Max Frisch - The Arsonists

Max Frisch

We are untiring. Chorus Watching Listening So the combustible threat Hidden from sight Is revealed Before its too late To put out the flames. The church clock strikes the half-hour.Leader Many things burn But not every fire Is determined by fate. Sometimes the fire Can be prevented. Chorus Its only human To talk about fate. Leader Its only human, Chorus Its all too human, Leader To wipe out a few human beings. The church clock strikes three-quarters.Chorus Reason can save us from evil. Leader Thats right. Chorus Its unworthy of God And unworthy of man If the nonsense that happens Is put down to fate Just because it has happened. Chorus Its unworthy of God And unworthy of man If the nonsense that happens Is put down to fate Just because it has happened.

If humans start thinking like that Then they will not deserve Their place on this earth This generous earth That is fruitful and gracious to man. They will not deserve Their place in the sun They will not deserve The air that they breathe. If the nonsense that happens Is put down to fate Just because it has happened Then the flames may rise To the point where nobody knows How to put out the fire. Leader Our watch has begun. TheChorussits down, while the clock strikes nine.

Ive said it before and Ill say it again. Hang the lot of them. Its the same story every time: someone at the door trying to sell you something, ends up being invited in. Wangles his way into staying overnight. Gets offered a corner of the attic to sleep in. Biedermann Whos still there? Anna The man waiting in the hall. Biedermann Whos still there? Anna The man waiting in the hall.

He wants to speak to you. Biedermann Say Im not at home. Anna I told him that, Mr Biedermann, I told him that about an hour ago. He says he knows you. I cant throw him out on the street, sir, I just cant. Biedermannuncorks the bottle.Biedermann Tell him to come to my office tomorrow. Anna Ive told him that at least three times, Mr Biedermann, but hes not interested in coming to your office. Biedermann Why not? Anna He says he doesnt want any of your hair rejuvenator. Biedermann What does he want then? Anna A little humanity. Biedermannsniffs at the cork.Biedermann Tell him to clear off right now, or Ill throw him out myself. He carefully pours wine into his burgundy glass. A little humanity He tastes the wine. He can wait in the hall. He carefully pours wine into his burgundy glass. A little humanity He tastes the wine. He can wait in the hall.

Ill be there in a minute. Im not insensitive, but Im not insensitive, Anna, you know that, but I wont let strangers into the house. If Ive told you once, Ive told you a hundred times. Even if we had three spare beds, it still wouldnt be on. Im sorry, its just not on. You know what that leads to these days Annamakes to leave, but sees thatSchmitzhas just entered.

He is athletic, his clothing half reminiscent of prison and half reminiscent of the circus. He has a tattoo on one arm, leather cuffs round his wrists.Annaslips out.Schmitzwaits tillBiedermannhas tasted his wine and turned round.Schmitz Good evening. An astonishedBiedermanndrops his cigar.Schmitz Your cigar, Mr Biedermann. He picks up the cigar and gives it toBiedermannBiedermann Now wait a minute Schmitz Good evening! Biedermann Whats going on? I told my maid very clearly that you were to wait in the hall. How well, I mean you didnt even knock Schmitz My name is Schmitz. Schmitz Josef Schmitz. Silence. Good evening! Biedermann What is it you want? Schmitz No cause for alarm, Mr Biedermann. Silence. Good evening! Biedermann What is it you want? Schmitz No cause for alarm, Mr Biedermann.

Im not trying to sell you anything. Biedermann Who are you then? Schmitz Wrestler by profession, Biedermann Wrestler? Schmitz Heavyweight. Biedermann I see. Schmitz Well, used to be a wrestler. Biedermann And now? Schmitz Unemployed. Pause. No cause for alarm, Mr Biedermann.

Im not looking for work. Not wrestling work, anyway. Ive gone off wrestling Only came here to get out of the rain. Pause. Its warmer in here. Pause. I hope Im not disturbing you? Pause.Biedermann Do you smoke? He offers cigars.Schmitz You dont know what its like for me, Mr Biedermann, being this big. Biedermanngives him a light.Schmitz Thanks.