TJC Theatre to take on the monstrous tale of ‘The Modern Prometheus’
The 2024-25 theatre season is underway with casting confirmation and rehearsals beginning for the first of two fall productions, “Frankenstein.”
Directed by TJC theatre professor Jacob Davis, the production is based on the 1818 gothic classic of the same name by Mary Shelley, which is credited as being the first science fiction novel. Both novel and production follow a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein as he sets out to create life. Davis provided insight into how this production plans to take on this monstrous tale.
“This particular version is looking more at, kind of focusing on the creature’s journey and how the creature becomes more and more human.” Davis said. “The closer he becomes from human, that it’s all the evilness of humanity that he kind of learns and imprints on him.”
The production is in its early stages, but the creative process and preparations have been ongoing for a year or so according to Davis. From the lighting and set design to costumes, the cast and crew are motivated to produce a show that audiences will enjoy.
“There’s always challenges, but that’s the fun of theatre, is finding a way to communicate this effectively to the audience,” Davis said. “So the biggest thing for me is, we’re in this space, which is pretty large, and there’s some very intimate moments that are dealing with raw humanity. And so how to communicate that in such a large space?”
The second fall production titled, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” is another show to look forward to. It was written and developed by Theatre Facilities Director Ethan Beam, and is heavily inspired by the medieval poem.
“He wrote this play last year and had a reading, and he developed it further this summer,” Davis said. “He’s going to use a lot of puppetry and stuff. It should be really fun.”
This project speaks to both Davis’ role as a creative, and that of a professor.
“For me, it’s like I have these visions in my head of what it looks like, and it’s so perfect in my head. So to see how that comes about; how it’s going to change, because it won’t be exactly what’s in my head. That’s the most rewarding process.” Davis said. “And then also being here at this, you know, an educational institution is seeing kids grow and change and fall in love with things that maybe they didn’t know that they would fall in love with.”
Whether you’re a fan of classic literature, or simply in search of a theatrical experience, “Frankenstein” is set to deliver a memorable performance.
The show runs Oct. 9-12 in the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center.
“It’s free for students. Come watch.” Davis said. “You won’t be disappointed.”
For more information on showtimes and to reserve tickets, visit the TJC Theatre’s website at www.tjc.edu/theatre.
