Will be presented by Mondo Bizarro at Catapult Studios, March 15 and 16

Cleveland State University associate professor of theater Holly Holsinger first performed “Frankenstein’s Wake” off-Broadway to rave reviews in 1997. Now, Holsinger has restaged and is starring in the show once again in partnership with Mondo Bizarro, the acclaimed, New Orleans-based theater company. 

Co-created by Holsinger and Raymond Bobgan, “Frankenstein’s Wake” is a twisted adaptation of Mary Shelly’s literary masterpiece. The 60-minute, solo performance seeks to reflect a deeper knowledge and evolved perspective on the themes of longing, the search for one’s origin, conflict with the maker and what it means to be human. The play has been described as “an exhilarating bravura performance,” by Time Out New York and “daring,” “enthralling” and “captivating” by the Cleveland Jewish News.

The upcoming shows will be presented by Mondo Bizaaro March 15 and 16 at Catapult Studios in New Orleans’ theater district, 609 St. Ferdinand St. For times and ticket information, visit MondoBizarro.org.

While setting up and performing the piece, Holsinger will also teach a theater class at Tulane University, and will use “Frankenstein’s Wake” as a learning laboratory to illustrate the creative and production process. 

“Acting is an ever-evolving creative effort and returning to this piece allows me to include more of myself as human and as artist which will hopefully make the performance more truthful and more relevant,” Holsinger says. 

Holsinger specializes in acting, voice, movement, and devised theatre. She received a Distinguished Faculty Award in 2016, CSU’s top honor for teaching. Holsinger earned an MFA in Acting from the University of California, Irvine and is a certified associate teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework.