What inspired you to create a modern twist on the classic Frankenstein tale in Monster + Farmer?
I first read Frankenstein in high school, one of the books that inspired my love for reading. When the Rep approached me with the idea of adapting something from literature/reading classes in the state, Frankenstein was immediately on my shortlist. Something occurred to me as I considered Mary Shelley's novel and how it might speak to Montana today – mountains! Large sections of the novel are set against the backdrop of incredible mountains. At one point, Victor Frankenstein takes a long hike high up into the mountains to confront his wayward Creature. It was that scene from the novel that inspired me: what if someone chased a creature into Montana's mountains?
As this idea began to develop, I became very interested in how Mary Shelley told this story. The novel is primarily experienced in letters, as a ship captain reports Victor Frankenstein's story to his family back home. I wondered how someone in 2024 would communicate with an audience who wasn't physically present. That led me to imagine a pair of siblings whose relationship has become largely digital, trading GIFs and an occasional a text message. How could the presence of a strange invention, a living Creature, help to bring them together?
The letters from the original novel also made me think, strangely, of Missoula's own Hank Green, a remarkably effective science communicator who tells stories about our world to a digital audience all over the globe. Thus, Riley's YouTube show "Science, Yeah!" was born.
How does Monster + Farmer address educational themes?
Monster + Farmer is about a teenager who loves to learn, and who uses her unique gifts to create, to invent, and to teach. Though Riley's inventions are fictitious, the spirit of curiosity that drives her is very real. It drives all of us who love to learn.
In the course of the play, Riley teaches the audience about certain scientific principles, and about Mary Shelley's work writing the original novel.
What message do you hope parents and teachers take away from Monster + Farmer?
One of the things we explore in Monster + Farmer is how the pressure to develop and constantly maintain a face or presence on social media might contribute to the growing concerns of isolation and mental health in our nation's schools. Riley and Aidan experience the power of setting down our screens, instead reaching out personally to help someone and being present, really present, for the people around us. I hope students and families are encouraged to prioritize the work of maintaining relationships. In our chosen and inherited communities, we are responsible for one another. That responsibility is what makes up the meaningful, world-changing stuff of humanity.
But, also, I hope Monster + Farmer is a delightful reflection on the joy of learning and curiosity. May we all be Riley, constantly exploring the world around us, and adding to it whatever gifts we have.