The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui begins with a short Prologue. The Announcer takes to the stage, across which a series of newspaper headlines are displayed. The play is set in a fictionalized version of Chicago in the 1930s, and the headlines describe the way in which a power struggle between local criminals will unfold throughout the play. The Announcer speaks directly to the audience, introducing the audience to the “great historical gangster show” (4) that will entail the rise of Arturo Ui and the gangsters taking control of Cicero.

The Announcer introduces the characters. Old Dogsborough steps in front of the curtain, whereupon the Announcer warns of his black heart. The Announcer tells him to bow, he does so, then exits the stage. Next, the scammer Givola appears and limps around the stage. Next is Giri, the “superclown” (5) who is also a dangerous killer. 

Finally, the Announcer welcomes Arturo Ui to the stage. He is the “gangster of gangsters” (5), the Announcer says, sent from heaven to punish people for their violent sins. The Announcer asks whether Ui reminds the audience of anyone and compares Ui to Richard III.