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“What’s everyone so afraid of?”
The names are haunting. You recognize several, but you quickly realize that you should know them all. The age of each one on the list. Who they were to their brothers, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and friends. And how they were viewed by others who knew and loved them before their lives ended in senseless moments of violence and rage.
Read MoreLIFELINE’S CHILLING ‘FRANKENSTEIN’ EXPLORES MOUNTING GRIEF
Journey of acceptance… The all-consuming pain associated with death strikes suddenly and unexpectedly. There is no seeming end to the waves of dark feelings of loss and the profound grief, hanging like a cloud from moment to moment. Life going forward becomes a numbing journey of acceptance.
Powerful concept… Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric struggled to cope in the years following his father’s death over a decade ago. He learned that grief and depression feed on each other and, if ignored, have the capacity to irreversably change our lives. This powerful concept is at the flickering heart of Kauzlaric’s fascinating adaptation of the epic Mary Shelley novel “Frankenstein” now playing in a chilling world premiere directed by Paul S. Holmquest.
A child bride… Shelley’s tragic life experiences begin with her mother’s death eleven days after her birth. A child bride, she suffered the loss of two children, the suicide of a half-sister, and the drowning of her husband, leaving her alone to raise one remaining child just four years after the 1818 publication of her masterwork. She was 24.
Narrow divide… At the center of Kauzlaric’s searing study of the narrow divide between grief and fear is the brilliant and gripping narrative performance of Ann Sonneville in the role of Victoria. Alternating between melancholy and denial over the death of her father, Victoria resurrects his spirit and the Creature is born, poised for more rage, havoc and pain throughout this fast-paced and compelling thriller.
Mounting grief… Sonneville is alone as the audience enters, busy with her sketches and writings on Joe Schermoly’s imposing raked interior stage with multiple levels that support the action above and below ground. The story unfolds as the family first grieves the loss of Alphonse (a poignant and powerful turn for Chris Hainsworth). The evolution of designer Cynthia Von Orthal’s inspired Creature becomes the embodiment of Victoria’s mounting grief and the centerpiece of her harrowing emotional journey. The ensemble includes strong performances throughout including Rasika Ranganathan (Helena), Risha Tenae (Caroline), Ty Carter (Erich), Emily Ayre (Justine) and Trent Davis (William).
More to come… Lifeline Theatre’s production of “Frankenstein” is the first of several more to come commemorating the 200th anniversary of the publication of the Shelley classic. Lifeline, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Court Theatre and Manual Cinema, and Remy Bumppo Theatre Company will present FRANKENSTEIN: Unearthed on September 30, 2018. The event features a fascinating panel of creative and performing artists from each company to discuss the various intrepretations being staged during the 2018-19 season.
PHOTOS|Suzanne Plunkett
LIFELINE THEATRE
Presents
FRANKENSTEIN
through October 28th
6912 N Glenwood Avenue
(773)761-4477
WEBSITE
FRANKENSTEIN: Unearthed
For more reviews, visit: Theatre In Chicago