Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Directed and adapted by Gisli Örn Gardarsson and David Farr

This hugely acclaimed production of Kafka’s Metamorphosis by Icelandic theater collective Vesturport and the Lyric Hammersmith (U.K.) combines breathtaking physicality and daring aerial action as the recently transformed Gregor lithely negotiates a gravity-defying split level set.

Domestic tragedy, or metaphor for totalitarian brutality? Metamorphosis is a disturbing story–fantastic and horrific; surprisingly funny and extremely sad. It is about human nature, relationships between people, and reactions to extreme circumstances. There is a voice within the story–a voice which has been heard all over the world in many forms. The ordinary, unremarkable life of the Samsa family is turned upside down when their son, Gregor, the sole provider for the family, emerges one morning to find himself inexplicably transformed into a gigantic insect. His family’s feelings of revulsion turn to resentment with horrifying results.

The production’s stunning design keeps the insect permanently visible in a topsy-turvy upstairs room, contorting to the sounds of his family’s betrayal and swinging from the rafters, as in a veritable gymnasium. The aerial physicality that has become Gisli Örn Gardarsson’s trademark seems a match made in heaven for Kafka’s hellish creation. With evocative original music composed by world-renowned musician and lyricist Nick Cave and long-time collaborator Warren Ellis from The Bad Seeds, the music emphasizes Kafka’s dream-like vision and turns it into an electrifying reality. In English.

Part of Nordic Cool 2013.