A new theatrical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s seminal 1818 Gothic horror novel Frankenstein is to play Cardiff’s New Theatre for Halloween week.
The story follows a young scientist by the name of Frankenstein who breathes life into a gruesome body. Banished into an indifferent world, Frankenstein’s creature desperately seeks out his identity, but the agony of rejection and a broken promise push him into darkness. Dangerous and vengeful, the creature threatens to obliterate Frankenstein and everyone he loves, in a ferocious and bloodthirsty hunt for his maker.
Rona Munro’s brilliant new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece places the writer herself amongst the action as she wrestles with her creation and with the stark realities facing revolutionary young women, then and now.
Eilidh Loan as Mary Shelley in Frankenstein. Photo by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Rona Munro said of the new production:
“This story has been told and retold in hundreds of different versions since it was first written. But it remains the dark and rebellious roar of its adolescent author. Mary Shelley was only eighteen when she wrote the novel and she’d already broken every social rule that should have shaped her life. That’s the version of Frankenstein I’ve returned to, the version of the novel. The story is told in the voice of that defiant and passionate young girl accusing her elders, the culture of her age and intent on terrifying the whole world.”
Anna Fox, Head of New Work at Selladoor Creation, said:
“Selladoor Creation are delighted to be working with Rona to create a dramatic reinvention of this classic story. We relish the work we do with writers, so we are proud to be a part of a production that will examine the writers’ process in such an innovative way. It has been a fascinating journey to go on with the piece, and we are excited for this bold new take on a beloved gothic horror to be brought to life for audiences of today.”
The production will be directed by Patricia Benecke, with composition and sound design by Simon Slater, lighting design by Grant Anderson and designed by Becky Minto.
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Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein runs at The New Theatre, Cardiff from Monday 28th October 2019 to Saturday 2nd November 2019
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Showtime: 7:30pm; Thu & Sat 2:30pm
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Tickets £12.50 – £33.50: Box office 02920 87 88 89 or book online http://www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk