Grant brings new play to life

By Jeanne Beechwood

English novelist and women’s rights advocate Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1818. Her parents were considered radical thinkers and paved the way for Mary to develop her own radical and philosophical outlook, rare for women of that time.

The Mother of Monsters is a new play about this remarkable young woman, with world premiere at The Arts Asylum from Nov. 22 through Nov. 25. The play was conceived and written by Elaine Elizabeth Clifford and co-writer Shelly Verden.

Clifford, who has always been interested in classic literature and history, received an inspiration grant from ArtsKC to help this original work become a reality. She had never written a grant before, and this is likewise her first play to pen from scratch.

The premise is an in-person meeting between ambitious author Mary Shelly and the young demure heroine Elizabeth from her novel Frankenstein. Two very different kinds of women come together to discuss choices, purpose and perhaps even jealousy. Shouldn’t we all be brave enough to face our own monsters?

Clifford and Verden have been writing together for about a year and a half. Verden was officially asked to come on board with The Mother of Monsters project in January of 2024.

In their writing sessions they converse and edit together, with final decisions made by Clifford.

The inspiration grant has allowed Clifford to continue her mission of paying actors and technicians in theater. “Paying someone assigns value to the arts culture.”

The Arts Asylum has been instrumental in helping promote the world premiere production at their space. Korey Childs, Artistic Director, also serves as director of the piece.

The cast includes Elaine Elizabeth Clifford as Mary, Shelly Verden as Mary’s husband, Percy, Maggie Hutchison as Elizabeth and Joel “Tony” Walley as Victor. The final draft of the show was sent out to actors a week ago and the first blocking rehearsal is November 11. Actors will need to come in with most, if not all, of their lines memorized. The set will already be in place. While the Arts Asylum is helping with lights, sound and props, Clifford is also doing the period costumes for the show.

The production features live cello music by Sisterbot, local performance artist Adee Dancy who creates cosmic music for theatrical experiences.

Run time is 85 minutes with no intermission, and content is best suited for ages 13 years and up. Performance times are at 7 pm. Reservations are recommended and can be bought at The Arts Asylum website, theartsasylum.org, for $25. Monday, November 25 is industry night.

The Arts Asylum is located at 824 East Meyer Blvd. and is ADA compliant with free parking.

Clifford hopes her message leaves the audience with lots to think about. “There is no right way to be a woman. All choices of dreams, differences in ambition and values should be honored.”

The Mother of Monsters presents a fascinating concept of fiction meeting reality. There are several upcoming dark and stormy nights to come and enjoy it.

Written by Jeanne Beechwood, Artistic Director of the Martin City Melodrama