Written by Selma
Dimitrijevic
Directed by Jordan
Best
Canberra REP at
Theatre 3 to 21 April
Reviewed by Len Power
7 April 2018
There can’t be many people who haven’t experienced the
Frankenstein story in some form or other.
Especially in cinema, there are countless variations of the original
story published in 1818 by Mary Shelley.
Selma Dimitrijevic’s play retains the spirit of the original
novel in its themes of cruelty and lack of compassion in the world, but in her
play, Dr. Frankenstein is a woman, not a man.
While driven by an obsession with her work to bring back life after
death, Victoria Frankenstein is challenged and frustrated by the male-dominated
society of the time.
Jordan Best’s production moves at a deliberate pace,
creating a nice sense of this woman’s 19th century world. At the centre of it all is Jenna Roberts
giving a strong performance as Victoria Frankenstein. The obsessiveness and frustration in this
woman of the period is portrayed very well and her change from an apparently
unfeeling scientist to a human being who does care about others is moving and
believable.
 |
| Michael Sparks and Jenna Roberts Photo: Helen Drum |
Michael Sparks gives a strong and unique performance as the
Creature with a physicality that is dangerously threatening but also shows the
sensitivity and needy side of the human being as well. Sian Phillips’ makeup design for the Creature
is excellent. Other members of the cast
give strong support, especially Antonia Kitzel who shows a fine understanding
of the period in her performance as the servant, Mary.
The abstract elements of the set design by Chris Zuber
quietly suggest the 19th century world but the movement of the
furniture dictated by the use of the revolving stage looked awkward at
times. The period costumes for the cast
by Anna Senior were perfect.
Lighting by Chris Ellyard was complex and nicely atmospheric
and there were well-designed subtle sound effects by Jenna Golab. Original music by Matthew Webster added
another dimension to the show that was quite haunting.
This is a play that needs to take its time to tell the story
but the ending is satisfying, moving and well worth waiting for.
This review was first
published in the Canberra City News digital edition of 7 April.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s ‘On Stage’ program on Mondays from
3.30pm.