Franz Kafka's
'The Metamorphosis'

Adaptation : Anisur Rahman
Direction : Kamaluddin Nilu
Light Design : Annette ter Meulen (Germany)

Production: Centre for Asian Theatre
Support: Goethe-Institut Dhaka

'The Metamorphosis' is probably the best-known story written by the Czech-born Austrian writer Franz Kafka, ranking with his two novel-length masterpieces, The Trial and The Castle. First published in 1915 in German, (under the title 'Die Verwandlung'), 'Metamorphosis' was written over the course of three weeks in November and December 1912. 

Kafka at one point contemplated publishing it along with two other stories about father-son relations in a collection to be called Sons, but later decided to issue it on its own. It was first translated into English in 1936, and has been translated several times since.

'Metamorphosis' is the story of Gregor Samsa, a young traveling salesman who lives with and financially supports his parents and younger sister. One morning he wakes up to discover that during the night he has been transformed into a monstrous vermin or insect. At first he is preoccupied with the practical, everyday concerns: How to get out of bed and walk with his numerous legs? Can he still make it to the office on time?

This transformation is a tragedy not only for Gregor himself, who is completely disfigured, but also for his family, which is economically dependent on him. His family keeps him in his bedroom and refuses to interact with him. After a while, Gregor simply wastes away as he suffers from an injury caused by his father.

Franz Kafka's tale has been interpreted in many ways. Above all, it is thought to express the existential imprisonment of a character by social and economic demands. 
 
The premiere was held at the Goethe-Institut Dhaka on 03 March 2005.