Metamorphosis

Björn Thors as Gregor. Photo Credit © Simon Kane.

Written in 1915, Franz Kafka's chilling novella Metamorphosis (translated from the German "Die Verwandlung" or “The Transformation”) is making a comeback in a newly staged version by British playwright and director David Farr (associate director of the Royal Shakespeare Company) and actor/director Gísli Örn Garðarsson of the Icelandic theatre company Vesturport. Now playing at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, this creative production features compelling performances and hauntingly beautiful music by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.

Metamorphosis tells the story of Gregor Samsa (played by Björn Thors), a travelling salesman who awakes one day to find he has transformed into a giant insect-like creature. Horrified by his changed appearance and the fact that they cannot understand him anymore, Gregor’s father Herman (Tom Mannion), mother Lucy (Edda Arnljótsdóttir), and sister Greta (Unnur Ösp Stefánsdóttir), soon go about their lives as if he no longer exists—only Greta visits his room with food and cleans up after him every day. As Gregor’s condition deteriorates, Greta's life blossoms, and the family’s hunger for social status grows stronger. When Herr Fischer (Víkingur Kristajánsson), a successful businessman with his eye on Greta turns up at their door looking for a room, the family is desperate to keep up appearances and will stop at nothing to impress the new lodger—even if it means sacrificing one of their own.

Exploring themes of alienation, indifference, cruelty and greed, Metamorphosis is a heartbreaking story with darkly satirical undertones. Gregor's buggish physicality is brilliantly represented in Thors' movements as he maneuvers around the house, hanging upside-down gripping strategically placed hand and foot holds. Complemented by Björn Helgason's lighting design, Börkur Jónsson's innovative set is remarkably versatile, opening up and flowering in the production's glorious final scene. An off-the-wall treat for Kafka fans. Don't miss it!

Metamorphosis runs until March 9 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.