Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Toronto, ON – The Arts Engine presents an immersive reading of an exciting new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein.
“It is a universal story of ambition without morality” says Dora-nominated director Tom Carson. “It is so relevant to humanity’s quest for knowledge and power. Frankenstein Live is an experience for lovers of literature and fine writing, for sure. But it’s also for anyone who loves a good ghost story. The bottom line is that the monster is still out there. And that is truly terrifying.”
Mary Shelley’s classic tale about the personal cost of professional achievement comes to life in an immersive theatrical reading as Frankenstein Live, adapted for the stage by Warren MacDonald. Shelley’s original story, considered by many to be the first work of science fiction, is a story about a man (Victor Frankenstein) and his monster. It tells of Mr. Frankenstein’s desperate, worldwide search to find and stop the evil force he has created. This adaptation, like the original novel, asks us to think about what happens to us when we are entirely alone in the world.
The talented creative team is building an experience that is so much more than a staged reading. Audiences will be surrounded by remnants of the timeless gothic novel Frankenstein and a rich soundscape by Douglas Romanow, including entirely original music.
Set onboard the Prometheus, an ice-bound ship, Victor Frankenstein recounts the secrets of his life to his new friend Robert Walton. His tragic story plays out in the sails and trappings of the ship, through the use of projection and multi- media. The score is composed by Douglas Romanow (douglasromanow.com) and designed by Toronto designer Joe Pagnan (joepagnan.com).
The rich style of the classic novel is preserved in a script by Warren MacDonald which highlights the psycho-spiritual aspect of the original story. In keeping with the classic novel of 1818, this theatrical retelling eschews the Hollywood-style pulsating electrical laboratory and angry torch-bearing mobs in favour of a portrait of one man’s obsessive pursuit and subsequent discovery of the key to life.
“(I have) a desire to share this wonderful
piece of literature with others and to let them know that there’s so much more to the story than the mute raging monster of the movies” - Warren MacDonald, playwright
Frankenstein Live will be presented at The Walmer Centre Theatre (188 Lowther) from Oct 22 - Nov 8. The performance is approximately 2 hours with one intermission. Tickets are $25 and are available online at frankensteinlive.ca
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Frankenstein Live
adapted for the stage from Mary Shelley by Warren MacDonald
Venue: The Walmer Centre Theatre, 188 Lowther (one block north of Bloor, one block west of Spadina) Dates: October 22 - November 8 2015
Tickets on sale: tickets $25 frankensteinlive.ca
Produced by The Arts Engine Director
Tom Carson
Playwright
Warren MacDonald
Designer
Joe Pagnan
Sound Designer and Composer
Douglas Romanow
2015-09-22
Toronto: The Arts Engine presents "Frankenstein Live" October 22-November 8