BTEC Performing Arts pupils went to see Frantic Assembly's 'Metamorphosis'...
It is always a pleasure to take the pupils to Bristol Old Vic and this week was no different. It is a superb venue to see live theatre, where history meets innovation. On Thursday 18th January, the BTEC Performing Arts pupils went to see the latest new commission by Frantic Assembly, collaborating with Lemn Sissay OBE on a new version of Metamorphosis. I studied and performed the play in L6th sticking close to the Berkoff adaptation, and so I could not miss the opportunity to take the pupils to see this new production on tour. Frantic Assembly are a recommended practitioner for the BTEC course and so to get firsthand experience of their live shows is hugely beneficial to both the pupils practical and written work.
The adaptation maintained the core themes of Kafka’s original story, but presented them for a 2024 audience, using language, structure and production elements. That being said, it was still a challenging watch, with the content thought-provoking, and the lights and sound assaulting the senses. There certainly will be much to analyse over the next few lessons. The minibus was a hive of discussion and opinion on the return journey, and for me, that is an indicator of a successful trip to the theatre!
“One morning Gregor Samsa awakes to find himself changed. To those around him he is dangerous, untouchable vermin. Worse than that, he is a burden. A word said, an action out of place, the opening of old wounds, none of which can be undone. Until now Gregor has woken every morning, quietly left to take the same train, and worked to pay off the family debt. But that world explodes on this morning of brutal metamorphosis.”
“Combining the fluidity and lyricism of Lemn Sissay’s adaptation and Frantic’s uncompromising physicality, this promises to be an unmissable retelling of Franz Kafka’s shocking tale of cruelty and kindness; a visceral and vital depiction of humans struggling within a system that crushes them under its heel.”
“I think it was definitely enjoyable”
“It was an eye-opening experience”
Will Stainton - Head of Performing Arts