Frankenstein : National Theatre

Frankenstein : National Theatre
****

The National Theatre’s Frankenstein, directed by Danny Boyle, is a stunning spectacle from start to finish.

From the moment the “creature” erupts onto the stage the shows is superb in each and every aspect. A huge light installation on the ceiling is used to great affect, both to change the mood on stage and to convey the electricity that brings the creature to life. This light is almost blinding in its brilliance, and reflects the genius and the danger of Frankenstein’s science.

A train crashes onto the stage, and the screaming and shouting masked people onboard attack the “creature” as sparks fly from underneath the wheels.This portrayal of the coming industrial age, with its noise, destruction, violence and chaos is in stark contrast to the way in which nature is portrayed.

As the “creature” develops an understanding of the natural world, he finds joy in the changing seasons; the rain, snow, sun, fire, and the new life which blossoms in the spring. Even though his existence goes against all the rules of nature, it is amongst the natural world that he is safest. And although he was created by the hand of a man, it is mankind that is disgusted by him, and mankind that wishes to destroy him.

This production reinforces the idea of the “creature” as a tabula rasa or a blank slate which is shaped and influenced by his experiences of society. Society shows him only violence, hate and loathing, and he therefore learns to hate, hurt and loathe. But more than merely recreating Mary Shelley’s “creature”, this production brings a real humanity to the character and challenges our assumptions about the “creature”. This is due in no small part to Benedict Cumberbatch’s outstanding performance as the “creature”.

Cumberbatch brings an emotional depth to the character, this is not the “creature” seen in horror films with a bolt between his ears, but a real human being. An artificial human being, but a human being nontheless. A “creature” that feels pain, love, jealousy, anger, hate and kindness.

The “creature” is put at the very heart of this production, this is the creature’s story, not Frankenstein’s. This gives Cumberbatch the opportunity to truly devleop the “creature’s character and mannerisms, and allows the audience to understand him as a character of flesh and blood, rather than merely a horror charicature.

The story of Frankenstein’s “creature” is as relevant now as it has ever been because fundamentally it is a tale of humanity and morality. It portrays society’s inability to deal with diversity and difference, the continual fear of the “other”, and man’s duty to his fellow man. Or more precisely Frankenstein’s duty and responsibility as creator of the “creature”. Frankenstein is ultimately responsible for the “creature”. The “creature’s crimes are also Frankenstein’s crimes.

This is the matter that gives the production its meaning – the indestructable ties between Frankenstein and the “creature”. The “creature” hates Frankenstein, but is also completely dependent on him, and ultimately loves him. Whilst Frankenstein’s revulsion towards his creation cannot hide his pride and vanity.

Frankenstein, is without doubt, a truly amazing production.