Interview: Franz Kafka (deceased), ‘Kafka’s Metamorphosis The Musical!’

Ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, we’re chatting with a range of creatives who will be heading to the city over August to find out more about their shows. Today we’re chatting with Franz Kafka (deceased) about Kafka’s Metamorphosis The Musical.

Can you tell us a bit about you and your career so far..

I’ve worked for a number of years as an insurance clerk.  In my free time, I write short stories and lots of letters and I still live with my family, which is a problem.  Also, I died in 1924, and my works have become inexplicably popular and even prescient.  So yeah, it’s been a fun ride. 

What is your show about?

I’m told that this “show” is a combination of my novella “The Metamorphosis” and a letter I wrote to my father.  I have extremely mixed feelings about these being presented in a theatrical format.  The addition of music and puppetry is….a bold choice.  I am totally okay with it and not at all anxious.  Franz Kafka is cool, calm, and collected. Really. 

What was the inspiration for the show and what’s the development process been to get to this stage?

The alchemic transmutation of my novella and personal letters into a puppet musical is easily the strangest thing that’s ever happened to me.  This production has been performed in New York, Montréal, and Washington D.C., and boasts an award-winning team of artists and designers working hard over several years to bring this abomination to its inexplicable fruition.  I have mixed feelings, to say the least.  On the one hand, I am horrified; on the other, paradoxically aroused.  That’s such a Franz thing to say, isn’t it?

What made you want to take this to the Fringe?

Having died in 1924, I thought it would be an interesting way to spend the 100th anniversary of my death.  Plus, I’m keen to see Arthur’s Seat.

Apart from seeing your show, what’s your top tip for anybody heading for Edinburgh this summer?

This year’s festival has not one, but two shows about me, Franz Kafka.  That’s either a wonderful coincidence or a terrible omen.  Either way, I’m thoroughly intrigued. Anyone who views this “show” should definitely also check out “Kafka’s Ape” playing at Summerhall- this summer is a Kafkapalooza!

Why should people book to see your show?

Your 21st century is baffling to me.  If you’d like to learn more about the guy who made “Kafkaesque” a thing before everyone was actively living and breathing it, they should come see this show.  Plus, puppets. 

When and where can people see the show?

The Pleasance Dome (Ace Dome) venue at 13:30 from July 31- August 26.