Frankenstein on Stage: Galvanizing the Myth and Evolving the Creature

Abstract

In 2011 the National Theatre produced Frankenstein, a new adaptation written by Nick Dear and directed by Danny Boyle. The production was a huge success, despite that the story of Frankenstein is nearly two hundred years old. This thesis aims to explain why Frankenstein continues to intrigue audiences by examining the 2011 Frankenstein and understanding the history and mythology that have shaped it. A comparative analysis of several Frankenstein dramatizations demonstrates the establishment of recurring patterns in adaptations and the malleability of Mary Shelley's original story. Investigating the mythology of Frankenstein illustrates that the choices made by playwrights and screenwriters reflect cultural ideologies and social anxiety about the fear of progress. The 2011 production exemplifies the endurance and relevance of Frankenstein, clarifying why the story will continue to be dramatized for years to come.