On Wednesday 22nd November, my drama classmates and I were lucky enough to have the opportunity to watch Frantic Assembly’s production of Metamorphosis ( a novella by Franz Kafka), with the script written by Lemn Sissay OBE.

 

The original novella, first published in 1915, spins the tragic and unsettling tale of Gregor Samsa, a fabric salesman who wakes up to discover that he has inexplicably transformed from a man into a giant insect. Exploring the themes of alienation and existentialism, this book (which for a time was banned by Soviet and Nazi regimes) had already been adapted into two plays. The first of these, by Steven Berkoff, first performed in 1969, utilised scaffolding.

 

 Frantic Assembly’s artistic director Scott Graham decided not to dress the character of Gregor as an insect, but instead focusing on his transformation from bread winner to burden, as it says on Frantic Assembly’s website, “One morning Gregor Samsa awakes to find himself changed. To those around him he is dangerous, untouchable vermin. Worse than that, he is a burden”. By keeping Gregor’s outward appearance human, it allows the audience to empathise with his character.

On Wednesday, I saw how well the set design, of a revolving room, with walls of cloth created a sense of dinginess, ever morphing situations and also helped to allow the character of Gregor to move around the space, making it easier for him to be portrayed as monstrous vermin.

 

The earlier adaptations of Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka both earnt 4 star reviews, making them famous, and even causing some to believe that it was Berkoff who originally wrote Metamorphosis. Whilst I believe many aspects of this brilliant production deserved as many stars, there were some confusing elements. One of my classmates, Georgia Pollard felt that whilst “It was a play that captured the audience, giving us an insight into the traumatic life of Gregor Samsa. The relationships and tension were perfect in exploring the alienation that comes with mental health issues, making it connect deeply with the audience”, “The relationship [between Gregor and his sister] was one that made me feel deeply disturbed and confused as to the playwright's intentions.”

 

This was a thought provoking and meaningful piece, that was certainly a joy to watch, despite a few confusing moments. I for one can’t wait to see what Frantic Assembly comes up with next!