"Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through,
and pour a torrent of light into our dark world."
and pour a torrent of light into our dark world."
In April I was fortunate enough to get tickets to a unique production of Frankenstein at the National Theatre. The two stars, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternate the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature each night, both embuing the characters with their individual performances and qualities. The night I went, Cumberbatch played the Creature, with his infamous fervour and energy; while Miller played Victor, progressive yet naive, brilliant and yet foolish.
The production was incredible. The Olivier theatre at the National contains the renowned Drum Revolve stage - 4 storeys high and 15 m across, the stage rotates and contains beneath it immense set pieces that dominate the large yet intimate theatre. The moment the production began, the audience was captivated by the sight of the Creature being born - bursting forth from the manmade womb, naked and helpless as an infant. We follow the Creature, as he learns to use his body and mind, finds his voice, and experiences human emotion.
Cumberbatch was incomparable as the Creature. Embodying his fear and wonder, rage and love and ultimately, his hate towards Victor - Cumberbatch allowed us to care for the poor Creature, while creating such tension and suspense that the audience was truly shocked at the horrific ending. Miller was also excellent as the unfortunate scientist and scenes between the two men were electric.
The following week, I was able to see the production again, as it had been filmed for display in several arts cinemas, this time with the roles reversed. While Miller played the Creature very well, allowing a certain amount of personal interpretation, his portrayal perhaps lacked the depth and humour (and full nudity!!) of Cumberbatch's performance. Cumberbatch meanwhile was wonderful as Victor Frankenstein, showing him as slightly less vulnerable and more misguided. The reversed production held a similar tension to seeing the play on stage, although it was certainly missing the energy and grip of a live show, focussing on the action and artistry of the stage design.
The following week, I was able to see the production again, as it had been filmed for display in several arts cinemas, this time with the roles reversed. While Miller played the Creature very well, allowing a certain amount of personal interpretation, his portrayal perhaps lacked the depth and humour (and full nudity!!) of Cumberbatch's performance. Cumberbatch meanwhile was wonderful as Victor Frankenstein, showing him as slightly less vulnerable and more misguided. The reversed production held a similar tension to seeing the play on stage, although it was certainly missing the energy and grip of a live show, focussing on the action and artistry of the stage design.
The actors were astounding and the production, adapted by Nick Dear and directed by the film director, Danny Boyle, was absolutely brilliant. Sadly a short run meant that only a small number of theatre-goers were able to see the play, but the new tradition of filming productions means that it will be available to many more. If it comes to a theatre near you...see it!
On a side note - I shall be taking the backstage tour at the National Theatre on Sunday - I can't wait to see the sets and props!
Photos taken from the National Theatre website.
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