Pacific Theatre produces very little science fiction. Indeed, it’s rare to see the genre on stage at all. And yet, the questions asked by Shelley in 1816 - what differentiates human life from the monstrous? How can we make amends for our vilest acts? why were we gifted with the power to create, and to destroy? - reflect in every way the ideas Pacific Theatre was founded to explore.
Playwright Peter Church has created two previous radio-play adaptations for Pacific: beautiful period-inspired interpretations of Christmas stories It’s A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. With returning cast members Matthew Simmons and Diana Squires and another sonic-based world to explore, it would have been easy to continue in the vein of those productions. But director Chris Lam chose to dig into the darker aspects of the story.
Frankenstein and his monster are a clear allegory for many things - one is the peril of thoughtless creation. Artists tend to idolize creation and creativity; they are, after all, bound to and dependent upon their ability to create. But Frankenstein looks through the glass at the decisions we make in pride and panic, and the dark spectres we raise when our vision narrows too far. The power of art - the ability to affect the mind and soul of a listener - is an awesome responsibility, when held to the light. Wherever our sympathies lie at the end of the story, Victor’s desire to transcend the limits of creativity is a dim mirror that hides in the back room of all artistic souls.
Pacific is thrilled to offer a glimpse down this dark road with the talented cast and crew of Wireless Wings, and to continue offering artists opportunities to create - with eyes wide open.
by Julia Lank
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