Fire in the Temple

Fire in the Temple

One of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century, joins with the Archangel Michaél to confront mysterious demons in 1923 Europe, as the Nazi party is beginning to emerge.

“I want to kindle every human being to become a flame, shining its fiery essence from within.”

Crafted from actual events and discourse, Fire in the Temple, dramatizes Rudolf Steiner’s final months and brings to the stage the people around him, including two extraordinary women, Marie Steiner von Sivers and Dr. Ita Wegman, both of whom stood by him until the very day of his death – and beyond. Their personal conflicts, hopes and sorrows are sensitively portrayed in this rigorously researched drama.

Laurie Portocarrero and Glen Williamson, with eurythmists Sea-Anna Vasilas and Zachary Dolphin, developed this play – through numerous revisions and staged readings – for several years before director John McManus staged a full-cast professional production in September, 2023, in Copake and Spring Valley, NY, and in Kimberton Hills, PA. The director and playwright tightened the script to a dynamic ensemble performance. Previous readings of the script in Copake, NY; Beaver Run, PA; Los Angeles; Santa Cruz; Sacramento; Boulder and Denver; Hudson, NY; Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont had drawn profound and encouraging responses and anticipation of the full production.

“—meticulously researched—artistically crafted—stunningly performed. . . a powerful feeling for the weaving of destiny.”– Gloria Kemp, Waldorf-education consultant

“Truly amazing. I sat mesmerized. . . [it] was so full and the images captivating. I am still feeling the effects from it. . . beautiful experience. It will be with me for some time!!!”

– Diane Prusha, Actress,Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA

“It was deeply moving…wonderfully written…and the same questions live today… With tears I’m asking: Will we awake?”

– Irena Valujeva, Camphill USA

“True and compassionate writing.”

“I knew all of this, but this play brings it all together in a vivid and moving story.”

“The message, that Christ’s light combats the forces of darkness, comes through loud and clear.”

“Now I feel I’ve really met Rudolf Steiner.”

“Truly redemptive.”

“This needs to be seen.”

“It is an extraordinary play that has been enthusiastically received as an epic of superb storytelling during its numerous two- and four-person play-reading performances over the past three years. Now, our task is to turn this successful play-reading epic into a dramatic piece of theater with a full ensemble cast.”– John McManus, Director

“I believe that artistic activity, through this play, can greatly enhance our experience of these momentous historical events and relationships.”– Barbara Renold, Director and Producerof Rudolf Steiner’s Mystery Dramas

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