Interview with Delores Abdullah, director for Frankenstein
TC: Pitch this show to a first-time theatre patron in one sentence
DA: Nick Dear’s Frankenstein is a gripping, emotionally charged reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic, told through the eyes of the Creature as he searches for love, identity, and the meaning of humanity.
TC: Welcome back! What shows have you been involved in at Theatre Charlotte recently?
DA: The last show I was involved in at Theatre Charlotte was ‘ Thursday Night Bridge Club’ I was the Assistant Director… I have a long history with Theatre Charlotte as a one time employee Education Director and volunteer.
TC: What made you say yes to directing this show?
DA: I wanted to direct Frankenstein because it’s ultimately not about monsters—it’s about people. It’s about our need to be seen, loved, and accepted, and it challenges both artists and audiences to ask difficult questions about what we owe one another. As a director, that combination of emotional depth, moral complexity, and limitless theatrical possibility is incredibly exciting.
TC: Without giving anything away, what's one moment you can't wait for audiences to experience?
DA: The most significant moment occurs when the Creature confronts Victor and demands that he acknowledge his responsibility. It’s a powerful moment for the audience to experience.
TC: What do you think will surprise audiences most?
DA: Audiences are often surprised to discover that the “monster” is the play’s most sympathetic character, forcing us to question whether monstrosity is something we’re born with or something society creates.
TC: Why do you think this is the right story for audiences today?
DA: The play resonates with contemporary audiences because its themes extend far beyond the laboratory. In an age of artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and rapid technological advancement, Victor Frankenstein’s ambition feels strikingly familiar. Yet the play ultimately argues that the greatest danger is not innovation itself, but the failure to accept responsibility for its consequences.
TC: Anything else you want to share with us?
DA: This show is different for Theatre Charlotte and it’s been many years since I have directed a show here and to come back with this show has a special meaning.
TC: Other than this one, what show are you most looking forward to in Season 99?
DA: Terminus