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Feature article
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‘Frankenstein’ comes to life on Barter’s main stage
By Leigh Ann Laube
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‘Frankenstein’ reemerges after 11-year absence on Barter stage
The last time Nicholas Piper appeared in Barter Theatre’s production of “Frankenstein,” he played the role of Henry, Victor Frankenstein’s best friend.
This time, Piper will play Creature, and his inspiration comes from his newborn daughter.
Cast in the role by Richard Rose, Barter’s producing artistic director who adapted and directs the production, Piper said he’s happy with the decision.
“The thing that’s nice about it is that I would probably never think of myself in this role ... but I have found myself connected to this role in a way I never thought I would be,” Piper said. “It’s just come along at a right time in my life. I’m a new father. I have a 3-month-old baby. I’ve watched her to get inspiration for this role.”
Straight from Mary Shelley’s beloved novel, Rose’s adaptation tells the tale of the experimental creature brought to life in “Frankenstein,” opening at Barter on Friday.
When Victor Frankenstein becomes obsessed with scientifically creating human life in his laboratory, the birth of his creature leads to the death of all he holds dear. Moving, frightening yet humorous, this audience favorite is a haunting examination of what it means to be human and what happens when man plays God.
“Frankenstein” is filled with gothic horror, adventure, romance, science fiction and a riveting story of the struggle between a father and his son (the creator and his creation). Shelley’s “Frankenstein” has been one of the most widely read and most frequently adapted novels of all time. Barter’s production will closely follow Shelley’s novel as it explores the power of creation and death, the need to be loved and the scientific discoveries that changed the world of possibility.
“The story in a lot of ways is timeless. As with all the great kinds of horror stories, it works on a number of levels,” Piper said. “It’s a great scary story, but also it has enduring themes — life and death issues, the creation of life, responsibility to the life you created. It’s a work that lasts and that you connect with.”
It’s been more than a decade since “Frankenstein” appeared on the Barter stage. When first presented in 1998, Rose’s “Frankenstein” was selected as one of the 10 best new plays in American regional theater.
Piper’s Creature — purposely not called a monster — isn’t like the Herman Munster Frankenstein with bolts in his neck.
“I think people who have seen more contemporary versions will recognize this creature,” Piper said. “It’s a creature, not a monster. This is something who is created and then because of the way he is treated by his creator, by society, he does monstrous things because that’s what he’s taught from the moment he’s born.”
Along with Piper, the cast includes Ezra Colón as Victor Frankenstein, Hannah Ingram as Elizabeth, Victor’s love; and Nathan Whitmer as Henry. “Frankenstein” also will feature Tricia Matthews, Eugene Wolf, Jasper McGruder, Lea S. Anderson, Taprena Augustine, Dayna J. Dantzler, Bryan Pridgen, Carrie Smith and Emelie Faith Thompson. Five local children will play the younger characters in this production — Mchale Parrish, Lily Brock, Logan Fritz, Madison Lawson and Matthew Torbett.
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“Frankenstein”
WHEN: Sept. 25-Nov. 14
WHERE: Barter Theatre, Abingdon, Va.
COST: $28, $32, $36 for adults; $17 for children
CONTACT: 276-628-3991, bartertheatre.com
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