THIS year is the 200th anniversary of Frankenstein. Shelley Theatre in Bournemouth hosts a modern interpretation of this classic tale on Friday and Saturday.

Show director Charmaine K Parkin, said it represents SISATA’s most experimental classic adaptation to date: “Shelley Theatre has played a huge role in my own creative journey. I have been actively involved since the theatre was introduced back to the community. It is important to preserve the Shelley legacy.

“Last year we performed an adaptation of Othello and always want to push what we do, as well as the audience.”

With a modern performance, there is still sensitivity to the main themes people have read since 1818. Charmaine explained: “We have taken away the green monster. Although it is iconic, it is not the most important aspect of the novel. However, ‘the play’ draws from the challenges of motherhood, miscarriage and infantile loss Mary Shelley faced in her own life. Our main character is now in superhuman form, almost angel-like.”

The role of Dr. Frankenstein is being played by Neelam Parmar. “I loved the concept of what Charmaine was looking to achieve. Pushing boundaries with gender politics and addressing identity in society, is a brave topic to explore.”

Charmaine added: “To celebrate 200 years in a place of such resonance, adds a sense of occasion. Our production will resonate with a modern audience because like the original, it explores contemporary issues in a fictional context.”