On Friday, Jan 14th, Ghost Light Theatricals will premiere “Metamorphosis”, a play based on the famous short story by Franz Kafka and written and directed by Wilder Nutting-Heath.

“The story isn’t by any means original and it has been done many times. It’s like reading a good book again and again and again,” said director Wilder Nutting-Heath. “Each time it resonates differently with you and that’s why you come back to it.”

In short, Metamorphosis tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a salesman who is the sole provider of his parents and sister. One morning he wakes up to find that he has transformed into a bug overnight. His appearance is horrific and he is no longer able to leave his room and risk being seen. He goes from being the family’s provider to being the burden in need of sister’s care.

Nutthing-Heath said when he first read Kafka’s short story, he was a high school student going through an identity crisis.

“I identified with Gregor Samsa’s struggle with his new body.” he said.

When he read the story again at the start of the current project two years ago he was at a very different stage in his life, Nutting-Heath said.

“I was working the worst job I’ve ever had. I was in a call center selling very expensive cruises to the wealthy for a company that was going under,” he said.

“We were afraid to lose our jobs and the more we compromised our character, the better our sales were. We essentially became like bugs.”

Nutting-Heath said he saw a connection with Gregor Samsa as a salesman unable to express who he was but afraid to make changes because it was the only thing he knew.

“As a director you’re responsible to find something that resonates with yourself and hope it resonates with other people,” he said.

Nutting-Heath was asked to do Metamorphosis after Ghost Light Theatricals’ annual “Battle of the Bards,” a “fun-draiser” which pits three ensembles against each other, each performing one act of a play. The audience votes which they liked best with dollar bills and the winner gets a full production the following season.

Nutting-Heath showcased an act from Metamorphosis and received great feedback.

“Last year was the most successful fundraiser they’ve had,” he said.

This is Nutting-Heath’s first play he has written and for the full 70-minute production he’s seven actors and four puppeteers. The puppeteers will perform his interpretation of the bug, which is not a costume but a shadow.
Unlike the original short story, Nutting-Heath starts his play with a dialogue-free introduction of Gregor Samsa and vivid dreams during the night of his transformation.

“I do take some liberty with the dreams but the imagery are taken from Kafka’s personal life, the letters to his father and other stories,” Nutting-Heath said.

“I wanted to stay respectful to both Kafka and the story and in a way, it’s a biography of Kafka himself.”

Nutting-Heath hopes to set his play apart from previous interpretations of the short story by making the connection between Kafka and Gregor Samsa.

He said the play is “naturalistic with a slight bend of absurdity.”

“The dialogue at times takes a humorous turn. It’s important, especially in a story as dark as Metamorphosis to lighten it up a little and let the audience see the irony and humor,” he said.

Nutting-Heath said he looks forward to seeing the show.

“It’s going to be really good. I’ve surrounded myself with some great talent with the set designer, sound manager, and shadow director,” he said.

“I hope the show will allow people who feel as stuck as I did to feel a sense of catharsis.“

Metamorphosis is part of Ghost Light’s "Ch-Ch-Changes" season and will be performed at The Ballard Underground. The play can be seen on the coming three weekends, January 14 and 15, 20 through 23, and 27 through 30. The Jan 30 showing is a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $15 for general public, $12 for students and seniors. They’re available at the door or online at at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/140930.
The Ballard Underground is located at 2220 NW Market.