For over two centuries, Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ has mesmerised audiences with its haunting exploration of creation, monstrosity, and the quest for acceptance. Last night, as I settled into my seat at Melbourne’s iconic Princess Theatre, a palpable excitement buzzed through the air. I knew I was in for a treat as the curtain prepared to rise on this timeless tale, but little did I know just how deeply it would resonate.
The opening moments unfolded at a deliberate pace, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. However, any thoughts of slowness quickly evaporated as the stage erupted into life. The cast delivered performances that were nothing short of extraordinary, but it was Jeremiah Wray’s portrayal of the Creature that truly stole the spotlight. With a physicality that was both haunting and mesmerising, Wray brought to life a being caught in the throes of existential despair, longing for acceptance in a world that only saw him as a monster.
Darcy Brown embodied Victor Frankenstein, the brilliant yet tormented scientist whose ambition leads him to defy the natural order. As he brought the Creature to life from the remnants of the dead, the stage transformed into a whirlwind of emotions. The moment the Creature took its first steps, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The theatre was charged with energy, amplified by dramatic flashes of lightning and swirling smoke that enveloped the audience in darkness, making us feel like unwilling participants in this tragic tale.
The heart of the story lies in the Creature’s desperate quest for love and acceptance, overshadowed by his grotesque appearance. As he grapples with rejection from humanity—including his very creator—his anguish morphs into anger and vengeance. Wray’s performance captured this transformation with heart-wrenching authenticity, compelling us to reflect on the nature of monstrosity and the consequences of isolation.
As the narrative progressed, the tension escalated, intertwining themes of ambition, neglect, and the relentless pursuit of understanding. Each scene built upon the last, leading us deeper into the labyrinth of Victor’s mind and the turmoil of the Creature’s existence. It was a gripping reminder that within every monster lies a story, a yearning to be seen beyond the surface.
As the final act unfolded, I felt a profound sense of empathy for the Creature, a chilling testament to the power of Shelley’s narrative. The applause that followed felt like a collective sigh of relief—an acknowledgment of the emotional rollercoaster we had just experienced.
Opening Night Images by Sam Tabone
Written by Melinda Sullivan
For more information please visit https://frankensteinlive.com.au
