'Frankenstein' growls on stage Wednesday

Frankenstein has travelled across the Atlantic and back – and has recently been spotted at the Annenberg Center. Just returning from a six performance run at the Edinborough Fringe Festival in Scotland, the Theater Arts Program Production is now ready for its American debut of Mary Shelley's classic monster novel at the Annenberg Studio Theater. Theater Arts' version of the story was adapted for the stage by Chris Hariasz, technical director for the Theater Arts program. Hariasz, who directs the shows, explains that rather than being an exact representation of the novel, his version was more of an exploration of the themes presented in the story. The production is an eclectic combination of themes and values, and the sources drawn upon range from Shelley's original novel to the Bible, and even to John Milton's Paradise Lost, explained College senior Chris Stillwell, who plays Dr. Victor Frankenstein. In contrast to the complex ideas surrounding the story, the costumes and set design remain basic. Utilizing the simple devices of moving sheets, flashlights, and shadows effectively controls the somber and tense mood throughout the performance, and accentuates the twists and turns of this well-know classic. Costuming, though no more complex, is just as creative. For example, the cast uses a mask to demonstrate the Frankenstein monster, played by College senior Chris McQuistin, as well as to separate the two characters played by College senior Katharine Vergel. This technique not only helps the audience suspend its disbelief, but it also emphasizes the inhuman qualities of the two characters. Theater Arts has innovated its travelling program as well. For the first time in the four years that the Theater Arts Department has been sending students to the Edinborough Fringe Festival, a group of students was selected for the performance. Previously, control of the show was solely placed upon one director. "It was a new experience...an unusual process of Penn theater," said Alexandra Lopez, who has done shows at the festival for three years now and plays the part of Mary Shelley. Lopez, who graduated from the College last spring, noted that the actors had a hand in the development of the play, which made this production all the more exciting. The arts groups decided last May to perform Frankenstein as a direct response to the Freshman Reading Project. They hope both the project and their performance will augment each other. Frankenstein will enjoy a final performance run from September 29 through October 2 at the Annenberg Studio Theater. Tickets are $5, on sale on Locust Walk and at the Annenberg Box Office.