by Michele Markarian

 

“Frankenstein” by Nick Dear. Based on the novel by Mary Shelley. Directed by David R. Gammons. Presented The Nora Theatre Company and Underground Railway Theater, Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave in Cambridge, through November 4.

 

Set or art installation? That’s what comes to mind when walking into the main stage of Central Square Theater, where “Frankenstein” is now playing. The set, designed by Cristina Todesco, is beautiful in its structure and design – red and silver, with two floors, and clear panels that open and close, like drawbridges. We see a man pace on the second floor, and on the first, a living, breathing, five bodied organism writhes.  Play or movement piece?, you may think as the creature breaks free, gasping and panting, going from a five bodied monster to a six bodied one, before reducing itself to three. It is a play, based on the book of the same name, but certainly one of the more visually stunning theatrical events I’ve seen in a while.

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