Fire In a Dark House

by Mona Z. Smith

FIRE IN A DARK HOUSE is a timely and poignant new drama about star-crossed young lovers whose families and community are thrown into turmoil as anti-immigrant fervor sweeps the nation during World War I.

Rose, a passionate young woman and aspiring writer, falls for James, son of the conservative newspaper publisher and aspiring politician who is waging a fierce propaganda campaign against immigrants, including...

FIRE IN A DARK HOUSE is a timely and poignant new drama about star-crossed young lovers whose families and community are thrown into turmoil as anti-immigrant fervor sweeps the nation during World War I.

Rose, a passionate young woman and aspiring writer, falls for James, son of the conservative newspaper publisher and aspiring politician who is waging a fierce propaganda campaign against immigrants, including Rose's father, Carl. Drawing inspiration from true and tragic events, FIRE explores issues that resonate powerfully today: immigration, women's rights, propaganda, nationalism, and patriotism.

FIRE IN A DARK HOUSE draws on historical research that has uncovered forgotten hate crimes committed against immigrants during World War I, fueled by inflammatory propaganda created in the White House and endorsed by Congress.

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Fire In a Dark House

Character Information

Seven actors - two men in their 40s-50s; three young women that can play teens-20s; two young men that can play 18 (draft age).
  • Carl Roebling
    Farmer, widower, German immigrant. Vigorous in his work; thoughtful and careful in his words and deeds. A leader in his church and his community, Carl opposes the war (WWI).
    40s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Mary Roebling
    Carl’s daughter, born in Germany. Smart, stubborn, and self-righteous, Mary is a secret suffragette who doesn’t suffer fools gladly -- and that includes anyone who disagrees with her political views.
    20s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Henry Roebling
    Carl’s only son. Henry was born in Germany but is all-American in looks and speech. In wartime, his loyalty to his country can be in conflict with his loyalty to his family.
    18-20
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Rose Roebling
    Carl’s daughter. Born in Germany, raised in America. Rose is a dreamy, impatient romantic, an aspiring writer who rebels against her practical, loyal, hard-working immigrant family.
    17-18
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Wilhelmina “Willie” Roebling
    Carl’s youngest child, born in America. Consumed by dark fantasies, obsessed with fire, possibly has a learning disorder, Willie is always in motion and frequently in trouble.
    13-14
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
  • James Lick
    Simon’s son is also Rose’s lover -- to the dismay of both of their fathers. A lover of literature and an aspiring writer with ideas and ambitions that put him at odds with his father.
    17-19
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Simon Lick
    Conservative newspaper publisher, nationalist, self-professed patriot. The town’s most prominent businessman, with powerful connections in local and state government.
    40s-50s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, Paramount Hudson Valley Arts at Paramount Hudson Valley Arts, 2020

Production History

  • Workshop, Whitefire Theatre, Los Angeles, 2018