Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis depicts a hard-working young man, Gregor Samsa, who is transformed into an insect after the pressure of work and supporting his family become too much. At first, Gregor is alarmed at being unable to operate his new body and go to work, while loneliness eventually drives him to insanity (“I liked hanging from the ceiling. I could rock backwards and forwards, and backwards and forwards”). 

Directed by Max Barton, Metamorphosis is a surrealist commentary on the nightmare of modernity. Gregor, played by Nick Ricketts, is suffering from ennui in a society that lacks empathy and drives self-interested greed. This world-weariness is attained through the mergence of Haines’s broken, monotonous speech and Kafka’s profound philosophising: “We’re always making casual acquaintances and before you have a chance to get to know them, you’re off again.”

A truly well directed piece, Metamorphosis is fluid, fast-paced, and exciting. Scenes switch from the tragedy of modernity into the realm of surrealism and insects, then into a dizzying circus-like nostalgia for the past; leaving the audience feeling exhilarated. Metamorphosis is executed brilliantly, creating a compelling theatrical performance that all can enjoy.