Phantasmagoria;
or Let Us Seek Death!
La Mama
October 29, 2016
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| Photo courtesy of LaMama |
Phantasmagoria;
or Let us seek Death! is a haunting way to celebrate Halloween.
Playing at LaMama through November 6, the show explores the creative
mind of Mary Shelley as she focuses the challenges and experiences of her life
into her masterpiece Frankenstein.
In
Act I the ensemble sets up an atmosphere of artistic freedom and sexual
promiscuity as they portray the lives of Mary Shelley (played by Jane Bradley),
Claire Clairmont (played by Katie Melby), Percy Shelley (played by Demetrius
Stewart), Lord Byron (played by Equiano), and Doctor Polidori (played by Andrew
Lynch). The play gets dark in Act II as
Mary Shelley’s character from her classic novel envelopes her thoughts and
takes over the stage. The team of
Randolph Curtis Rand (director) and Chana Porter (playwright) have a strong
passion and deep understanding of this history and material. The puppetry, by Benjamin Stuber, creates a
sense of mystery and terror.
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| Jane Bradley & Demetrius Stewart Photo courtesy of La Mama |
Jane
Bradley is charming and light hearted as Mary Shelley in Act I, then grim and
brooding as the voice of the monster in Act II.
Her vocal authority is mesmerizing.
Every gesture and detail of her characterization draws you in to a deeper
sense of consciousness. Demetrius
Stewart is easy going and irresponsible as Percy Shelley, then haunted and
distraught as Victor Frankenstein.
Equiano is bold and brazen as Lord Byron, commanding and manipulating
the lives and emotions of those around him.
This
production offers a psychological insight into the life of Mary Shelley. The dichotomy of her thoughts and experiences
are explored. The potent affect this has
on her creative writing is brought to light.
It brings great understanding as to why Frankenstein is a classic work with many levels that continue to both
frighten and amuse.
Domenick Danza
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