Fringe review: Frankenstein – How to Make a Monster
Adelaide Fringe
A capella, beatbox, and themes such as modern technology and body dysmorphia are neatly stitched together in a scintillating show that breathes new life into Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. ★★★★ ½
A crew from the BAC Beatbox Academy at London’s Battersea Arts Centre have come all the way to the RCC with this original performance that showcases an artform which is often under-appreciated.
Boasting some of the United Kingdom’s top beatboxers, young vocalists and, of course, one of literature’s finest source materials, Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster is a brilliantly performed treat for the ears.
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Our hosts for the night go by the monikers of Aminita, Glitch, Wiz-RD, Native, ABH and Grove. In a breathtaking display of vocal power, the six perform every sound that you hear, taking a capella to extraordinary heights.
Wind rushing through trees, the human heartbeat, crickets, wood cracking and a particularly impressive rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On” are just some of the incredible sounds and musical interpretations.
The audience is taken not only an auditory rollercoaster, but a visual one as well, with choreographed dance playing an integral role throughout. It’s a display demonstrating both the performers’ raw talent and the results of what must be a lot of hard work to hone their craft.
Amid the pure spectacle of it all and the catchy, rhythmic tunes, How to Make a Monster cleverly explores topics like alienation, body dysmorphia and social media angst, to name a few.
Photo: Lara Cappelli
Weaving contemporary themes into a condensed retelling of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein – through the use of beatbox, no less – is an astonishing accomplishment and one that shouldn’t be missed at this year’s Adelaide Fringe.
Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster is playing in the Attic at RCC (University of Adelaide campus) until March 15.
See more InDaily Fringe and Festival stories and reviews here.
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