NORPA will open the doors to its newly renovated home, Lismore City Hall, with the smash hit adaptation of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, performed by Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre.
The July 19 and 20 performances will be the first time audiences get to experience the transformed Lismore City Hall with new seating, acoustics, lighting, a redesigned foyer, bar and access.
‘We’re thrilled to be opening our season and our new home with Frankenstein – it’s one of the best shows of 2013 with great reviews and sold out shows recently at the Sydney Opera House,’ says Julian Louis Artistic Director of NORPA.
‘This is a rollercoaster ride of a story – it’s moving, scary and beautiful. The creature is the ultimate outsider and it is through him we explore notions of love, trust, friendship.’
‘Nick Dear has written an astonishing adaptation and it was a huge hit for London’s National Theatre in 2011,’ adds director Mark Kilmurry.
‘The play gives the Creature a voice – this is a Creature that talks, that can be articulate about the way he feels – and the way he feels is very angry. We’ve got some exciting young talent on stage in this piece with Elena Kats-Chernin doing original music for solo cellist Heather Stratfold. Being a film horror buff from way back, I’m very excited about doing this play – it’s not for the faint-hearted.’
The Creature (Lee Jones) is cast out by his creator, the young doctor Frankenstein (Andrew Henry), and unleashed upon the world. He is shunned for his grotesque appearance and spurned by society wherever he goes. When a blind man (Michael Ross) takes Frankenstein’s monstrous creation under his wing and educates him, the Creature begins to question his existence and to yearn for a future without loneliness. His search for a lifelong partner brings him back to his maker, with vengeance foremost in his mind.
Ensemble Theatre has gathered together a dynamic young cast of actors who, along with a live musician, take to the stage in the Australian premiere of this classic gothic drama.
Frankenstein presented by NORPA at Lismore City Hall. Friday & Saturday, July 19 & 20, 7:30pm. Tickets: Adult $47; Senior $42; Concession $38; Under18 $20. Running time 100 mins (no interval) Patron advice: Recommended for ages 15+, semi-nudity. Bookings at NORPA Box Office, or 1300 066 772 or online at www.norpa.org.au.
