Skip to navigation
Navigation
- Home
- Theatre News
- London Shows A-Z
- Buy Tickets
- Kids & Family Theatre
- Olivier Awards
- tkts
- Theatreland at 100
- Access
- > London Shows A-Z
- > View Show
- > London Shows A-Z
- > View Show
Kafka's Monkey is an adaptation of Franz Kafka's short story A Report To The Academy, in which a man tells of his transition from ape to human.
Imprisoned in a cage and desperate to escape, the ape-man reveals his rise through the ranks of the beasts to become a walking, talking, spitting, smoking, hard-drinking man of the stage. Witty, absurd and painful, Colin Teevan's adaptation of Kafka's tale places a mirror in front of a modern day audience and reveals a world in which humans appear ape-like and apes humane. It also provides an insight into the anguish of attempting to belong but always being kept outside.
With live music and physical performance, Kafka's Monkey draws on the rich associations of the variety stage and incorporates elements of Berlin cabaret, street dance and stand up comedy.
Playing the ape-man is Kathryn Hunter, who previously appeared at the Young Vic in Fragments. Her other London stage credits include The Diver at the Soho, Yerma at the Arcola and The Vist at the National, for which she won a Laurence Olivier Award. Hunter is also a founding member of Complicite.
Born in Prague in 1883, Franz Kafta found little success with his work during his lifetime, and much of it was published after his death in 1924. His writing explores themes of alienation and the pain of adapting to a hostile environment. His most famous works include The Trial, The Castle and Metamorphosis.
Performance Details
- previews from: 14 Mar 2009
- opening night: 19 Mar 2009
- closing: 09 Apr 2009
show times: Mon-Sat 19:45, Wed & Sat 15:45
ticket prices: £17.50
cast: Kathryn Hunter
adapted by: Colin Teevan
director: Walter Meierjohann
movement director: Ilan Reichel
producer: Young Vic
map: View Map
address: The Cut, Waterloo, London, United Kingdom, SE1 8LZ
nearest tube: Waterloo Station is on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City lines. Southwark Station is on the Jubilee line.
nearest train: Waterloo & Waterloo East. Charing Cross and London Bridge stations are one stop away.
parking: Our theatre is in a residential area so car parking is limited and subject to restrictions. We’d recommend using public transport but if you drive you can park at National Car Park Ltd on Upper Ground, Coin Street and at Waterloo Station. We are in London's congestion zone operating 7am - 6.30pm Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays.
air conditioned: Yes
Assisted Performance Booking Information
Access Booking: Tel: 0207 922 2922
Accessible Facilities Venue Information
discounts: £5 off top price tickets.
limited mobility: Seating at the Young Vic is unreserved, so your ticket won't have a seat number and you can sit where you fancy. Every seat has a great view, there are no pillars or obstructions and you'll never be more than seven rows away from the action. So take your time, enjoy a drink or the company of friends and don't worry about queuing to get in. We are happy to reserve you a seat or provide assistance if you have access requirements. Please let us know in advance of your visit and we'll do what we can to help.
access description: There is an automated set of doors with release button to the right at the front of the theatre. A lift rises to the next level (at the back of the bar space) There are some steps within the auditorium but these differ with each show. Seats can be reserved to meet varying needs.
guide dogs policy: Guide dogs are not allowed in the auditorium but can be left with front of hous staff who are happy to dog-sit.
wheelchairs: Wheelchair and transfer seating available on request, please call in advance.
legroom: Access guides and talking programmes are available on request. Touch tours are available 90min before Audio Described performances.
Bookmark with: