Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

This adaptation of a classic tale intertwines Mary Shelley's life with her creation, exploring themes of identity, rejection, and the struggles of young women.

This adaptation of Mary Shelley's Gothic masterpiece intricately weaves the author's own struggles into the narrative. It explores the profound challenges faced by revolutionary young women, both in Shelley's time and today. As Mary Shelley grapples with her creation, the story unfolds in a way that highlights the societal pressures and personal dilemmas that shape her journey as a writer.

At the heart of the tale is an eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley, whose imagination births a creature that will haunt the literary landscape for generations. This young scientist, Victor Frankenstein, becomes the unwitting architect of a tragic story that delves into themes of identity, rejection, and the quest for belonging. The creature, once a mere assembly of parts, becomes a complex figure, yearning for acceptance in a world that shuns him.

As the narrative progresses, the creature's anguish transforms into a dangerous obsession. He seeks vengeance against Frankenstein, who has abandoned him, leading to a harrowing confrontation between creator and creation. Rona Munro's adaptation not only revitalizes this classic but also places Mary Shelley at the center of her own story, shedding light on the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. The play premiered on a UK tour in 2019, inviting audiences to reflect on the timeless themes of ambition, responsibility, and the quest for identity that resonate through Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.