 27, 1933: As the play begins a fire breaks out in the Reichstag in Berlin, the seat of government for the young democracy. Karl Gemp directs the firefighters. The newly appointed Chancellor arrives and calls for a quick investigation into the fire and the undoubted conspiracy, seen as a clear signal for a communist uprising in all of Germany. He declares this fire a "God given incident, an opportunity" for his party, which faces elections less than a week away.

A young police officer, Helmut Heisig, is assigned by Gemp, a family friend, to investigate the fire. Gempp is Helmut's mentor and comrade of Helmut's father who died at Verdun. Helmut must come up with details of the conspiracy overnight so the chancellor can go to Hindenberg in the morning to crush the conspiracy.

Marinus van der Lubbe, burned and apparently mad, is captured on the site. He is a foreigner and former communist. In the interrogation van der Lubbe claims he acted alone. Helmut insists that's a lie since the fire broke out in several locations, seemingly at once; there must have been others, who even now may be inciting a nationwide uprising. Hitler has asked Gemp to help outline police procedures for the new decree on investigations. Gemp pushes Helmut, as the Chancellor needs the conspiracy report the next morning in order to strengthen his power. The Chancellor's party was not given a majority in the last elections. The new elections, less than a week away, must give them the power to pursue a new foreign and domestic policies. Gemp insists Helmut find the conspirators of the left, delegates who were in the building just before the fire started. Helmut must submit his report so Hitler can go to Hindenberg to demand action against his enemies.

Helmut's all night cross-examination shows the prisoner was part of a communist splinter group, and had started fires before, but never as a conspiracy, and always alone. He has the experience to have spread the fire without help, throughout the building. Helmut and van der Lubbe develop a relationship. The prisoner escapes, and turns the tables, but finally gives Helmut the details of setting the fire. Throughout the night, Helmut tests and times van der Lubbe's story, proving he acted alone.

His report to Gemp provokes a fury. Gemp details the decree written for Hindenberg to sign that suspends all of the newly won rights of press, assembly, privacy detention and legal representation.

Gemp insists Helmut change his report or be considered an enemy. Helmut refuses and is dismissed.. Hitler must try to intimidate the aging and frightened Hindenberg to sign with no evidence of conspiracy. During the night the roundups have begun. The newly built concentration camps are receiving their first guests. Policeman and prisoner wonder if they are next.

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