The Arsonists

The Arsonists by Jacqueline Goldfinger, directed by AK Fournier (Directing 2, Kelowna, BC), with performances by Alain Goulem and Wahsonti:io Kirby (Acting, 2020).

• Presented at the André-Pagé Studio of the Saint-Denis Campus
• From November 23 to November 27, 2021
• In English

“The Arsonists” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

A big part of my development as an artist at NTS has been identifying what kind of stories I’m drawn to, and why. The Arsonists certainly is the kind of story that lights my fire (see what I did there?): a story, first and foremost, about identity. A young misfit or outcast at a crossroads, struggling with who they have been, who they are now, and who they want to be. This is M’s internal journey as they wrestle with the play’s complex thematic layers of fatalism, family ties, and unexamined grief. It’s a journey that is painfully familiar to me, as someone who has never quite fit in but is still constantly searching for their place in the world.

These profound themes, the challenging poetic text, the use of music as connective tissue, and the abundance of rich design opportunities made The Arsonists an exciting and necessary play for me to direct at this point in my education at NTS. I am eternally grateful to the cast, creative and production teams, and NTS staff whose vision, support and guidance brought this haunting and beautiful southern gothic to life. My deepest thanks, as well, to Rose Plotek, who has mentored me every step of the way with patience and encouragement.

– AK Fournier, Director

(Photo by Maxime Côté)