SET DESIGN A large room with lots of windows Inside: a long bench and a large cage in one corner,

r, a cupboard at the opposite end of the room, several tables filled with vials and strange stuff, and a chair. A door PROPS

A large cage to hold the Monster A silver key that opens the Monsters cage A large white cloth A notebook A pen A long bench A cupboard A rock the size of a mans fist A piece of meat

COSTUMES Frankenstein: Simple shirt and breeches Monster: Simple breeches and a shirt. Both too small for him Thomas: Simple clothes that cover up as much skin as possible Clerval: Simple shirt and breeches although he is better dressed than Frankenstein LIGHTING/SOUND/SPECIAL EFFECTS A dim lighting at the start of the play to show that it is night time. Occasional lightning strikes lighting up the stage from time to time. The occasional rumble of thunder. Bright lighting similar to sunlight during one month later to show that it is late afternoon. This continues to darken throughout the play to show that it is becoming sunset. The faint outline/shadow of a man running into the forest at the end of the play A low, soft thud sound to show that the Monster has jumped out of the window I have chosen the set to look the way it is to clearly show that Frankenstein has been working on this project for a very long time. The props show what Frankenstein is doing with the Monster and that he wants to hide what he is doing. Frankensteins clothes show that he has sacrificed a lot in order to have money for this project. Thomass clothes show that he wants to hide his scars as much as possible. The lighting in this play is important because it shows the different times of the day that the events are taking place. The sound effects are important as well because then the audience can hear what is happening if they cant see it. CHARACTERS Frankenstein: A young man who has big dreams and believes his work will improve the world. Monster: A creature that just wants to be love and be loved. Thomas: A middle aged man who was severely burnt as a child in an accident. From then on, he sees life from a different perspective. Clerval: Frankensteins childhood friend. Realistic, he sometimes worries about his friend.

Caged
Frankensteins room. It has high, arched windows which overlook the mountains and forest. At the moment, it is raining outside. Rains hits the glass windows and thunder can occasionally be heard. Lightning lights up the room. Frankenstein is working on something on a long bench covered by a large white cloth. At that moment, Clerval walks in. Frankenstein: Any moment now Clerval: Frankenstein! What are you doing?! Frankenstein turns around and lets the large white cloth fall over the long bench. He is clearly trying to hide what he is doing. Frankenstein: Clerval! I appreciate you coming here but now is not the right time. Perhaps you could come back a little later? He tries to push Clerval towards the door but Clerval stands firmly in his spot. Clerval: No Frankenstein, youve been saying that for the past months! No one has seen you come out of this room and I am determined to find out why. He steps aside and towards the long bench. Frankenstein: [pleading] No Clerval, I beg you, dont. You will not understand! Clerval throws the large cloth away revealing the Monster (not yet alive). His skin is a sickly translucent yellow. His lips are black and there are scars all over his face. His black hair is matted and he wears simple breeches and a white shirt too small for him. Clerval: [Gasps, horrified] Frankenstein! What on earth are you doing?! Frankenstein: I can explain! Clerval: Explain what? Spending years inside this place alone just to create aa Monster?! Frankenstein: Sit and Ill explain. Clerval takes a seat and Frankenstein starts pacing around the room. Frankenstein: I want to create an angel, Clerval. An angel on Earth. Something no one has ever created before. Clerval: But why, Frankenstein? There is a clap of thunder. Frankenstein: Any moment now He hurries over to the bench and clips some wires to the Monster. Lightning flashes and the Monster sits up. Its eyes open and Frankenstein helps rip off the wires. The Monster roars and stands up. Frankenstein stands back to see what he has created. Frankenstein: No, no, no This is not what I wanted! Clerval: What have you done, Frankenstein?

