Frankenstein at Algonquin Theatre: Technical virtuosity outshines the performances
Photo: Andrew Alexander Early on in this Algonquin production of playwright Aldo Nolan’s version of Frankenstein, first performed in 1974 in collaboration with director Walter Learning, director Zach Counsil, shows us the Creature lying on the floor, bathed in David Magladry’s powerful chiaroscuro lighting effects. Played by Evan Gilmore, the creature trembles, he slowly tries to raise his body, he collapses, tries to stand up, his legs give way as he tries again, ultimately drawing himself up in the semi-darkness, showing us he can limp, then walk. This scene sent me back to the opening moments of the recent National Theatre Live production that we saw via satellite in Ottawa about two years ago. Counsil apparently added this silent development of the creature which was necessary and very effective. It created an appropriate transition between the moment Victor Frankenstein’s creation comes to life and the following scenes where he is running away because people, terrified of this repulsive looking individual are hunting him down to kill him.