Overview
Synopsis
Nick Dear’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic novel retells the well-known story from the point of view of the Creature. The Creature is created by Victor Frankenstein, a troubled scientist who has grown frustrated by traditional scientific methods. His ego and dark ambition drive him to play with life itself and he succeeds in bringing the Creature to life. Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, the bewildered Creature is abandoned in a hostile world by his horror-struck maker. Due to his terrifying appearance, the Creature experiences cruelty, prejudice, and fear wherever he goes. He slowly learns the ways of the world and is educated by De Lacey, a blind man who provides the Creature with the kindness, empathy, and friendship he desperately craves. However, when De Lacey’s family turn on the Creature, his hope of finding a kinder place in the world is dashed. The Creature embarks on a violent killing spree, determined to track down Victor Frankenstein and force him to provide the Creature with the companion he desperately craves. Frankenstein’s abandonment of the Creature sets into motion a spiral of catastrophic events that destroy Frankenstein’s loved ones and, ultimately, bind him to the Creature forever.
Editor’s Note: The play contains nudity, rape, and violence.
Show Information
- Book
- Nick Dear
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818)
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2011
- Genres
- Drama, Horror
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Geneva, Scotland, Nineteenth Century
- Cast Size
- large
- Ideal For
- College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Child, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Silent |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher