This
article will help any other Theatre student critically analyse a stage
production and I am being generous in offering my view, but this is also
reflective account of my viewing experience of the stage show. I would read
this is as an example of Semiology if you are stuck to grasp the complexities
of the subject. I am interested to research more into the theory of signs for
my dissertation process next year.
A
reflection of my interpretation
The
story in this stage adaptation, in my opinion looks at who is the greater
monster out of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. It reflects on the monster
in man and in society. The audience is made to feel sympatric towards the
creature as through the story he is beaten and outcasted. In the beginning we see a great lighting display
that represents an electrical storm (fig.2), and a stage prop that depicts a
womb. (The actor’s silhouette is shown (fig. 4)) - Note
that figure 2 can also represent the time period of the play which is being
set. (19th century)
The
actor represents the birth of his character, the creature and expresses this
through movement and sounds. This 30 minute solo performance expresses his
emotional state and the stimuli of new being that is overwhelming to him, the
audience therefore shares his experience of existence.
This
solo performance makes the audience gain an understanding of his Emotional,
Educational and social experiences throughout the story; you could make a
similarity between the actor and the character by arguing that the actor
develops into the character as the character develops into life.
The
birth of victor’s creation represents his Genesis.
‘And the lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul' - King James Bible Genesis Chapter 2 verse 1
Recitation of King James Bible Genesis Chapter 2 verse 1 reiterates the notion of victor having a god complex as victor got body parts from the earth forms his creature and breathes life into it using electricity.
The
time period was visually reflected through the costumes used on stage, this
element brought together all the other visual signs that combine to create an
absolute meaning that is to be interpreted.
What
I get from the performance is that victor and his creation are similar as they
both aim to gain acceptance. The creature aims to be accepted by society, and
Victor aims to be accepted for his scientific innovation. They both fail in
this respect.
I
observed that Victor Frankenstein appeared to be more in love with his work
than his affections for his wife. However the creature grasped the emotion of
love but Victor did not, and reacted in a jealous and callus manner. All Victor knew was his creation and his
obsessive attitude towards work. As result victor underestimated his creation’s
emotional intelligence and the implications towards what he had created, a man.
From
what I have just discussed I will now compare my interpretation to the writer
and director’s interpretation of the play. This information is sourced from National
Theatre’s Digital Programme of ‘Frankenstein’
Nick
Dear and Danny Boyle wanted to produce an adaptation of Frankenstein which
emphasis the creature’s point of view. In the beginning of the production Boyle
describes the performance of the actor as a child’s performance and this is
reflected in movement and expression of his emotional experience on stage.
‘Victor creates the creature in his
own likeness, not physically but mentally’ – Danny Boyle
The
creature has a voice in this production which is true to Mary Shelley’s book.
Only
two main characters tell the story in this production, other minor characters
help to guide the story along but they are not as significant as the book.
‘Science gives the right for man to comfort
his creator’ – Danny Boyle
The
four seasons is visually represented in the play during the scenes with De
Lacey. This expresses his learning and also depicts time moving forward but
also the story moving forward.
The
creation provides a beauty towards the end of the play with his personality;
this is developed with the audience. His appearance maybe repulsive but his
soul and mind is beautiful.
Set
transitions within the play indicate the chapters within the story. (Set Design by Mark Tildesley)
Notes:
·
National
Theatre Live: Frankenstein Digital Programme (2014) which includes video
interviews with Danny Boyle and Nick Dear.
More Info Here: National Theatre Live
More Info Here: National Theatre Live
