NCPA partners National Theatre Live (UK) for Danny Boyle's Frankenstein

Danny Boyles production of Frankenstein, which premiered on the London stage to great critical acclaim, will be screened on June 15, 2011, only at the NCPA. Public shows to follow from June 17 to 19, 2011
For the first time in India, the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Indias premier arts and culture institution, collaborates with UKs National Theatre to screen the theatrical performance of Danny Boyles Frankenstein, an adaptation of the classic novel by Mary Shelly, this June. Oscar-winner Danny Boyle returned to the theatre world to direct this visionary production with actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. The screening Frankenstein will premiere on June 15th at 7.00pm, Dance Theatre Godrej, NPCA, as a special invitees show, followed by public screenings from June 17-19. The NCPA always endeavors to bring to audiences the best theatre projects. For the first time in India, this collaboration with the UKs National Theatre will enable audiences in Mumbai to see what the world is watchingnot on stage, but through high quality digital recordings, shot live. The first NT Live production that Mumbai will get to see, only at the NCPA, is Danny Boyles smash hit production of Frankenstein. This grand stage version of the Mary Shelley classic, adapted by Nick Dear, has a cast led by Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternating the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. Audiences will have the chance to see both combinations. Boyles Frankenstein will make audiences gasp in horror and pity. Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankensteins bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal. Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale. Khushroo N Suntook, Chairman NCPA, said, The NCPA is delighted that it is in an advanced stage of negotiation with NT Live to broadcast many of their finest offerings at the NCPA starting this June. This is a unique initiative that will give theatre-goers in Mumbai, a wonderful opportunity to view great theatrical productions from the repertoire of the National Theatre, London. Its our chance to witness the best of the London stage, right here in Mumbai. David Sabel, Head of Digital Media and Producer, NT Live, says, The concept behind Danny Boyles Frankenstein is that the two lead actors are alternating the roles of the Creature and Victor Frankenstein. The concept is to look at the duality and fusion of these two characters the relationship of master/servant and creator/ creation, how they affect each other and what they learn from each other. Its a really fascinating approach and many people are booking to see both versions here at the theatre the scripts are the same, but the staging and performances vary.

Described as visionary, mesmerising, stunning, brilliant, the production by the Oscar-winning director of Slumdog Millionaire, has gathered rave reviews in the press. In the Gothic horror story, a scientist makes a human creature made of body parts and brings him to life. Then horrified at the sight of the monster he has created, casts away the grotesque creature. The ugly innocent encounters hostility and cruelty wherever he goes. The desperate Creature then sets out to track down his creator Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale, to quote the NT Live release. The first ten weeks of Frankenstein were sold out in advance; due to the success the production the run was extended. The performance of the play has been broadcast to 375 screens around the world, so far. According to estimates, over 100,000 people worldwide watched the shows. Up to eight cameras were employed to capture the play, to make the broadcast dynamic and visually exciting. In an interview with The Times, London, Boyle said, I havent directed a play for 15 years now, but Frankenstein has been on my mind for a long time. I first talked to the playwright Nick Dear about the idea of doing an adaptation of Mary Shelleys novel when we worked on The Last Days of Don Juan at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Nicks first drafts were faithful to the novel until we came up with this idea of opening the play from the Creatures point of view. Doing so gave the Creature his voice back; Mary Shelley gave him a voice, but so many manifestations of the story have denied it him. Now Mumbai audiences will get to see this breathtaking production of Frankenstein on screen, this being the start of a regular programme of high quality screenings of stage productions from the National Theatre... only at the NCPA. Frankenstein will be open for public in Mumbai on 17th, 18th and 19th June 2011.

Please Note*- Suitable only for 15yrs+

About the NCPA: Inaugurated in 1969, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai, exists to provide leadership on a national level as Indias premier performing arts, research and training centre through the presentation of Indian and international art forms, the promotion of excellence and the preservation of Indian & International cultural heritage. The NCPA programmes and presents more than 500 events each year across all major art forms, notably Indian and Western Classical Music, Theatre, Film, Dance and Visual Arts. We have programming heads for each of these art verticals who curate innovative events and festivals, representative of everything from classical to contemporary, throughout the year. We produce our own programmes as well as collaborate with leading cultural promoters from around the world. For further information please log on to www.ncpamumbai.com About National Theatre: The National Theatre is central to the creative life of the UK. In its three theatres on the South Bank in London, it presents an eclectic mix of new plays and classics, with seven or eight productions in repertory at any one time. National Theatre Live, a groundbreaking initiative to broadcast live productions from the stages of London's National Theatre to screens around the world For further information please log on to http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/

BoxOffice Call66223724/66223754tobooktickets.

9thJuneForMembers 12thJuneForPublic TousetheonlinebookingfacilitysimplylogontotheNCPAofficialwebsite Entrycard:Rs. 300/- (15th June- for invitees only (for media invites, write to rdhanwani@ncpamumbai.com; Public screenings from June 17-19) http://www.ncpamumbai.com/buyticketsorvisitwww.bookmyshow.com Programme Info:
An NCPA-National Theatre Live (London) Presentation A new play by Nick Dear, based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley. Frankenstein Theatre Broadcast Dance Theatre Godrej 17th-18th June, Friday-Saturday- 7 pm 19th June, Sunday- 4 & 7 pm (Special Invitees show on June 15 at 7pm)

Please Note*- Suitable only for 15yrs+

Reviews of Frankenstein
5 STARS The Times This taut, thrilling play runs with hardly a moment for breath.' Lee Miller is physically wild, free of the slightest self conciousness...' To see (Cumberbatch) hurling himself into the agile physicality and awkward strangeness of the Creature is revelatory, a quantum leap for his reputation.' ...they're both terrific....It is a theatrical coup.' The music, by Underworld, is perfect.' ...it is rather wonderful: thoughtful, exciting, moving.' 5 STARS Sunday Express 'Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller lend both gravitas and a frightening physical immediacy' 4 STARS Independent Boyle's role-reversal twist a shocking, haunting success' Danny Boyle's extraordinarily haunting production' Johnny Lee Miller's astonishing Creature.' Lee Miller gives a whole new lease of life to the term "shock to the system"...'

4 STARS Evening Standard The National Theatre has a hit on its hands.' The opening 10 minutes are stunning. They are as atmospheric as theatre ever gets.' The scenes that concentrate on Cumberbatch and Miller are powerful. There is a compelling chemistry between them...' 4 STARS Guardian Cumberbatch's Creature is unforgettable... It is an astonishing performance.' The actors complement each other perfectly.' Boyle's production is a bravura triumph in which Mark Tildesley's design provides a whole series of visual coups.' A stunning evening.' 4 STARS Daily Telegraph Boyle...pulls of something truly spectacular here.' 4 STARS Daily Mail Boyle draws terrifically gutsy performances from his two leads.' The visceral nature of the performances is tremendously impressive..' ...this is a memorable production and will doubtless be spoken of for years to come.'