Arts:Blog

Festival Review: Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster ***

Michael Cox reviews 'a thrilling hour of music, sound effects and theatricality'.

Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster is literally a different monster than anything else at the Traverse this Fringe: a beatbox showcase by the BAC Beatbox Academy that takes aspects of Mary Shelly’s classic tale but is more about the live vocal talents than the dramaturgical.

Six performers take the themes of the story and juxtapose them with modern life, resulting in a thrilling hour of music, sound effects and theatricality. The performers—Aminita, Glitch, WIZ-RD, Native the Cr8ive, ABH and Grove—have a brilliant interplay with each other that gives an infectious vibe, creating a collection of moments that are at times hilarious and other times awe-inspiring and incredible.

Those looking for a fresh retelling of Shelly’s seminal tale may come away disappointed, but those looking for a fresh impressive celebration of live performance and music will find plenty to love about this production.

Performs in repertory at the Traverse until August 25. Check the venue for specific times.