By Katherine Abissi

Widener University recently welcomed in the spooky season by hosting Lightbooth Blackout’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The production, which was adapted by director Dave Ebersole, was thrilling and spectacular, featuring glorious performances from the actors and the crew. The play takes on the unique interpretation of Victor Frankenstein being the monster not his creation. The theme of what makes a monster is visually represented as Victor Frankenstein (Thomas-Robert Irvin) being more physically imposing compared to his creation (Nolan Maher). The adaptation leaves the audience with questions about human morality and what determines a monster.

Frankenstein is a gothic novel written by Mary Shelley in 1818. Shelley originally drafted the story in 1816 when she was only 18. Due to the time period, Shelley published the story anonymously; however, she eventually received credit for her work in 1831. Since then, Shelley’s story has become a gothic classic enjoyed by many, especially for the Halloween season. Shelley’s characters have been featured in a plethora of modern media: countless movie adaptations, the TV show The Munsters, and even songs such as Alice Cooper’s “Feed My Frankenstein.” In 2017, the movie Mary Shelley was made about the author’s marriage and life. Shelley has been praised for her work and has had a clear influence on the horror genre. Mary Shelley’s novel will forever live on in all the interpretations and adaptions. In each new interpretation, creators bring to life Mary Shelley’s words: “beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.” The gothic novel Frankenstein will endure through the unique and bold writing of new creators.