Man created Frankenstein. Then Frankenstein went crazy and lashed back at his creator.

Next month Hillel’s Jewish Theatre Project will explore this Frankenstein-esque concept of how man-made creations can turn for the worse in the student-written play “A Golem.”

According to Josh Schwartz, Hillel Program Associate, “A Golem” was inspired by the golem, taken from Jewish legend.

“A golem is a human-created life form, brought to life by placing the sacred name of God under its tongue,” Schwartz said.

Once created, he said, the golem will do whatever it is commanded to do. However, like all things in life, Schwartz said, the good times often dwindle, and, like the story of Frankenstein, the golem turns against its own creator.

“When people create a golem, it usually backfires against them,” Schwartz said.

According to Schwartz, “A Golem” will incorporate some traditional Jewish ideas as well as some more personal, autobiographical aspects written by the cast and crew.

Eight UW-Madison students, under the award-winning direction of Steve Feffer, will fully craft the play.

Schwartz said the play is unique, because it will be an original piece of art inspired by a group effort.

“Among the productions that go on during the year, this one is probably unique because it is made by an experimental and collaborative effort,” Schwartz said. “It’s not your typical play, and it’s not your typical theatrical process.”

“A Golem” is especially powerful because it is an ensemble piece, Feffer said.

“We began with no script, just the concept of the golem,” he said. “It’s a very brave and exciting way to work.”

According to Schwartz, the Jewish Theatre Program began two-and-a-half years ago as a means to extend Jewish culture and arts to the campus.

“It started as another way to branch out and create a Jewish presence on campus and in the community,” he said.

Last year, the Jewish Theatre Project production of “The Esther Room,” also directed by Feffer, was named by local newspaper Isthmus as one of the top 10 productions of the year.

Feffer said “A Golem” also considers theater itself as a possible comprising of the mythological ideal of a golem.

“I see the legend of the golem as a metaphor for the creative process,” Feffer said. “A finished play, like a golem brought to life, is more than the sum of its writers and performers. Beyond telling the story of a golem, we want to tell the story of the playwriting itself.”

A Golem will play at the Frederic March Play Circle in the Memorial Union at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5 and 6. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for non-students.