Frankenstein quickly pushes a large cage to the side of the bench and pushes the Monster inside. He grabs a key from his pocket and locks the cage. The Monster is in the cage. He is shaking the bars with his hands and roaring with anger. Clerval: [Scared] What are you doing, Frankenstein I thought you wanted an angel? Frankenstein: [casually as he tucks the key into his pocket in truth, he is as scared as Clerval] Plans change, Clerval. You see, you may not know this but I do: experiments dont always go the way you want them to. Sometimes, you will have to change things. Change your original plan. Clerval: Then what are you going to do with it? Frankenstein: [ casually] Experiment on it. It is so different to humans, its quite fascinating. Clerval: [still shaking with fear ] Frankenstein! Youre mad! This gestures to the angry Monster. is not something you can experiment on. Itll kill us all, Victor! Frankenstein: [laughs] Its alright, Henri everything is fine. taps the cage This cage can hold almost anything! Watch confidently picks up a rock the size of his fist from a table nearby. He throws it at the cage it doesnt even rattle. The Monster flinches though and backs away. Clerval: [a little more reassured laughs nervously] Youre right, Frankenstein. Who was I to doubt you? There is a knock at the door Thomas: [from behind the door] Herr Frankenstein, are you in there? I heard some loud noises. Frankenstein: Yes, I am in turns to Clerval Give me a minute. Its my landladys brother. Turns back Coming Herr Liebermann! Walks over to the door and opens it slightly. We can see Thomas slightly. He looks middle aged and disfigured with burns and scars on his face and on almost any visible flesh. Thomas: May I come in, Herr Frankenstein? Frankenstein: [nervously] Of course, Herr Liebermann! Just give me a minute. The room is slightly cluttered. He looks back into his room. It is not at all messy so we know he is lying. Thomas: Of course, Herr Frankenstein. Take as long as you like. Frankenstein: [gratefully] Thank you closes the door He drapes a large cloth to cover the cage and pushes the cage to the side Clerval: [looks at him curiously] What are you doing? Frankenstein: [still pushing the cage] Dont ask questions! Just help! Clerval runs over and helps Frankenstein start pushing the cage to a far dark corner of the room. When the cage hits the wall, the Monster groans loudly

Frankenstein: Shh! grabs a slab of meat and throws it inside the cage the Monster stops groaning Thomas: [off stage] Herr Frankenstein? Are you alright? Frankenstein: Yes, everything is alright. Ill be there in just a minute turns to Clerval Pretend everything is normal. Clerval grabs a chair and sits down Frankenstein goes to answer the door. He invites Thomas in. We see that Thomas walks with a limp. Thomas: Good heavens Frankenstein, is everything all right? I heard a loud sound and groan! Frankenstein: Oh, that? I just so happened to move something and it fell on my foot Besides, how is your dear sister? Thomas: Oh, shes getting better but not by much Im afraid. Still sick and weak as before Clerval: Well, send her our condolences Thomas: I will [the Monster groans and makes a loud sound] What was that Herr Frankenstein? Frankenstein: Hmm? What was that? I didnt hear anything. Clerval: [agreeing] So didnt I Thomas: [insisting] Im quite sure I hear something, Herr Frankenstein and Herr Clerval. Frankenstein: It must have been the storm then, Herr Liebermann. Im quite sure that there is nothing. Thomas: Well, if you say so Frankenstein: [looks at his watch] Herr Liebermann! Its getting quite late! I think its best if you leave. Thomas: Of course, well, goodnight to you all. Thomas walks out of the room and closes the door behind him. Frankenstein: You know Clerval, sometimes; I think that its a good thing that Frau Liebermann is not here. Her incessant questions drive me mad! But then again, her brother is not much better Clerval: It runs in the family it seems. Speaking of her brother, what happened to him? Frankenstein: Oh, tragic accident, Clerval. Their parents had it all: wealth, success and three wellbehaved children: Elsa the eldest, Thomas the middle child and Dieter the youngest who was only a toddler when the accident happened. Clerval: What happened, Frankenstein?

