A transgender reimagining of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, critically acclaimed writer and performer, Kristen Smyth presents the Australian premiere of her debut solo theatre show, Cruel Britannia: After Frankenstein, in The Show Room – Arts Centre Melbourne, from 20 November 2024.
Set in the year of our Lord 1980: Maggie Thatcher’s Britain, Captain Walton is navigating a society in flux. She/he has been in a far-off world where there are bigots and racists and politicians who tell lies to your face and papers that say we’ve never had it so good.
The cost of living – well inflation IS running at 21.8% – but you are going to walk down this English suburban street and oh, there are skinheads coming and yes, you ARE wearing a dress.
Set against the backdrop of 80s club culture and hooliganism, Smyth offers a gritty, powerful, and revolutionary retelling of Frankenstein which questions who we call monsters and who we don’t.
“Shelley’s Frankenstein speaks to a narrative I think queer audiences will identify with. Abandonment, the drive for friendship, family disintegration and loyalty,” says Smyth.
Director Cohan leads a team of majority transgender and non-binary creatives to bring Smyth’s hauntingly poetic text to life.
Cruel Britannia: After Frankenstein
The Show Room – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 21 – 30 November 2024 (preview: 20 November)
Information and Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
Image: Kristen Smyth stars in Cruel Britannia: After Frankenstein – photo by Tom Noble Creative