Sharmini Brookes: Benedict Cumberbatch as The Creature spawned by Frankenstein makes this a must-see NT production.

We often assume that The Creature spawned in The Lab from the dead parts of unearthed bodies and sparked to life with bolts of electricity is the Monster we call Frankenstein. In actual fact, the scientist who created this malformed and ugly Creature is the real Frankenstein – Dr. Viktor Frankenstein from Geneva in Switzerland.

The Creature in its naked malformed state jerks to life and awkwardly flails its limbs to attempt to become mobile, Cumberbatch, gives a stunning physical representation of the process of this violent birth inviting comparisons with a human birth.

In humans, the process of development after ‘the violence’ of birth, is gradual and is nurtured over time by generally loving and attached parents.

Here, Frankenstein flees in horror at what he has created and The Creature is forced to fend for itself. In the process of discovering what it is to be human, a light is shone on our understanding of humanity and what it is not just to be human but humane behaviour.

Jonny Lee Miller plays the ‘inhumane’ creator, Dr. Viktor Frankenstein.

Frankenstein is directed by the award-winning Danny Boyle and the play, based on the book by Mary Shelley, is written by Nick Dear.

Apart from brilliant acting and wonderful cast, the set design (by Mark Tildesley) is phenomenal and creates the perfect backdrop to the unfolding tragedy.

A must-see production by NT Live is showing at Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau on Saturday 31/10 at 17:00, Sunday 01/11 at 14:30 and Tues 3/11 at 12:15.

Sharmini Brookes
sharminibrookes@yahoo.co.uk
061 654 9864
Freelance

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