Franz Kafka’s 1915 novella The Metamorphosis comes to the stage in an adaptation by Charles Dizenzo at the Abreact Performance Space.

The Metamorphosis is the story of Gregor Samsa (Charles Reynolds), the frustrated, over-worked traveling salesman supporting his father (Henry Nelson), mother (Linda Rabin Hammell) and younger sister (Aphrodite Nikolovski). Gregor wakes one morning to realize that he has turned into a cockroach—a condition, he comes to understand, which is not temporary. The family, Gregor’s demanding boss (Joel Mitchell) and the housekeeper (Tamam Tayeh) tolerate Gregor’s new condition with limited grace as Gregor struggles to cope.

From the incredible set to the perfect costume choices, this performance illuminates Kafka’s dark, surreal exploration of human nature. Set designer Troy Richard creates a fascinating playground that features walls built for climbing and angular, strange furniture that reflects Gregor’s instability.

Performances were striking—particularly Reynolds’ sweaty representation of the human cockroach, in which every movement reveals Gregor’s struggle to settle into his absurd new body. Despite a few moments when overwhelming displays of horror and frustration seemed out of place, the performers handled this script well. The family’s responses to the giant cockroach—and the ways they ultimately benefit—bring to life Kafka’s depressing commentary about the value of the working man’s life.

As a final note, if you haven’t been to the Abreact, you are missing one of Detroit’s quirkiest theater experiences. A block from Greektown, the Abreact is a space with a double life: apartment by day, theater by night. With the Saturday night crowd, pre-show refreshments served in the kitchen and afterglow spent lounging on the sofa, it is easy to forget that you are in a theater. If it does slip your mind, this performance is a stern reminder that despite the laid-back environment, this group is serious about good theater.

Catch The Metamorphosis at the Abreact performance space through May 15—Fridays and Saturdays at 8p, with two Sunday performances on May 1 and May 15 at 4p. To reserve a seat contact: Chad Kushuba chadkush@yahoo.com or Phil Bolden pbolden@hotmail.com

The Abreact is located at 442 E. Lafayette (at the corner of Beaubien above the Loco Bar) in Detroit.

--Ann Miceli

ann@thedetroiter.com