The Arsonists, 2020.
In a nameless town. At an unknown time. A community is on edge as arsonists wreak havoc in the night, going door to door, setting homes ablaze. When the self-assured businessman Biedermann finds himself with the arsonists on his doorstep, he is ill-prepared for their cunning and coercive tactics. Director Patrick Russell delivers Max Frisch’s cautionary comic parable on greed, apathy, and the power of persuasion with the urgency of a ticking time bomb.
Benjamin
Arsenault
B.A. Theater and Performance Studies, 2020
| UC Berkeley
Performing Arts
|
Benjamin Arsenault is a recent graduate of the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies and a recipient of the 2020 Roslyn Schneider Eisner Prize for Continuing Creative Achievement. He first earned an Associate's Degree in Videogame Production at the Los Angeles Film School, but became enamored with the world of theater when he assistant directed "Dog Sees God" at College of the Canyons. He went on to act in several plays at the college and with the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival, including "A Piece of My Heart" and "Trojan Women." After transferring to UC Berkeley, Ben performed in a stage reading of the new play, "Antíkoní," a new translation of "Don’t Bet on the Englishmen," and as Biedermann in "The Arsonists" (pictured). He also directed "Silence" by Harold Pinter as part of the TDPS one-act showcase, while also co-directing a new student-written-and-produced musical, "Walls." Ben particularly enjoyed his time as director for Barestage’s production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." Ben will be directing a play in Spring 2021 with The Open Wings Theatre Company.