Blue Apple stages Frankenstein in Rome for the Keats-Shelley 200 bicentenary campaign 2020-2022

The #Keats-Shelley 200 campaign marks the 200th anniversary of the deaths of the Romantic poets, John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, and focuses on the final years of the lives of both poets with events both in the UK and in Italy.  Events celebrate the poets’ extraordinary legacies as well as looking to the future. The next event is the presentation of Frankenstein by a UK theatre company who stage ambitious productions for actors with learning disabilities. Blue Apple Theatre will present their interpretation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at the St Stephen’s School Lyceum in Rome on 15 and 16 October.  The traditional story is viewed through the lens of real outsiders who, like Frankenstein, are often not treated compassionately by society.

Blue Apple’s Artistic Director Richard Conlon said:

"The story of The Creature dragged back from the afterlife, only to be abandoned by his creator, speaks about the big themes of isolation and exclusion, a central character who is treated as less-than human, made to be monstrous when he is arguably a victim. Written in 1816, this story still has a lot to tell us.

Blue Apple’s interpretation of Frankenstein is both faithful and original, going back to the source material and beyond it. There will be no bolts through the neck in our version but do of course expect the unexpected.”

After first being presented in the UK in 2021 with a hybrid live/recorded production, combining a small stage cast and externally filmed footage to address the restraints of the Covid pandemic, Frankenstein is being brought back to life in Rome for the Keats-Shelley 200 campaign.

A cast of six on stage - and many others recorded - show this tale from a very particular angle; this is the ultimate ‘outsider’ narrative told by a cast made up of people traditionally kept ‘outside’ of society. Blue Apple's adaptation puts its faith in the genius of Mary Shelley and goes right back to the source for this timely version.

Debbie Hodges from the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association, said:

“The production of the Blue Apple Frankenstein in Rome in mid-October marks the grande finale of a programme of activities and events put in place to commemorate the bicentenaries of the births of the English romantic poets, John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. 

The collaboration with the Blue Apple Theatre is a new departure for the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association and we are proud to offer our support to this remarkable organisation which offers opportunities and life skills to young people with a range of learning disabilities.  The first performances of this adaption of Mary Shelley's masterpiece were held at the Theatre Royal in Winchester in the summer of 2021, at a time when the pandemic had caused endless disruption to the performing arts.  However, Frankenstein not only came through triumphantly, but was an outstanding example of professionalism and commitment.

We hope that there will be further opportunities to work together.”

Frankenstein will be presented in two performances at St Stephen’s School, Via Aventina 3, 00153 Rome, Italy on Saturday 15 at 7pm and Sunday 16 at 2pm. Tickets are free but please book in advance.

Booking details

Tickets: Free | Donations welcome

Book 15 October at https://conta.cc/3RPkcmY

Book 16 October at https://conta.cc/3LdJt81Co