Fresh Blood for Dracula at Adelaide Rep

When it was first published in 1897 Bram Stoker’s vampire novel, Dracula, took a while to gain popularity, even though it received high praise from critics. Victorian readers enjoyed it as a wonderful adventure story, but it didn’t reach its current legendary status until the 20^th century, when it was adapted for film.

Bram Stoker also wrote the original theatrical version and many adaptations have been staged since then. Among the most critically successful versions is that of well-known Scottish playwright, Liz Lochhead. It is this adaptation that Adelaide Repertory Theatre presents to launch its 2014 season of plays.

The Adelaide Repertory Theatre’s Dracula is not for the faint-hearted. Audiences can expect to experience a graphic story containing horror, nudity, violence, scenes of a sexual nature and strobe lighting effects.

Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania to aid Count Dracula in the purchase of a London property, but he has no concept of the horrors awaiting him. Disturbing incidents unfold in England, while an unmanned ship drifts silently into Whitby harbor. Add in strange puncture marks appearing on the neck of a beautiful young woman, not to mention a lunatic asylum inmate raving about the imminent arrival of his ‘Master’ and horror reigns supreme.

Says Director, Kerrin White, ‘This production of the greatest horror story ever written explores themes of identity, sanity and the darkest corners of repressed Victorian sexuality and desire.’

With Kerrin White as its director, such a challenging play as Dracula is in experienced hands. He has directed a number of acclaimed productions for the Adelaide Repertory Theatre including The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Cosi and The Talented Mr Ripley.

White points to the recent successes of Twilight, The Vampire Diaries and Being Human, amongst other modern re-tellings of vampire lore.

He says, ‘The Rep goes back to where it all began. Bram Stoker’s original novel has never been out of print since its publication in 1897 and through numerous film and television adaptations the image of the dark, mesmeric Count Dracula has become seared into our cultural consciousness.’

Having been adventurous enough to front up for some decidedly different Fringe and Festival productions, Adelaide audiences will surely brave Dracula.

I dare you; venture out into a cold, black Adelaide night or even a foggy April afternoon and discover why the blood is the life.

Lesley Reed

Bookings: www.adelaiderep.com or call 82125777

Dates: 3-5, 9-12 April 2014, at 8pm. Matinee 2 pm, 12 April.

Venue: The Arts Theatre, 53 Angas Street, Adelaide.

Tickets: $22; Concession $17.

Images (from top): Vampire brides (Lani Gerbi, Rosie Williams and Peta Martin) attack Jonathan Harker (Sandy Adams); Child (Mackinlee Martin) with undead Lucy (Lani Gerbi); Renfield (Matt Houston); Dr Seward (Joshua Coldwell) with Lucy (Lani Gerbi) and Florrie (Rosie Williams), and Dr Seward (Joshua Coldwell) with patient Renfield (Matt Houston) and Nurse Grice (Allison Scharber).

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