Frankenstein
Frankenstein is a theatrical adaptation based on Mary Shelley's iconic novel, exploring profound themes of creation and humanity. The story centers around scientist Viktor Frankenstein, who, in a desperate bid to conquer the laws of life and death, manages to animate a being crafted from dead materials in his laboratory in Ingolstadt. However, the creature, initially a marvel, quickly becomes a source of horror for its creator. Abandoned and shunned, the nameless monster embarks on a relentless quest for acceptance and purpose, ultimately vowing vengeance against Frankenstein. This leads to a harrowing chase that intertwines the fates of creator and creation, culminating in tragedy and despair.
Mary Shelley, at the age of just 18, began writing Frankenstein during a summer of darkness in 1816, when a volcanic eruption had obscured the sun. Her novel, released under a pseudonym two years later, has since become a modern classic, inspiring numerous adaptations and regarded as the cornerstone of both horror and science fiction genres. It raises essential questions about humanity in an increasingly fast-paced world, scrutinizing the hubris of mankind amid societal alienation and personal disarray.
Director Philipp Arnold, alongside the ensemble and artificial intelligences, revisits this timeless tale, probing into our contemporary realities: What do we create? What are we made of? For what purposes do we exist?