Die Verwandlung
by Franz Kafka

Tandanya Theatre
Until February 28.

Kafka’s Metamorphosis is a creepy fable of modern angst. Gregor Samsa wakes up to find he has turned into an insect, his boss fires him and his family grow resentful that he’s no longer bringing home the bacon. The story shows the cruelty of the outside world mirrored within the toxic confines of the family.

The Germanic Players are from the University of Melbourne and their German language production, Die Verwandlung is directed by Tim Mehigan. Undoubtedly the process of adaption and textual study has been a valuable one for the participants but the result is not satisfying theatre. The harshly grotesque nature of Kafka’s story is uncertainly handled as the production wavers between low key naturalism and sort-of expressionism.

Director Mehigan tries a bit of everything- projection screens, red and blue washes of light, even dance interludes between the acts. The effect is a mush of styles and a lack of focus. The pace is perilously slow and the relationships between characters are inadequately established. Caroline Webster and Brian Griffin give sturdy performances as the Mother and Father and Kristin Giles creates good physical detail as Gregor. I just wish she hadn’t died with her legs in the air.

Murray Bramwell.

“German language version of Kafka’s Metamorphosis needs more changes yet.”
Two Stars.

Adelaide Advertiser, February 16, 1992.