"Frankenfest" Comes to Downtown Fairmont Oct. 30-Nov. 1
As part of "A Night of Gothic Horror and Family Fun" being presented by the New Mystics Center for Arts and Education, a Fairmont State University faculty member is bringing her "Frankenfest" creation to downtown Fairmont.
For the past few years, Dr. Deborah J. Nestor, Associate Professor of English, has hosted on campus a marathon read-aloud of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." The classic tale centers on the scientist who succeeds in his ambition to create life but then fails to nurture and educate his child. As a result, the scientist creates a monster who wreaks havoc on all that he loves. The story appeals to people of all ages and academic interests.
This year the event will hit downtown Fairmont in two parts. "The Creation" will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, in front of the YMCA building at the corner of Fairmont Avenue and First Street. The chapters of "Frankenstein" discussing Victor Frankenstein's creation of his "child" will be read immediately before New Mystic Theatre Company performs scenes from a 19th-century play of "Frankenstein." The theatrical program beings at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30.
"Murder and Mayhem," the second part, will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, on the steps of the Marion County Courthouse on Adams Street. The chapters of "Frankenstein" to be read aloud at this time will detail the process by which Victor Frankenstein's "child" becomes a monster, committing acts of murder and mayhem, but leaving open the question of who bears the ultimate guilt for his crimes.
Students, faculty and other interested members of the community are encouraged to drop by at any time to listen or take a turn reading aloud. Copies of the novel will be available to borrow. Handouts with a chapter-by chapter synopsis will enable anyone dropping by in the middle of the day to follow along with the story. There will also be short breaks to allow participants to discuss the universal and timeless issues raised in the novel.
For additional information, please contact Deborah Nestor at (304) 367-4245 or Deborah.Nestor@fairmontstate.edu
FrankenfestMary ShelleyFrankensteinCollege of Liberal ArtsDeborah NestorLanguage & Literature
