Have an inkling for a head scratcher? Theatre Thursday has just the thing. Kafka’s Monkey is a play based on the short story A Report to an Academy that is bound to leave near any viewer with more than a few questions. Franz Kafka’s story has been analyzed for years and the play isn’t likely to be any different. This version of the play was performed at London’s Young Vic Theatre back in 2011. A one man show, in this case woman, Kafka’s Monkey is an intellectually provocative piece that will have audiences pondering the variations of the human condition.
Taking center stage playing the part of the ape is acclaimed actress Kathryn Hunter. Hunter known for TV, film, and stage, comes before the ‘Science Academy’ as Red Peter to tell the story of his transformation from ape into human; and it’s just that: a story. Red Peter tells of his earliest stages in trying to imitate the humans he sees in front of him, though not out of desire, but out of necessity. As Red Peter has been captured and caged by humans, he believes his only chance at escape is to assimilate with the humans. His divulgence of the information takes him through many emotional stages before eventually arriving at how he ended up in the position he’s in, and at what cost.
Stage director Walter Meirerjohann keeps things basic in terms of set and lighting design. The few technical cues that exist are there simply to compliment Hunter’s journey, though most of the work relies on her ability to convey the message. Hunter takes charge of this piece with assiduity, and with a physical performance the likes of which most average people couldn’t hope to achieve in ten runs of a show like this. The entire time she performs as though her body is in conflict with itself. The human side is prevalent yet the ape side has not fully been suppressed. Her handle of the material is equally impressive. She speaks the words as though they weren’t memorized, but as if they are coming from her in real time. Everything about her character and the circumstances, though odd and fairly inconceivable, feels real. She could not be more genuine than if she were in fact actually an ape talking to a group of people. For theatre goers, Hunter brings quality entertainment value. For theatre actors, take notes, because when she hits the stage class is in session.
Kafka’s Monkey is sure to be a conversation starter, even amongst those who have already seen the play or read the short story. There are so many layers within the writing that invoke profound hypotheses and induce the desire to question the nature of mankind. This being the case it should also be noted that Kafka’s Monkey has depth, but it is not so deep that it requires overthinking. See the play, discuss it amongst friends, colleagues, or academics. It’s currently available for stream on digitaltheatre.com with a subscription.
