And Lightning Struck

by Robert Weibezahl

WINNER, 2020 Quarantine Playwriting Competition, Grand Theatre, Cartersville, Georgia
Published by Next Stage Press

FULL-LENGTH. "And Lightning Struck: Mary Shelley and the Curse of Creation" is an atmospheric historical drama that delves into the intimate life of Mary Shelley, the writer of "Frankenstein." It is a story about Mary herself—not an adaptation of "Frankenstein," but rather the story of how this...

WINNER, 2020 Quarantine Playwriting Competition, Grand Theatre, Cartersville, Georgia
Published by Next Stage Press

FULL-LENGTH. "And Lightning Struck: Mary Shelley and the Curse of Creation" is an atmospheric historical drama that delves into the intimate life of Mary Shelley, the writer of "Frankenstein." It is a story about Mary herself—not an adaptation of "Frankenstein," but rather the story of how this literary genius came to write it. Mary Godwin Shelley was only eighteen years old when she first “gave birth” to her classic story and the creature at the heart of it. Along with her husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and their friends, including Lord Byron, Mary was part of group of freethinkers who lived life by their own rules, often provoking scandal. But tragedy dogged Mary Shelley’s life—her mother died when she was born, all but one of her children died as children, and by age twenty-five she was already a widow.

"And Lightning Struck" begins in 1831 as a publisher asks Mary to write a new introduction to a new edition of "Frankenstein." As she reluctantly tells him the fascinating story of how she came to create this classic tale during a ghost storytelling contest, she tries to puzzle out the source of her own genius. As the action unfolds, the play re-imagines this incredible true story as the older Mary looks back on her life and is visited by the ghosts of memory—including her husband, her father William Godwin, her stepsister Claire Clairmont, Lord Byron, the doctor–poet John Polidori, and, of course, the fictional Victor Frankenstein and the "creature" he/she created.

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And Lightning Struck

Recommended by

  • Bruce Karp: And Lightning Struck

    Author Weibezahl has written a richly poetic and erudite play about how famed writer Mary Shelley was inspired to write the story of "Frankenstein." Though he writes in his notes that his story is a fiction, it rings true. An imaginative and highly theatrical play, with juicy parts for several actors, it's not surprising that it is also an award winner.

    Author Weibezahl has written a richly poetic and erudite play about how famed writer Mary Shelley was inspired to write the story of "Frankenstein." Though he writes in his notes that his story is a fiction, it rings true. An imaginative and highly theatrical play, with juicy parts for several actors, it's not surprising that it is also an award winner.

  • Kim E. Ruyle: And Lightning Struck

    And Lightning Struck is the amazing story of Mary Shelley’s early life and the creation of Victor Frankenstein and his “monster.” Weibezahl weaves a rich tapestry in the theatrical telling of the story. The vivid language reveals the depth of Shelley’s suffering, her personal tragedies, and the brightness of her genius. It’s a poignant, heart-wrenching story. Her bond with the Creature is palpable and complex. After reading this play, you will never regard Frankenstein’s monster in the same way.

    And Lightning Struck is the amazing story of Mary Shelley’s early life and the creation of Victor Frankenstein and his “monster.” Weibezahl weaves a rich tapestry in the theatrical telling of the story. The vivid language reveals the depth of Shelley’s suffering, her personal tragedies, and the brightness of her genius. It’s a poignant, heart-wrenching story. Her bond with the Creature is palpable and complex. After reading this play, you will never regard Frankenstein’s monster in the same way.

  • Ky Weeks: And Lightning Struck

    Poetic and emotional. Key people and events from Mary Shelley's life swirl around and shape her past, which is every bit as gothic and haunting as her own work, building up to the famous creation of the work itself. This adaptation makes full use of the theme of a creator whose work has taken a life of its own, and the writing blends well with the romantic language used by the famous figures who tell this story.

    Poetic and emotional. Key people and events from Mary Shelley's life swirl around and shape her past, which is every bit as gothic and haunting as her own work, building up to the famous creation of the work itself. This adaptation makes full use of the theme of a creator whose work has taken a life of its own, and the writing blends well with the romantic language used by the famous figures who tell this story.

View all 5 recommendations

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Theatre on the Ridge, Paradise, CA, Year 2024
  • Type Workshop, Organization Lit Live, Simi Valley, California, Year 2017

Awards

  • 2020 Quarantine Playwriting Competition
    Grand Theatre, Cartersville, Georgia
    Winner
    2020