Critic’s Notebook: The stark relevance of NT Live’s ‘Frankenstein’
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There’s a reason Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” is a classic: the work offers a mirror for each generation to see its own frightening reflection in.
National Theatre Live’s broadcast of “Frankenstein” has been generating much excitement. The London production marks the return to the theater of Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle (“Slumdog Millionaire”) and stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, who are alternating the roles of the Creature and Victor Frankenstein.
But in a critic’s notebook, I consider a different source of contemporary interest: Shelley’s commentary on the limits and responsibilities of science — a subject that has taken on new urgency during the unfolding nuclear crisis in Japan.
To read the essay, click here.
Related:
Culture Watch: NT Live’s broadcasts of Danny Boyle’s ‘Frankenstein’
Critic’s notebook: National Theatre’s NT Live season screens big
-- Charles McNulty
