Synetic Goes Through Big Changes with Metamorphosis

When your play is centered around a man who transforms into a giant insect, things are either going to get really interesting or super cheesy.

Luckily, Synetic takes things in the former direction. And no, they're not bringing Jeff Goldblum to the stage in a musical version of "The Fly" or anything; this is a theater production of Kafka's Metamorphosis, directed by Derek Goldman, who previously collaborated with Synetic on its production of Lysistrata. Synetic's movement-based philosophy often results in dance-heavy, choreography-focused productions, such as its practically-trademarked-at-this-point Silent Shakespeare renditions. Here, the company takes a new route.

And they have to, courtesy of Natsu Onoda's innovative set, which is turned on its side so the audience is essentially looking down on protagonist Gregor Samsa's room, where his horrifying transfiguration is taking place. The production plays with perspective, creating an almost M.C. Escher-like element to the proceedings, and John Milosich has the job of navigating the twisted terrain, whether he's impressively swinging from a lamp rod, or acrobatically transitioning between his bed and the door. Dressed as an insect, of course, to creepy, fascinating effect.