FRANKENSTEIN; OR A MODERN PROMETHEUS

by Zoe Senese-Grossberg

Victor Frankenstein is on the run from himself. Tormented by desires for his fiancé and best friend and terrified of the weakness of his vessel, he resolves to build a new body: something that will surely be better, stronger, and purer than humanity. This tight, erotically charged story theater adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic novel is to be performed by 4 actors and scored by live electric guitar.

Victor Frankenstein is on the run from himself. Tormented by desires for his fiancé and best friend and terrified of the weakness of his vessel, he resolves to build a new body: something that will surely be better, stronger, and purer than humanity. This tight, erotically charged story theater adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic novel is to be performed by 4 actors and scored by live electric guitar.

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FRANKENSTEIN; OR A MODERN PROMETHEUS

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: FRANKENSTEIN; OR A MODERN PROMETHEUS by Zoe Senese-Grossberg
    “

    This play is the work of art based Mary Shelly's Gothic classic that really made me see the humanity in this story. This play focuses less on the creation of the monster and more on the rationale behind what Victor does and how it impacts others. This is a play full of yearning in both the straight and queer variety. It's a play that looks at what happens when those we care about change. It's also a play about how toxic shame can be. This play is a great way for actors to experiment and make bold choices.

    This play is the work of art based Mary Shelly's Gothic classic that really made me see the humanity in this story. This play focuses less on the creation of the monster and more on the rationale behind what Victor does and how it impacts others. This is a play full of yearning in both the straight and queer variety. It's a play that looks at what happens when those we care about change. It's also a play about how toxic shame can be. This play is a great way for actors to experiment and make bold choices.

    ”

Character Information

This play is to be performed with racially diverse and gender expansive casting. In the original production all but the Creature were portrayed by actors of trans experience.
  • Victor Frankenstein
    Our tortured narrator, a brilliant scientist who wishes to learn and conquer the secrets of the universe but is disgusted and terrified by his own humanity
  • The Creature
    The monster, a reflection of Victor’s most terrifying desires, desperate to be loved and terrified of being alone, a child in terms of morality
  • Elizabeth Lavenza
    Victor’s foster sister, artistic and sensitive, struggling against the confines of her position, also plays Caroline, Waldman, Agathe, and Justine
  • Henry Clerval
    Victor’s best friend, a poet and a Merchant’s son, truthful and sure in his desires, his heart lives on his sleeve, also plays Walton, Alphonse, Krempe, and Felix

Production History

  • Professional, The Firebird Project, 2025