Monstress: A Technically Dazzling Yet Narratively Uneven Frankenstein Adaptation
Edmonton's Northern Light Theatre has brought a visually sumptuous adaptation of the Frankenstein tale to Vertigo Theatre with Monstress, a production that dazzles technically while revealing some significant narrative flaws in its execution.
Visual and Technical Brilliance
From the moment audiences enter the theatre, Monstress establishes itself as a technically superior production. The sets and costumes, designed by writer-director Trevor Schmidt, create a laboratory environment that feels both scientifically precise and gothically surreal. The centerpiece features an operating slab beneath a towering column constructed from scissors of various colors and sizes, creating a striking visual metaphor for the surgical creation at the story's heart.
The technical team elevates the production further with Larissa Poho's eerie lighting design that casts haunting shadows across the laboratory setting. Dave Clarke's atmospheric sound design completes the immersive experience, instantly transporting audiences into a world where science and monstrosity intersect. The use of dry ice effects through the central column adds a dramatic physicality to the moment of creation, while delivering the flowing gown that transforms the Body into a visible presence.
Narrative Challenges and Structural Issues
Despite its visual achievements, Monstress struggles with its narrative approach. Schmidt's text functions more as audiobook theatre than traditional dramatic storytelling, with Sydney Williams as the doctor essentially reading exposition directly to the audience for the first fifteen minutes while the Body lies motionless on the operating slab. This approach creates a significant pacing issue, delaying the dramatic payoff audiences anticipate from a Frankenstein adaptation.
The production sparks to life when Williams interacts with Julia Van Dam as the Body, who we learn is named Lydia Chartreuse. Their exchanges crackle with the energy and tension expected from such a classic tale of creation and responsibility. However, the narrative structure continues to present challenges throughout the performance.
Character Development and Missed Opportunities
A particularly problematic element involves the character of Mrs. Hyde, the housekeeper. Van Dam transforms into this character by draping herself in a black shroud, creating an interesting theatrical moment but limiting the character's impact. As a disembodied voice without visible reactions, Hyde fails to achieve the dramatic weight her role demands, despite delivering crucial plot information.
The production introduces compelling mysteries, including questions about Lydia's riding accident death and hints that something sinister accompanied her return from death. These elements create genuine intrigue, particularly when Lydia grabs a scissor and crawls toward the sleeping doctor at the first act's conclusion. However, this promising tension dissipates in the second act, replaced by a major reveal that many audience members anticipated, diminishing the dramatic impact.
Thematic Exploration and Performance Nuances
Throughout the production, the doctor repeatedly questions whether she represents the true monstress of the story. This thematic inquiry would carry greater weight if positioned at the narrative's conclusion rather than its beginning, allowing audiences to witness her treatment of Lydia across multiple relationships—as patient, creation, daughter, monster, prisoner, and even pet—before making their judgment.
Williams delivers a nuanced performance that hints at the mad scientist archetype without fully embracing its extremes. This restrained approach creates an interesting tension but may leave some audience members wanting more dramatic intensity from the central character driving this tale of creation and consequence.
A Production of Contrasts
Monstress ultimately presents as a production of striking contrasts: technically brilliant yet narratively uneven, visually stunning yet structurally flawed. The creative team has crafted a theatrical experience that demonstrates remarkable design achievement while revealing the challenges of adapting classic literature for the stage.
For Edmonton theatre enthusiasts, Monstress offers a visually rewarding experience that showcases local talent and ambitious production values. While the narrative execution may not fully satisfy all audience members, the technical achievements alone make this production worth experiencing for those interested in innovative stage design and atmospheric storytelling.
