THEATRE: FRANKENSTEIN

BY MICHELLE PORTER

In Lally Katz’s Frankenstein don’t expect a costumed epic with serious, English characters and a hideous, bolt-necked creature. This version has a postmodern twist: the characters sing, the writer and composer appear on stage, and the monster is played by a beautiful girl (Yael Stone).
This fresh angle to a classic story allows the players to parody modern rituals, especially in regards to romance.
“Life is all about sex and eating meat,” says the talking rabbit (played by writer, Lally Katz) to the creature, who is exploring the world after being rejected by Victor (Benjamin Winspear). The rabbit then attempts to help her find a mate by introducing her to alcohol and a night club dance floor.

This creates many embarrassing, yet humourous moments. The problems with Frankenstein is its continuous burlesque approach – it never finds a rhythm, which denies the audience a deep emotional engagement.

Until 13 December 2008.  Sydney Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay. Tickets $20-$35, 9250 1777 or www.sydneytheatre.com.au