Presented by: Flinders University Performing Arts Society
Reviewed: 13 July, 2023
From the very beginning of this portrayal of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein by Flinders University Performing Arts Society, I was hooked. I am new to this theatre piece itself and it was a true delight to see such an appealing production when one has no knowledge of the finale, as a first experience.
Directed by Liam Warmeant with assistance by Olivia Tod, we are drawn into the worlds of Mary Shelley (Anastasia Harrald), Victor Frankenstein (Aiden Fitzgerald) and the Monster (Ognjen Triṧić).
Frankenstein is the obsessed scientist that crafts a monster and brings it to life, only to thereafter reject it. The monster seeks love from his ‘father’ and after the despair of being forsaken, seeks to retaliate. The revenge comes in the forms of stalking, and thereby constantly occupying Frankenstein’s mind as he threatens to kill everyone he loves.
In this adaptation Shelley as the narrator is onstage shaping the tale as it unfolds, allowing her as the writer to be a critical part of the play. We are given glimpses of her mind as she hints to the audience the direction of the plot. At other times, Shelley whispers directly in the ear of the actor, encouraging both the rage of the Monster and the mania of Frankenstein. Harrald as Shelley enthusiastically exhibits her joy in the creation of a dark plot although at times somewhat despondent of the choices she makes.
Rona Munro’s adaptation of Frankenstein is poetically deep using words or phrases that so eloquently capture the intensity of a feeling and this fervour is best presented by Triṧić as he switches from a yearning for love and acceptance to one so engulfed by misery that his malevolence turns into true vengeance. Although Triṧić effectively demonstrated these intense feelings in his manner, his speech, and his ferocity, the creative make up skills of Ally Gum enhanced the dramatism.
Fitzgerald as Frankenstein had an equally challenging role and again, it was delivered well. Lucas Tennat’s ability to play the four characters of Master, Father, Peter and Waldman shows the wonderful diversity of this talented actor. Tom Hodgkison (who also played Felix) as the loyal and caring friend of Frankenstein was convincing and another notable member of the cast. All in all, every cast member was strong.
The main sets were the table, paper and books on which Shelley wrote her story, the tree and the sheets of ice as landscapes, the science equipment and the hospital bed. The uniqueness of having the narrator as part of the story also allowed for her to be directing the staff moving the props and providing a visual depiction to the flow of her inner thoughts.
Suitable for any audience, particularly those who love theatre that is reminiscent of poetry in both depth and design.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
Photo credit: supplied
Venue: Parks Theatre
Season: Wednesday 12th July 2023 – Saturday 15th July 2023
Duration: 2 hours includes intermission
Tickets: $20 – $25
Bookings: https://www.facebook.com/events/1420845602038954/1420845615372286/?active_tab=about
More News
