The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has announced that it will be hosting the world premiere of Frankenstein, the newest production by shake & stir theatre co, from 14 October 2023 until 28 October 2023 inclusive. The adaptation is being brought to the stage by the Queensland-based company known for not only their other self-developed creations such as Jane Eyre, A Christmas Carol, and Dracula – but also their wide range of programs linked to Australian educational curriculums. This new production seeks to present Mary Shelley’s iconic tale, juxtaposing elements of creation and humanity, in an engaging large-scale theatrical form.
For those who have somehow never heard of Frankenstein, the story centers around Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist whose ambitions lead him to dabble in the creation of life by reanimating the dead. As he steps over the boundaries of ethics and scientific principles, he faces unintended consequences as his creation, an amalgamation of various body parts, turns into a monster. The creature, rejected by society, grapples with identity and belonging, eventually becoming a threat to his creator and those around him.
Nick Skubij, Co-Artistic Director of shake & stir theatre co and the director of “Frankenstein”, expressed enthusiasm for the adaptation, and notes its timeliness in the 2020s, sharing:
I am thrilled to be taking the helm of shake & stir’s adaptation of FRANKENSTEIN. Gothic fiction is a passion of the company, and Shelley’s groundbreaking novel, credited for both its gothic roots and for pioneering the science fiction genre, presents an excitingly monstrous challenge in mounting it for the stage
We have assembled a remarkable set of creatives, who, like our protagonist, will work together to assemble a monster of a production that will take the audience on an immersive journey into the mind of our brilliant, yet flawed, scientist.
With dynamic staging, innovative use of video and digital technology, a cast of incredible actors and a hauntingly evocative sound design, FRANKENSTEIN will truly come alive on stage.
It’s been fascinating to consider this incredible work dealing with themes of advancement, progress and pushing the limits of possibility alongside contemporary advances in AI technology today. The story could not be more relevant. Like Victor Frankenstein’s creation, AI is arguably neither good nor bad; it’s how its built and used that dictates its legacy.
Frankenstein’s monster is just that. A living, breathing ‘being’ far superior in capabilities than any natural human could ever be. But what are the consequences of using science to play God?
Additionally, QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas weighed in on the new production. He commanded shake & stir theatre co for consistently delivering innovative and engaging adaptations of literary works and expressed confidence that Frankenstein would follow in the footsteps of the company’s previous productions in terms of quality and creativity:
Without fail, shake & stir continues to create innovative, compelling and groundbreaking work with its storytelling and presentation. FRANKENSTEIN will be no exception.
We know from previous shake & stir productions, such as Jane Eyre, The Twits and A Christmas Carol, the company’s incredible attention to staging, script and storytelling which always results in a very memorable, immersive theatre experience for audiences.
QPAC has collaborated with the shake & stir team for more than 10 years and we are always proud to co-present work with them that engages diverse audiences and share exciting and captivating stories with an edge.
Tickets to see this new production of Frankenstein are now on-sale, and can be purchased either via the QPAC website, or by phoning their box office team on 136 246. Alternatively, if you are in the area, you can go in and speak with their box office team directly. Tickets are available at a flat base price of $89.00 excluding transaction fees, with concession prices set at $79.00 and youth tickets (Under 30) at $49.00. The show is being presented in the Playhouse, and will run for 1 hour and 40 minutes without interval.
