one4review | On 14, Aug 2024

I’m not massively familiar with the work of Franz Kafka, other than its reputation for the grim, oppressive and often paranoid tone which gave rise to the term “Kafkaesque”. I had, however, read his novelette The Metamorphosis, famous for its intensely memorable opening line “As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect”. And it only goes downhill for poor Gregor from that point onwards.

However this is not simply an adaptation of Kafka’s story but simply uses the adaptation to tell the story of Franz Kafka himself, indeed it’s bluntly stated that Metamorphosis is simply an attempt for Kafka to illustrate to his distant father how he views their relationship (a popular interpretation, though not one Kafka himself ever opined). The show begins by introducing Kafka himself, played by the wonderful Blake Du Bois who delivers a kaleidoscope performance as a man wracked by neuroses and paranoia while still giving him the depth and humanity of a full fledged character. Du Bois also puppeteers another Franz Kafka, who he often speaks through as he doesn’t have the self-confidence to talk himself.

If I had only one word to describe this show it would be “polished”. The work positively shines. The songs, the performances, the props, the choreography are all incredibly high calibre and there are absolutely no rough edges. The Kafka puppet itself (which is the only puppet in the show, despite what the title implies) was designed by a Sesame Street puppeteer and it shows. Everything just looks so professional, but it doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard. We were told that the music was provided by two live musicians who were behind a curtain and unseen throughout the performance, which in a way was a shame but I think really illustrates just how like an actual Broadway show this feels.

The storylines of Kafka trying to address his difficult relationship with his father is seamlessly intertwined with the retelling of George Samsa’s horrific transformation and all with appropriately toe tapping or tear jerking music. I honestly don’t think this could have been better done, with or without the puppets.

*****
Reviewed by Tom
Pleasance Dome – Ace Dome
13.30 (1hr)
Until 26th August