Frankenstein: Well, one day, there was fire in the kitchen. The three children were playing a hide and seek game. Elsa was counting and Thomas and Dieter went to hide they hid in the kitchen. By the time the firefighters came. The house was nearly all burnt away and the kitchen doorway was blocked by some wood that had fell down. They found the parents in the bedroom and took them out. Then, they found Elsa in the living room and took her out. By the time they managed to access the kitchen, they found Thomas severely burnt and Dieter dead. Most of the servants died too. Clerval: Oh that is quite tragic Frankenstein: [agreeing] That is tragic. Looks at watch Clerval! Its getting quite late! Shouldnt you be getting home? Clerval looks at watch: Youre right. Its getting quite late. Gets up and walks to the door. Well, goodnight Frankenstein. Exits. Frankenstein walks over to the cage and pulls the cloth off. He inspects the Monster. He shakes his head. Frankenstein: No! This is not how I wanted it to be! I wanted an angel, something that everyone loved not a hideous Monster. The Monster whimpers. Frankenstein: Well, youre no use to the public but since youre already alive, I might as well use you. He picks up a notebook and a pen and reaches into the cage and pinches the Monster. The Monster yelps. Frankenstein: [while writing something down] Reacts to pain. Frankenstein picks up a stone and throws it at the Monster. The Monster grabs a bar on top and swings to the side. Frankenstein: [writes down something] Is quite agile. Frankenstein: [mumbling ] Fascinating, oh so fascinating. I MUST show this to Clerval Frankenstein: [yawns] Im going to bed Ill continue on you tomorrow. The Monster just sits down quietly. Frankenstein exits the stage.

1 Month Later
Frankenstein is walking around the cage and observing the Monster. The Monster is staring back at him with hatred. There is a knock at the door. Frankenstein: Come in! The door opens and Clerval enters the stage.

Frankenstein: Oh, its you, Clerval. Come here. I was just conducting some experiments on the Monster. Clerval: Is that what youve been doing for the past month, Frankenstein? Ive told you Frankenstein, that creature isnt something you should experiment on. It isnt safe. Frankenstein: Theres nothing for you to worry about, Clerval. Ive told you: its completely safe. Anyway, come here. I have some notes from the past month I want to show you. Clerval walks over cautiously. Frankenstein picks up the notebook and shows it to Clerval: You see, Clerval, for the past month, Ive been observing the Monster. Ive found out the Monster reacts to pain like a human, has emotions just like a human, has the intelligence of a human and the strength, agility and speed better than any humans. Clerval: [impressed] Impressive. Frankenstein: Oh, I almost forgot: the Monster is also a very quick learner. Its learnt quite a bit of human speech already. Watch this: Hello Monster. Monster: [cautiously] Hello, Frankenstein. Clerval: Its really clever. Say Frankenstein, why dont we get out of your study for a while? You havent been out of this place for months! Frankenstein: But I cant leave the Monster alone Clerval: Victor, you havent stepped a foot out of your study for months now and apart from Thomas and I, you havent had any contact with anyone else. Elizabeth is worried about you. William is worried about you. Your father is even more ill being worried about you. Victor, I beg you, just come out to town for some lunch with me. Just like old times. Besides, youve spent every single waking moment for the past month observing that creature. A couple of hours without it couldnt hurt. Frankenstein: Well, I supposed not Clerval: Please, Frankenstein. Though this room is large and you have everything you need, you cant stay in here forever. Frankenstein: [long pause he is thinking] Alright. I suppose a couple of hours couldnt hurt. I also need to get some new things for the Monster. Clerval: Well, come on then. Lets go. Frankenstein drapes the huge cloth over the Monsters cage and puts the clipboard down. The two exit the stage. We then hear someone quietly enter the room: we see that it is Thomas. He looks around curiously. Thomas: So what has that Frankenstein been trying to hide for the past month? Im quite sure all the loud noises I hear arent always from the storms. I should have believed Elsa when she said that he was a strange and mysterious fellow.

