Frequent performers in Japan, TNT Theatre Britain will present "Frankenstein -- the Monster and the Myth," directed by Paul Stebbings and Phil Smith, in Tokyo on Nov. 7 and 18, and in Kyoto on Nov. 15.

Based on Mary Shelley's novel and inspired by Hollywood movies, including Boris Karloff's iconic, 1931 portrayal of Frankenstein, Stebbings casts a more critical eye on human nature than Shelley to transport this myth to a present-day setting where modern science -- characterized by gene technology and stem-cell research -- is omnipresent. Stebbings has also rewritten parts of the original story, to create, in his words, "its best ending yet."

"Frankenstein -- the Monster and the Myth" will be staged at Karasuyama Kumin Center Hall on Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m, near Chitose Karasuyama Station on the Keio Line; Kyoto Kyoiku Bunka Center, near Keihan Marutamachi Station, on Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m.; and Tokyo Seiryo Kaikan, a 5-minute walk from Akasaka Mitsuke subway station, Nov. 18 (2 p.m.). Tickets are 5,000 yen in advance. For more info, visit www.stageplay.jp