More Thoughts on Fiasco: The Death of Stalin

Yesterday, in the context of the Coronation of King Charles III, I posted some thoughts on the game, Fiasco, and how the situation could be applied to a Fiasco Playset. I like Fiasco Playsets. Today, I’m thinking about more Fiasco playsets; this time taking my cue from political sitcom writer Armando Iannucci.

The prompt from this actually came from a member of the Unpossible Journeys Discord, Temperantia, who pointed out that the film, The Death of Stalin, was perfect fodder for Fiasco.

The Death of Stalin is a 2017 satirical comedy film that depicts the events surrounding the death of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in 1953 and the subsequent power struggle among his inner circle. The film features an ensemble cast, including Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Michael Palin, Jason Isaacs, and Jeffrey Tambor, and uses humor to highlight the absurdity and brutality of Stalinist Russia.

As Stalin’s top officials jockey for position and plot against each other, chaos and hilarity ensue, with backstabbing, double-crossing, and political intrigue at every turn. The film has been praised for its sharp writing, witty performances, and darkly comedic take on one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history.

I had a wee think about what a Fiasco Playset would look like and, like yesterday, I put together a handful of ideas. Now, this is not finished. There’s more to do. I also question whether, in a final playset, I would keep the names of the historical figures, or make it a little more generic. E.g. instead of namechecking Beria, I make reference to the sinister head of the secret police.

I’d appreciate your thoughts on that.

Here are my initial notes:

Title: Kremlin Chaos

The players take on the roles of members of the Politburo, secret police, and Stalin’s family, as they navigate the power struggles and political turmoil following the death of the Soviet leader. Will they maintain their loyalty to the Party and each other, or will they betray their comrades to secure their own positions of power? Only the Fiasco will tell.

Setting: Moscow, Soviet Union, 1953.

Needs:

• Power: Who will emerge as the new leader of the Soviet Union after Stalin’s death?
• Loyalty: How will the players balance their loyalty to the Communist Party with their own personal ambitions?
• Fear: What secrets will the players be willing to betray to protect themselves from Stalin’s purges?
• Betrayal: Who will be the first to turn on their comrades to save their own skin?

Relationships:

• Rivals: Beria and Khrushchev, who are competing for the support of their fellow Politburo members.
• Allies: Molotov and Malenkov, who are attempting to maintain their positions of power.
• Family: Stalin’s children, who are jockeying for position in the wake of their father’s death.
• Enemies: The secret police, who are keeping a close eye on the players and ready to strike at any moment.

Locations:

• The Kremlin: The heart of Soviet power and the site of many dramatic confrontations.
• The Dacha: Stalin’s country home, where the players can relax away from the prying eyes of the Politburo.
• The Lubyanka: The headquarters of the secret police, where the players can gather information or engage in covert operations.
• The Gulag: The infamous prison system where dissidents are sent to disappear.

Objects:

• The Red Telephone: The direct line to the Soviet military, which the players can use to exert their influence.
• The Stalin Portrait: A larger-than-life painting of the former leader, which serves as a constant reminder of his legacy.
• The Poison: A vial of poison that could be used to eliminate a rival or secure an advantage.

Tilt:

• Mistaken identity: The players must deal with cases of mistaken identity or misunderstandings that threaten their plans.
• Guilt: The players must confront the moral consequences of their actions and the impact on Soviet society.
• Innocence lost: The players must deal with the sudden realization that their loyalty to the Party may be misplaced.