“Frankenstein” at South Street Players

An adaptation by Christopher O'Neal.

This dramatization of the Mary Shelley novel captures all the horror, mystery, and suspense that the world has come to associate with the title "Frankenstein." We see the monster come to life in the laboratory. We see his innocent curiosity as he stumbles around in his strange new world. We see him longing for friendship and affection from other creatures...especially from Dr. Frankenstein's kind and beautiful fiancee, Elizabeth. We see the world reject him and hate him simply because he is different. And we see him become a ferocious, terrifying monster because he had no other way to go. A sensitive, suspenseful, horror-filled drama for all groups.

This version adheres to the Shelley novel much more faithfully than the movie versions do. Mary Shelley's monster was intelligent, curious, and yearning for companionship. Among other things, the Frankenstein monster symbolizes the uncontrollable monster that science can become. And, of course, the monster symbolizes all the misfits in the world—the unloved, unwanted specimens of humankind. Because he does not look like the rest of us, we call him ugly and we fear him. And because we fear him, we want to destroy him. Mary Shelley gave her monster a kind and tender heart, a love for people, and a desire to be loved in return. But he was never loved, not by one single person.

The play may be performed simply or elaborately. Standard language allows it to be set in the 1800's or today. The flexibility allows each director to stage the scenes as taste and available equipment dictate.