Everyone has had nightmares, but not many can claim to have awakened and found themselves actually living in one.
This is exactly what happens to Gregor Samsa in Franz Kafka's classic tale, "Metamorphosis," a symbolic portrayal of the consequences of economic slavery and how it affects the working class. Steven Berkoff's stage adaptation is playing now through Oct. 14 at The New Phoenix Theatre on the Park.
"Metamorphosis" is the story of Gregor Samsa, an unhappy man who hates his job but remains diligent in order to support his ungrateful family. The conflict arises when Samsa wakes up one morning and finds that he has transformed into a human-sized bug for no apparent reason.
The play's action is localized around a kitchen table and a room behind it that looks like a jungle gym. It is at the table where Samsa's parents and sister worry about the horrendous misfortune that has fallen upon their family.
There are no elaborate sets, props or costumes in this production and the story is told using pantomime. The success of the play relies solely on the skill of the actors to convey emotions physically, and their efforts do pay off.
"It was interesting the way they used props without props and the way that they used sounds effects and music to go along with the action," said senior math education major, Kristy Chimera.
Paul Kozlowski and Patrick Cain created the music for the production, an unusual score consisting of a few prerecorded sections, two xylophones, an accordion, vocal sound effects and various percussive instruments.
"The most interesting part was the sounds and how they made them," said junior industrial engineer major Matt Henchey.
Some of the sound effects are also puzzling and don't fit their action. Whenever the imaginary door to Samsa's room opens, it sounds more like a loud zipper than a creaky door.
Leonard Ziolkowski is able to deliver an impressive performance despite the physical challenge of mimicking the movements of an insect. Dressed all in black, he climbs, swings and slithers all over the scaffolding that makes up Samsa's room. He also slides off the stage and, incredibly, scampers up the wall of the theater.
"I didn't have much time to practice on the set," Ziolkowski said. "It was finished about five days before opening night."
"I liked when (Ziolkowski) climbed up the wall. It was my favorite part," said junior education major Amy Bianchi.
Candice Kogut, a first-time actor at the theatre, plays Greta, Samsa's sister. She is the perfect fit for the part of the strong-hearted girl who is forced to care for the monster that was once her brother. Kogut is a junior at Niagara University, where she studies theater, and she uses this knowledge and her past acting experience to strengthen her performance.
"Metamorphosis" is directed by Robert Waterhouse, who brings humor and empathy to this adaptation.
Tickets for "Metamorphosis" are $20 or $15 for students and seniors. The show will play Thursdays through Saturdays starting at 8 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations should be made by calling the theater at 853-1334.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
