Synetic Theater's Frankenstein Reimagines Classic Tale in Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland

Synetic Theater brings Mary Shelley's gothic masterpiece to life in a visceral new way with their production of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, now running through November 23, 2025, at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington. This bold reimagining transforms the familiar tale of hubris and creation into a post-apocalyptic myth that pulses with raw theatrical power.

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus presented by Synetic Theater

Rather than the candlelit laboratories and Victorian drawing rooms of Shelley's original novel, Synetic's adaptation unfolds in a barren, storm-ravaged wasteland at humanity's end. The production takes its inspiration from both Shelley's subtitle and the Greek myth of Prometheus, the titan who defied the gods by stealing fire to give to humanity. In this version, the familiar Dr. Victor Frankenstein becomes Prometheus himself, played by Alex Mills, who leads a band of survivors scavenging remnants of a former world amid black mountains and grey skies.

The story begins with a rare moment of joy as Prometheus and his wife Gaia, portrayed by Maryam Najafzada, chase each other playfully while carrying their swaddled infant. This happiness proves fleeting when a violent storm ravages their tribal community, killing nearly everyone and leaving Gaia blinded and driven mad with grief, clutching an empty blanket. Driven by the will to survive and perhaps his own descent into madness, Prometheus scales the mountain where Fire, played by Philip Fletcher, guards the vital resource that Zeus has concealed from humanity. Through a frenzied battle, Prometheus steals the flame and uses it to create his Creature.

The Creature, brought to life by Vato Tsikurishvili in a performance that contorts the body in nightmarish ways, awakens with the innocence and naiveté of a child. Unaware of his impressive strength and frightening appearance, he seeks companionship but finds only rejection, including from his own creator who recoils in horror at what he has made. What follows is a raw journey through cruelty and vengeance that honors the classic plot points of the Frankenstein story while introducing new angles and unexpected twists, including an undead army that adds fresh depth to the familiar narrative.

Directed by Paata Tsikurishvili and choreographed by Irina Tsikurishvili, the production exemplifies Synetic's signature movement-based performance style, which combines dance, acrobatics, pantomime, and music. The company, founded in 2001 by the Tsikurishvilis and other Georgian immigrants, tells its stories primarily through physical expression rather than dialogue, making the technical elements crucial to the storytelling. Phil Charlwood's scenic design transforms the stage into a dystopian landscape of jagged, menacing rocky cliffs, while Erik Teague's costumes outfit the performers in tattered animal skins and grimy rags that reinforce the atmosphere of a world in collapse.

The choreography creates striking contrasts throughout the evening. Early scenes show villagers leaping and chasing each other among rock formations, turning one into a slide for playful rolls, while later Prometheus unearths the deceased for a spellbinding dance of death featuring performers in chilling masks. The creation of the Creature through the magic of fire and a powerful storm stands as one of the production's most memorable sequences, with Tsikurishvili's physical power and gestural precision capturing everything from childlike delight to explosive rage. The story builds to a magnificent pas de deux that combines grace with powerful acrobatics, expressing a novel twist on the familiar tale.

The production features additional ensemble members Tony Amante, Stella Bunch, Natan-Maël Gray, Liam Klopfenstein, and Kaitlyn Shifflett, all contributing to the show's commanding presence. Nathan Weinberger, a founding company member and resident dramaturg since 2005, created the adaptation that weaves Greek mythology throughout the Frankenstein narrative. Konstantine Lortkipanidze, assisted by Aaron Kan, provides both original composition and sound design, while Brian S. Allard's lighting design uses masterful techniques and intricate shadow-work to fuel the story's visual impact.

Running approximately 95 minutes with no intermission, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus offers audiences a meditation on grief, hubris, and what it means to create life when the world has collapsed. The production asks not only what it means to bring life into being, but what kind of life is worth creating, questions that resonate beyond the post-apocalyptic setting. At its culmination, the piece leaves audiences contemplating what happens when creation cannot be controlled, a theme that feels particularly relevant in our current age.

Performances continue through November 23 with shows Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, Saturday matinees at 1:30 pm, and Sunday matinees at 3:00 pm. Tickets range from $35 to $65 and are available through Synetic Theater's website. The production includes parental guidance advisories for young children, as the company describes this as both an intimate and epic experience that transforms Mary Shelley's classic into a myth forged in real time through rhythm, ritual, and elemental force.