Meet Frankenstein’s Younger Brother

SF Ballet students take the stage in Frankenstein

This Season, 19 San Francisco Ballet School students will perform alongside Company dancers in Liam Scarlett’s Frankenstein. Three students will dance the role of William, Victor Frankenstein’s younger brother, Oliver Gurrea (age 13), Liam Kelly (11), and Bode Nanola (12). We sat down with the three of them to hear about their process learning the choreography and taking on this new character.

Describe your role in the production.

Bode: I am young William, Victor’s younger brother. I have a scene with my Nanny studying, I have a birthday party, where I play with Frankenstein and don’t know it. ( That is my favorite) And I also am in Victor’s dream.   

Liam: I also play William Frankenstein…William is a happy kid who has an especially good relationship with his nanny Justine.  When Victor goes off to college, I spend most of my time with my nanny and tutor Justine and we develop a strong bond as she’s the main person who raises me.

Oliver: I am the main character boy, Victor’s small brother, who gets killed by the monster made by my brother. 

what is the rehearsal process like?

Bode: The rehearsals are a lot of work and fun.  We started rehearsing last Summer and then took a break for Nutcracker rehearsals and then returned after the holiday break.  I am taught by my incredible teacher and stager for about a month.   They help me to learn the dances.  Then I get to rehearse with the ballet company who will be in the production in the studio.   We don’t know who we will be paired with as there are 2 -3 casts.  We go into the theatre about a week before and rehearse on stage before a dress rehearsal.  It is an exciting process.   

Liam: We started learning the choreography with just the three Williams by ourselves.  Once we finished learning our dances, we started working with the Creature. We just started learning the steps with the other kids at the party. In rehearsal they focus a lot on how we’re doing it and they often give us slight adjustments like walk further over here or go slower on this part. It’s a really nice experience to learn who your character is and what happens to him. The first time I heard about Frankenstein I thought it was just a creature murdering people. But now I realize that it’s so much more than just a murder mystery.  Each character has a story and a personality and it is way less black and white as we rehearse with more and more characters.  The characters and their stories are complex. 

Oliver: It is very fun and we learn some steps that I might not yet have seen in class. 

what do you love most about being a student at SF Ballet School?

Bode: I love being part of the school because I get to meet new people and make new friendships and I get to be in their amazing productions.   

Liam: Everyone is nice and you make a lot of friends and it’s fun just hanging out with them in between classes and during shows. I’m good friends with all the kids playing William this year. The teachers are strict but very funny and kind.   

Oliver: To be able to participate in the performances and to dance with amazing professionals. 

What advice would you give to children in the audience who want to study ballet? 

Bode: Go for it!  Even if you don’t know how you will be and if you are nervous, it is ok to try.  It is hard work, but is rewarding when you improve.  It is something I know I will be thankful for my whole life.  It is the San Francisco ballet!  It is a dream come true.   

Liam: Don’t be shy, don’t goof around too much, especially in class.  Make sure you are not lazy in class and make yourself presentable. My best advice is to stay focused.  As my teacher says, don’t space out in class. 

Oliver: It is hard work, but worth it and fun. 

Liam Scarlett’s Frankenstein is onstage MAR 20–26 and APR 26–MAY 4

Buy Tickets