Change Is Good

Gregor Samsa is probably more of an icon for our day than he was when Franz Kafka created him in 1915.

The central figure in Kafka’s novella “Metamorphosis,” young Samsa awakes one morning to find that he has transformed into a cockroach. This metamorphosis has a profound effect, not only on Gregor but also on his family and all who associate with him. In the key phrase, in David Scaglione’s lucid stage adaptation of the story, Gregor realizes how others view him. “Is this what I am?” he asks. “A thing? A thing to my family, a thing to my boss?”

His family and others are not taken aback by Gregor’s new form, for he is only a cog in the wheel that keeps their own little worlds spinning.

Director Shannon C.M. Flynn’s staging at Hunger Artists Theatre treats the piece with respect and insight. This new adaptation is simple and very, very human, but just as effective as Stephen Berkoff’s better known version, which relies on flights of high theatricality to make its point. Scaglione presents Gregor’s problem in a more naturalistic way, and it works beautifully, brightly contrasting his wretched plight with the calm acceptance of those around him.

Mark Coyan, as Gregor, creates an outstanding portrait of the young man whose confusion is compounded by his growing fear of imminent destruction. His movements, insect-like in every detail--thanks in part to movement coach Susy Davis--express his emotions as much as the indicative darting of his panicky eyes and the questioning tilt of his head. Flip-flopping from joyous hopping to frantic helplessness when on his back, this is a character with all its shadings.

“Metamorphosis” is a fable of sorts, and Flynn directs it as such, to good effect. Standouts include Melissa Petro as Gregor’s mother, who cannot grasp that her son is no longer what he was, and Kimberly M. Fisher as his sister Grete, who lovingly tends him and cleans his room without overt reaction. Kelly Flynn is good as Gregor’s father but doesn’t have the underlying base of authority that would balance his wife’s meekness or his son’s grudging affection.

The only off note is Dru Obade’s maid, who speaks with an overdone accent. Eric B. Person and Adam Martin neither add to nor detract from Coyan’s vital image of the insect the modern world often tries to make of us.

* “Metamorphosis,” Hunger Artists Theatre, 204 E. 4th St., Santa Ana. Thursday-Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Ends March 29. (714) 547-9100. $10-$12. Running time: 1 hour.

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Metamorphosis

Mark Coyan: Gregor Samsa

Melissa Petro: Mother

Kelly Flynn: Father

Kimberly M. Fisher: Grete

Dru Obade: The Maid

Eric B. Person: Mr. Sneeze/Boarder No. 2

Adam Martin: The Voice/Boarder Nos. 1 & 3

A Hunger Artist Theatre Company production of David Scaglione’s adaptation of Franz Kafka’s novella. Directed by Shannon C.M. Flynn. Scenic design: Shannon C.M. Flynn and Melissa Petro, based on a concept by David Scaglione. Lighting design: Jill Johnson. Sound design: David Scaglione. Movement coach: Susy Davis. Stage manager: Jami McCoy.