An Early History of Fire is set in a small Midwestern town at the tipping point of the early 1960s.

A few years out of high school, Danny finds his days defined by friendship and loyalty—but a confusing new world encroaches in the form of Karen, back from college in the East, alluring and unsettling because of all she has learned. Awhirl in longing and eyeing a chance for radical change, Danny struggles against the grip of his immigrant father, who clings to his only son while mourning a vanished world of lost prestige.

This world premiere marks David Rabe's return to The New Group, following the company's acclaimed 2005 revival of Hurlyburly.

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Read our exclusive interview with David Rabe about his spiritual awakening while he rehearsed this play.