The Arsonist of Venice

There was a lot about Arsonist to praise, but overall, I think it could be a stronger work with just a few revisions.... full review

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“The Arsonist of Venice” plunges audiences into the chaotic aftermath of Robertson Allen’s release from prison, a celebrated novelist with a penchant for setting tech offices ablaze. Set against the sun-soaked yet gritty backdrop of Venice, California, this play is a wild reunion of fractured souls—Robertson, his adoptive brother Joe, and the enigmatic Marie—each grappling with their own darkness. As this volatile mix of pills, insanity, and unresolved trauma unfolds, the story crackles with tension, leaving audiences wondering if Robertson is truly reformed or simply more dangerous. The play’s exploration of destructive impulses and the consequences of crossing lines mirrors the financial tightrope many of us walk daily. Just as Robertso... full review

"The Arsonist of Venice" is a captivating and thrilling novel that takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the enchanting city of Venice. Written by an acclaimed author, this book seamlessly combines elements of mystery, romance, and historical fiction to create a truly immersive reading experience. The story revolves around the mysterious and dangerous figure known as "The Arsonist," who wreaks havoc across the city of Venice with a series of devastating fires. As the fires escalate, the protagonist, a determined detective with a troubled past, is tasked with unraveling the truth behind the arsonist's motives and identity. The author skillfully weaves together intricate plot twists, keeping readers guessing until the very end.... full review

Captivating and full of intrigue. Felt like a fly on the wall as the characters open up about their wants, needs and the possible explosion of doom for sharing such emotions.... full review

Blake Shields writes and performs with his whole soul. This is a dark, virulent piece told in the poetic and lyrical way I've come to associate with Shields' voice. The actors left everything they had on stage.... full review

Maybe it's my affinity for the classic American myth of the tortured writer, but I loved this show. It's a molotov cocktail of ego, drug abuse, and mental disorders that's dripping with unresolved tension. I don't know if Kerouac, Steinbeck, or Williams ever wrote about Venice specifically, but it might have looked something like this.... full review

The Arsonist of Venice is a complex drama that put me on the edge of my from the very beginning. The characters are eloquent yet mysterious. Blake Shields' writing is both suspenseful and poetic.... full review

"The Arsonist of Venice" is a hauntingly dramatic piece of theatre that fully indulges in the complex darkness of the human psyche. With each character experiencing a specific and extreme trauma, they cling to various forms of dependence either through drugs, alcohol, or interpersonal relationships. A beautifully dark piece of theatre, and one I found very captivating. ... full review

What an outstanding show with amazing acting and a compelling storyline. I loved it. Great ensemble work. Excellent true play for fringe. You get what you pay for here, it's not something that was just thrown up. You can tell a lot of work went into this amazing play.... full review