Andorra (play)

Andorra is a play by Swiss playwright Max Frisch, first performed in 1961. It is a parable exploring themes of prejudice, scapegoating, collective guilt, and the construction of identity. The play's central character, Andri, is presented to the village of Andorra as a Jewish boy rescued from persecution. The villagers, however, embrace stereotypes and project their own fears and prejudices onto Andri, ultimately leading to his destruction.

The plot unfolds as Andri grows up in Andorra, facing increasing discrimination and mistreatment despite his supposed adoption into a Christian family. He is constantly reminded of his perceived Jewish identity, even as he struggles to understand and accept it. The villagers, blinded by their preconceived notions, fail to see Andri as an individual, instead treating him as a symbol of their own anxieties and insecurities.

As tensions rise, Andri becomes a scapegoat for the villagers' own shortcomings. Accusations and prejudice intensify, culminating in Andri's arrest and execution during a "Jewish Inspection" conducted by shadowy figures from a neighboring country. In the aftermath, the villagers are forced to confront their collective guilt and complicity in Andri's death.

The play is known for its Brechtian elements, including the use of a chorus-like figure, the Teacher, who provides commentary and engages the audience in moral questioning. Frisch employs dramatic irony to expose the villagers' self-deception and the destructive consequences of prejudice. Andorra serves as a powerful allegory for the dangers of intolerance and the responsibility of individuals within a society to challenge injustice. It encourages audiences to examine their own biases and consider the impact of their actions on others. The play has been widely performed and studied, remaining a relevant commentary on societal issues of prejudice and discrimination.