Frankenstein: Director's Rant!
Okay, here’s the deal – Frankenstein – what do you really know about this story? To start with, Frankenstein is not the name of the Creature – it’s the doctor’s name – Dr. Frankenstein. The Creature is just called The Creature. Or the monster.
So you’re asking yourself, “Why should I care about this story?” Because it’s Epic – it’s the epic story of man’s attempt to play God. I mean, this story never gets old – take Stephen Harper for example – no, that’s not a good example. Okay, maybe it is a good example, but it’s a tangent – let’s stick to the topic.
By the way, did you know that the novel was written by Mary Shelley? In the 1800’s? Well, it was. And you should read it. Seriously, it won’t take you that long. It’s a compelling story, and then when you come to see Rockway’s production, you’ll understand it better. So, why are we doing this play? I’ll tell you, there’s a lot of fluff and nonsense on television – the theatre needs to be a place to explore serious subject matter. Our students need to be exposed to material outside of their scope, material that challenges them, that causes them to view the world differently. And this play will do that – it will rock their world.
Our version is set in 1930, well, that’s weird…not really, when you read as many scripts as I do, it’s not always easy to find a well-written version – and if you think about it, what was going on in 1930? Guess who’s about to rise to power? No, not Mussolini, he’s already in power, it’s the other guy, what was his name? Hitler, yeah, he’s the one. I mean he wasn’t created by a disturbed genius, but he was a monster. There’s your context.
You need to see this production, you need to leave your comfy chair and your snacks and your home theatre and come be challenged. It’s time. February 10-12, 2016, Wednesday – Friday, mark you calendars. Tell your friends, tell your family members – get out and see this play!
And remember, it’s Doctor Frankenstein, he’s the doctor, not the creature.
Alan Sapp, Director
