JBF Bookend: Rachel Beanland – “The House Is On Fire”

The House Is On Fire tells the story of the 1811 Richmond Theater Fire from the perspective of four integrous characters—two Black and enslaved, two white and imminently more protected—none of whom experience the world from a place of institutional authority. Set on the night after Christmas, the place was packed as Placide & Green Company, a touring ensemble with more than 30 members, put on a play when a fire broke out backstage thanks to an oversight and some malfunctioning equipment.

With more than 600 people in attendance, chaos ensued. Families and friends lost track of those they were with, and many people died. Some members of the Placide & Green Company decided to hide their role in the accident and instead spread lies about rebelling slaves with torches being responsible. A hunt for those responsible and, thankfully, for the truth, followed.

Moderated by Heather Fleming, founder and director of the MO Equity Education Partnership (MoEEP) and the author of the book My Black Friend Says…: Lessons in Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Competency.

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day program is in partnership with the Newmark Institute for Human Relations at the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis. Registration is required by purchasing a $0 ticket.