Liam Gay performing as Victor Frankenstein (credit: Melodie Yvonne)
// Words: Madelyn Thomas
This past November, Purdue Theatre presented an immersive production of Mary Shelley Presents: Frankenstein, story by Quetta Carpenter and directed by Claire Mason. The production transformed the first floor of Pao Hall into a haunting exploration of the classic story, with audiences guided through seven scenes by Mary Shelley herself. This unique format broke the boundaries of traditional theatre, giving audiences an active role in the storytelling as they moved through the atmospheric settings. Themes of creation, alienation, and responsibility came alive in this experience, pulling audiences into Victor Frankenstein’s morally fraught journey.
This particular production showcased the talents of four PMO students: Liam Gay (Purdue Varsity Glee Club) portrayed Victor Frankenstein in “The Operating Theatre” scene (pictured above); Sydney Studer (Purduettes) played Caroline Frankenstein in “The Garden” scene (opposite page, left); Madelyn Thomas (Heart & Soul) served on the Dramaturgy Team; Kessid Wicker (Purdue Varsity Glee Club) contributed as part of the Scenic Construction Crew.
For Liam Gay, stepping into the role of Victor Frankenstein was both challenging and a thrill. “The most rewarding part was probably the closeness to the audience,” Gay said.
“Seeing the excited faces and getting those little moments of eye contact and acknowledgement with family and friends was so much fun.” Drawing from Mary Shelley’s original text and the 1931 adaptation, Gay emphasized Victor’s inexperience, anxiety, and obsession, helping audiences connect with the character’s moral complexity.
“The most rewarding part was how much extra time and effort went into making something more complex than your average theatre production. It was a labor of love and a great learning experience,” Sydney Studer said, reflecting on her role as Caroline Frankenstein.
“To portray [the character], I thought about notable mother figures in film and television and tried to reflect their tender, maternal nature. In rehearsal, we worked on troubleshooting with the audience, picking up on facial expressions, and knowing when people are willing or not willing to engage. By preview night, we all felt prepared for whatever might happen during a run.”
Behind the scenes, Kessid Wicker played an essential role in constructing elaborate sets. “It was super rewarding to watch the set start from nothing and finish with some really cool pieces that I helped build,” Wicker explained. Among his favorite creations was an intricate ship essential to the production’s design. “It has an old look to it, as Mary Shelley Presents: Frankenstein is set in the 18th century.” The unique structure of the show required a creative approach to set design, making Wicker’s contributions vital.
Productions like Mary Shelley Presents: Frankenstein exemplify the value of pursuing artistic outlets, particularly at a university renowned for its STEM focus. By participating in this ambitious project, PMO students demonstrated how engaging in the arts enriches the college experience and fosters personal growth. To learn about upcoming performances and more, visit www.purdue.edu/theatre.