SOCORRO, N.M. – The 200-year-old tale of Mary Shelley’s horror classic comes to life again, when the Aquila Theatre presents “Frankenstein” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, in a Performing Arts Series (PAS) event.

The terrifying story of Swiss scientist Victor Frankenstein, who creates an artificial human, is both entertaining and thought-provoking as it explores the themes of empathy, what it means to be human, and the desolation of isolation.

“Even though Mary Shelley wrote ‘Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus’ in 1818, the story of Frankenstein has never lost its mystery or appeal,” said PAS Director Ronna Kalish. “It fascinates people, especially as science explores issues such as artificial intelligence and cloning.”

Aquila Theatre’s production of this timeless classic will be bold and thrilling, while paying homage to Mary Shelley’s frightening tale. Adapted by Desiree Sanchez, director, and Peter Meineck, Frankenstein faithfully follows Shelley’s monster. The first film adaptation appeared in 1910, but the iconic version remains the 1931 version with Boris Karloff as The Creature.

Prior to the performance, Tech Club Macey will host its Schmooze, Booze and Bites from 6 – 7:30 pm, featuring “Waterways of the Tsar,” a photo journey through Russia with Dana Ulmer Scholle, presented in collaboration with the Association  of University Women (AAUW) Socorro chapter; “Frankenstein Reviver” cocktails and “Old European” homemade chicken pot pie casserole ($10 fee for non-members).

In the story, Victor Frankenstein is a Swiss scientist with a mission to create an artificial human. Without considering the consequences, he succeeds with terrifying results. After wandering the world alone and lonely, the monster eventually comes for Frankenstein’s family. Horrific events follow the doctor until he tentatively agrees to create a partner for the creature.

Ultimately, the doctor changes his mind in an effort to spare humanity, but for the remainder of his life bears the personal pain and penalties of that decision.

Two hundred years later, the tale of Frankenstein still poses critical ethical questions.

“On the one hand, technology has opened vast horizons in global communications, but people still struggle to understand one another,” Kalish said. “There seems to be a greater reliance on the tools of technology, at the risk of losing a sense of our own independence.”

The introductory scene of the play reflects an evening where Mary Shelley (Harriet Bellow), Percy Shelley (James Donovan), Lord Byron (Nicholas Charles), Byron’s personal doctor John Polidori (Jack Klaff), and Mary’s half-sister Claire Clairmont (Lily Donovan) playfully compete to see who among them can tell the best ghost story.

This incident ultimately led to Shelley’s completed novel, which made a sensation when first published anonymously in 1818, when the author was only 19.

Biographical note: In 1814, as Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, she met and had an affair with the Romantic poet Byron Bysshe Shelley, one of her father’s political followers, who was already married. Following the suicide of Shelley’s wife in 1816, he and Godwin married.

After the opening scene, the play closely follows the novel as it restores key scenes missing from the film versions. The audience sees the Monster crushed when the family he thought loved him inevitably rejected him, raising the question: What does Victor, as a parent, owe to the desperate and needy being he has created, who resorts to violence out of his overwhelming pain?

At times, Shelley’s language feels a bit dated in the modern setting. But this Frankenstein, from the “birth” of the Monster, to the terrifying conclusion, is an engrossing theater piece which asks vital questions about the essential nature of man, the advent of artificial intelligence, and the obligations of parenthood.

Another modern element is having a woman play the role of Dr. Walton, the scientist who becomes intrigued by the Monster, adds a note of female strength and empowerment to the Frankenstein story.

New York-based Aquila Theatre has been hailed by The New Yorker for its innovative staging of the classics. Founded in London in 1991, the company has a regular season of productions as well as a major annual national tour. Aquila provides extensive educational programming, and is known for its innovative humanities and arts-based public programs.

“The incredible stage design, lighting and costumes enhance the story and characterizations in this stage production of Frankenstein,” Kalish said. “The issues it raises are as timeless and complex as the human spirit.”

“PAS is proud to present this highly talented cast and crew in an intriguing and fascinating story,” said Kalish. “You won’t leave disappointed.”

Sponsors for Frankenstein are Associated Universities Inc. (National Radio Astronomy Observatory), Bejnar Family, the Student Government Association, WESTAF, Art Works/National Endowment for the Arts, and Holiday Inn Express.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for youths. N.M. Tech students will be admitted free with their student ID at the door, or can pick up one ticket each at the Tech Bookstore.

Tickets also can be purchased online at nmtpas.org; or at the following locations: PAS Office (835-5688), New Mexico Tech Cashier (Fidel Center, 2^nd Floor) and Sofia’s Kitchen.

– NMT –