Wesleyan Theatre Works at Kentucky Wesleyan College is presenting “Frankenstein” by R.N. Sandberg this week. Performances will be September 28-30 at 7 p.m. nightly and October 1 at 2 p.m., all in the Ralph Center.
Set in the icy polar regions where scientist Victor Frankenstein has chased the creature he brought to life, this theatrical and emotional play traces Frankenstein’s path to the final confrontation with his intelligent, articulate, sensitive, and powerfully violent child.
Jordan Blake Key, who earned a degree in theatre, is directing the performance.
“It has been a privilege to return to my alma mater to make this piece of theatre,” he said. “My first production as a director debuted on the very same stage 7 years ago, and to return to this space and work with the current students has been marvelous.”
Key said this rendition of “Frankenstein” is an avant-garde episodic interpretation much like a distorted dream.
“It reveals the classic tale in glimpses interspersed with frightening dream sequences that represent Victor Frankenstein’s psyche rather than a factual retelling of events,” Key said. “To further this idea, the design is inspired by the art of Alexa Meade who takes three-dimensional sets and models and paints them to look like two-dimensional pieces of art. This will allow the audience to immediately recognize that this is not a traditional interpretation of ‘Frankenstein,’ but rather Victor Frankenstein’s nightmares.”
Dr. Frankenstein and the creature are both played by KWC students from Las Vegas who are attending as Rogers Fellows.
Meahel Heard-Pitra (Dr. Frankenstein) said, “I am grateful Wesleyan Theatre Works continues to challenge me as an actor. Working on this show has been amazing, thanks to my talented cast members, and one of the best directors I have worked with.”
Logan Reed (The Creature) said, “It has been an honor to be a part of this show and help develop Jordan’s dream from start to finish. I can’t wait for everyone to see the finished piece in its entirety.”
Tickets are available at kwc.edu/frankenstein.
