FRANKENSTEIN
New Theatre, Cardiff
Mon 28 Oct-Sat 2 Nov
Mary Shelley’s 1818 gothic masterpiece Frankenstein has inspired just about every artistic field. Often interpreted as a cautionary tale regarding unbound science, Shelley’s text documents the perils of a creature rejected by its creator, Doctor Frankenstein. Dejected, and striving to find acceptance within society, Frankenstein’s creature is scorned by all, and the ensuing trauma from this incessant rejection refashions the creature into the monster society envisions it to be.
Shelley wrote her original novel at 18 and was renowned for spurning societal conventions. Here, writer Rona Munro (The James Play, My Name Is Lucy Barton) presents an alternative to the tale’s conventional Promethean reading by placing emphasis on its sociopolitical aspects. Munro achieves this by incorporating Shelley into the play as a character, depicted here by Scottish actress Eilidh Loan (His Name Is John, England’s Forgotten Queen). While the story has seen innumerable adaptations since the publication of Shelley’s novel, Munro’s adaptation projects Shelley’s original vision, highlighting the author’s defiant spirit as she grapples with societal norms, and will undoubtedly provide a glimpse into the realities facing rebellious women.
This touring production heads to Cardiff in late October to no doubt provide viewers with a rousing take on Shelley’s chef-d’œuvre.
Tickets: £13.50-£30.50. Info: 029 2087 8889 / www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk (GK)
