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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. Frankenstein Also see Susan's review of We Are Gathered
People may know that Mary Shelley created the famous story as a teenager, in 1816, and published it (anonymously) two years later. While the general impression of Frankenstein is as a cautionary tale about human beings playing God, Burns sees it as an examination of parenthood written by a young woman who had already lost two of her four children. (Only one survived to adulthood and outlived her.) Andrew Boyce's scenic design, with its high rear walls and open spaces, represents several rooms in the Frankenstein home in Geneva, Switzerland, where Victor (Nick Westrate) has come after fleeing his laboratory in Ingolstadt. His high-strung nature becomes obvious in the first scene: he wants to speak with Elizabeth (Rebecca S'manga Frank), whom he is to marry the following day, but he refuses to tempt bad luck by actually looking at her. (The orphaned Elizabeth was raised as Victor's stepsister, so that's also a complication.) The audience gradually realizes how Victor's unauthorized experiments have destroyed his self-image as a heroic pioneer of scientific exploration. Rather than try to explain himself, he lies to Elizabeth about the violence trailing him and refuses to take any responsibility for his actions. Westrate ably demonstrates how Victor is overwhelmed by his emotions and knows he can never rid himself of his guilt. Frank, on the other hand, is the heart of the production. She cares about the child she bears her husband (Monroe E. Barnes, who alternates with Mila Weir) and will do what she must to protect the girl. She also sees the humanity in the tortured creature (Lucas Iverson) who, unlike his creator, truly cares for those around him. Anna Takayo also makes a strong impact in smaller roles. The designers have worked together to create the gothic atmosphere without slipping into self-parody. Neil Austin's lighting design and Andre Pluess' sound design and composition surround the audience in a simmering sense of unease, while Kaye Voyce's costumes show Victor's self-isolation while Elizabeth tries to connect with those around her. Frankenstein runs through June 29, 2025, at Shakespeare Theatre Company, Klein Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW, Washington DC. For tickets and information, please call 202-547-1122 or 877-487-8849 or visit www.shakespearetheatre.org. Written and directed by Emily Burns Cast: |
