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...
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

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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
    40s, Array,
    Male
    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).
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Rose Roebling
    17-18, Array,
    Female
    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.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Mary Roebling
    20s, Array,
    Female
    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.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Henry Roebling
    18-20, Array,
    Male
    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.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Wilhelmina “Willie” Roebling
    13-14, Array,
    Any (but probably Female)
    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.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Child, Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Simon Lick
    40s-50s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Conservative newspaper publisher, nationalist, self-professed patriot. The town’s most prominent businessman, with powerful connections in local and state government.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • James Lick
    17-19,
    White
    ,
    Male
    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.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

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

Production History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Whitefire Theatre, Los Angeles
    ,
    2018