Play explores motherhood through Frankenstein myth
Emily Terndrup’s play Offsprinf (A Modern Frankenstein) uses the classic Frankenstein story to examine the challenges and complexities of motherhood. The production is currently running in Dublin, where Terndrup, a triple-prize-winning artist, delves into the emotional and physical toll of creating life.Setting and context of the performance
The play takes place in the Théâtre de la Ville - Sarah Bernhardt, a historic venue with a dome-like structure. Before each performance, Terndrup revisits her script and observes the audience, adding a layer of immediacy and personal engagement to the experience.Inspiration behind the play
Terndrup was inspired by her own reflections on whether to have children, a question that resonates with many women and couples. As a dancer, she grapples with how motherhood might affect her artistic identity and expression, making the theme both deeply personal and universally relatable.Reimagining the Frankenstein story
In the play, Terndrup portrays Victor Frankenstein, the scientist who creates a living being only to abandon it. The narrative explores the idea of creation and the consequences of letting that creation grow beyond one's control, mirroring the unpredictability of parenthood.Performance style and staging
The staging is minimal but inventive, with Terndrup embodying both the creator and the creature. Her movements are disjointed and mechanical, creating a striking visual metaphor for the struggle of bringing life into the world. The performance is physically demanding and emotionally intense.Interactions with the audience
At times, Terndrup breaks the fourth wall with pirouettes and moments where she seems to take notes on a camera, possibly to distance herself from the intensity of the performance. These moments, while well-intentioned, may detract from the powerful, embodied storytelling at the heart of the play.
