WCU Stories      September 25, 2019

The Sunday Cinema Series at Western Carolina University’s John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center returns with more pre-recorded film presentations straight from the London stage.

Benedict Cumberbatch is featured in the title role for a screening of Mary Shelley’s chilling tale “Frankenstein.” Directed by Academy Award winner Danny Boyle (“Trainspotting,” “Slumdog Millionaire”), this critically acclaimed production from the National Theatre in London will be presented in high definition on a big screen in the Bardo Arts Center performance hall at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6.

The acclaimed 2011 production has been brought back to cinemas this year in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s novel. Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the increasingly desperate and vengeful Creature determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

The Oct. 6 screening can be enhanced with an educational talk with WCU Department of English professors Brian Gastle and Sandra Saunders, who will lift the veil on “Frankenstein” to show attendees that it’s more than monsters. Their talk will be held from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. on Oct. 6 and will be followed by light refreshments and a chance to explore the WCU Fine Art Museum before the 3 p.m. screening. Immediately following the screening, Gastle and Saunders will host a question-and-answer session on the play.

Gastle teaches English literature, professional writing and research methods, including a graduate research methods course focused on “Frankenstein.” He was the 2017-18 recipient of WCU’s University Scholar Award. Saunders is an expert in 19th-century British literature and teaches courses in British romanticism and monsters in literary fiction.

Learn more at arts.wcu.edu/frankenstein.