November 4, 2009
Franz Kafka's classic short story from 1912, about a young man who awakens one morning only to discover he has been transformed into a giant insect, is given a fresh new lease of life in this student adaptation. A chilling, darkly humorous tale that seemed to predict the Nazi atrocities of the second world war in it's grim depiction of dehumanisation due to appearance, it is a powerful tale that is brilliantly recreated by the play's young cast and production team.
As well as boasting sterling performances from all four cast members, the play is also blessed with astounding sound effects. The audience are greeted with disorientating insect noises; this is merely a warm-up compared to what follows for the next 45 minutes or so! Matthew Monaghan is a truly outstanding Gregor; rather than a full-blown insect costume, the only sign of a transformation is a lascivious green tongue, which he waggles incessantly throughout the duration of the piece. An astonishingly physical performer, he flails, leaps and throws food around in a truly unsettling manner, to the point where you believe he may well be an insect!
Sarah Anson, who is blessed with a tremendous singing voice, turns in a wonderfully understated peformance as his sister, Gretch, whilst Richard O'Brien ( NOT of Crystal Maze/Rocky Horror fame!) and Harriet Tolkien are both equally impressive as Gregor's parents, Mr and Mrs Samsa. On this evidence, all four of these performers have bright futures in the world of acting. The stage setting, with the audience surrounding the set, is extremely innovative; credit must go to stage manager Olly Murphy for this impressive feat.
Metamorphosis is a triumph, the intimacy of The Burton Taylor Studio perfectly complementing the production. Recommended for all lovers of Kfka, theatre and the macabre. Don't miss this one!
As well as boasting sterling performances from all four cast members, the play is also blessed with astounding sound effects. The audience are greeted with disorientating insect noises; this is merely a warm-up compared to what follows for the next 45 minutes or so! Matthew Monaghan is a truly outstanding Gregor; rather than a full-blown insect costume, the only sign of a transformation is a lascivious green tongue, which he waggles incessantly throughout the duration of the piece. An astonishingly physical performer, he flails, leaps and throws food around in a truly unsettling manner, to the point where you believe he may well be an insect!
Sarah Anson, who is blessed with a tremendous singing voice, turns in a wonderfully understated peformance as his sister, Gretch, whilst Richard O'Brien ( NOT of Crystal Maze/Rocky Horror fame!) and Harriet Tolkien are both equally impressive as Gregor's parents, Mr and Mrs Samsa. On this evidence, all four of these performers have bright futures in the world of acting. The stage setting, with the audience surrounding the set, is extremely innovative; credit must go to stage manager Olly Murphy for this impressive feat.
Metamorphosis is a triumph, the intimacy of The Burton Taylor Studio perfectly complementing the production. Recommended for all lovers of Kfka, theatre and the macabre. Don't miss this one!