He looks around and his eyes fall on the huge cage containing the Monster. He quietly walks over to the cage and pulls the cloth off. He lets a loud gasp escape when he sees the Monster for the first time. Thomas: Its alive! Monster: [shrinks away] Yes, I am alive. Are you going to hurt me as well? Prod and poke me with a stick? Who are you! Thomas: [even more surprised but more scared than surprised now] It understands human speech as well! And I am Thomas Liebermann landlord. Monster: [still hiding in the far corner of the cage] Yes, I do understand human speech as well. I was made to be better than human: an angel on earth but turns out, I became an experiment gone wrong. A creature shunned by society. Thomas: [looks at the Monster curiously] How do you know that you are shunned by society? And what is your name? Monster: I do not have a name. I was labeled Monster the moment I was given life. And as to how I know I am shunned by society? My God told me so and I believe my God: he created me. Thomas: Who is your God? Monster: My creator: Victor Frankenstein. Thomas: You believe Victor Frankenstein is your God? And you dont need to be so anxious: I wont hurt you. Monster: [slowly coming towards Thomas] Yes, who else is my God? He created me. He gave me life. And why should I believe that you wont hurt me? Perhaps you should know better than Frankenstein or Clerval but maybe not after all, humans are all the same. Thomas: I wont hurt you because I know how it feels to be hated. Yes, some humans ARE shallow: they care only about looks but some are deeper than that. Not all humans are the same. Monster: They are not? Thomas: Yes, they are not. Its just your unfortunate luck to know a shallow one. Monster: Frankenstein isnt shallow. Hesdifferent. It is like he still doesnt believe Im part human. Like he believes Im something completely different without emotions although he knows that I have them. Thomas: I see I know I shouldnt pry but I just have to ask: are you happy? Monster: [shakes his head] Ignorant humans does it look like Im happy? Does it look like I want to be caged and experimented on? I want to be free. I see the birds outside the windows and I wish to be them. Even rats that live inside this laboratory seem happier than me.

Thomas: Sometimes, freedom comes with a cost Monster: It still must be better than being in here. Free me. Ill live in places no human can go to. Ill leave humans alone forever. Thomas: How do I know that you are telling the truth? Monster: Does it seem like I would lie about these kinds of things? All I want is freedom, Thomas Liebermann. Thomas: Alright, but where do I find the key? Monster: Across the room, there is a huge wooden cupboard. In the highest shelf, you should see a large silver key. Thomas walks across the room and towards the huge wooden cupboard. He looks into the highest shelf. Thomas: I cant seem to find it. Monster: [desperately] Look again! It must be there somewhere! Thomas: Ah! Found it! It was under this pile of paperwork He walks back to the Monsters cage and opens the cage door. The Monster steps outside. Thomas: Promise me that you wont harm anyone. Monster: I promise Ive found out not all humans are the same. Thomas: Yes, they are not. There are some voices in the distance. Now quick! I hear them coming back. The two quickly open a large window. The Monster leaps onto the ledge. He turns around. Monster: Thank you again for everything. Goodbye, Thomas Liebermann. Thomas: Goodbye I hope you lead a happier life. Monster: I will. He leaps off the ledge and onto the ground below. We hear a low and soft thud sound. Thomas quickly shuts the window and runs out of the room quietly closing the door. A few moments later, Frankenstein and Clerval enter the room. Frankenstein is shocked that the Monster is gone. Frankenstein: Good heavens, Clerval! I told you going for lunch was a bad idea! I leave this room for about an hour and look at what has happened! The Monsters gone! Clerval: No, its a good thing you werent here. You could have gotten killed if you were their while the Monster escaped.

Frankenstein: That is true but all those years of hard work! All those years gone to waste sinks into a chair. Oh Clerval There is a knock at the door and Thomas enters. Thomas: Is everything alright, Frankenstein? Frankenstein: Oh nothing, Thomas. Although, when Clerval and I werent in, did you see anyone enter my room? Thomas: No, I did not see anyone. He looks out of the window and we see the faint shadow of the Monster running into the forest. The lights dim.