Dracula Takes a Feminist Turn in Upcoming Charleston Production

Prepare for a Thrilling Twist on a Classic: Dracula Comes to Charleston!

Charleston is buzzing with excitement as the College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance gears up for its next big production! This November, they’re taking on the infamous tale of Dracula, but hold onto your garlic—this isn’t your grandma’s vampire story!

A Feminist Spin on a Gothic Classic

In a bold and creative move, the theatre department presents a fresh adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Kate Hamill. This version is set to flip the script, transforming the traditional horror narrative into a striking feminist revenge fantasy. How’s that for a plot twist?

Director Evan Parry shared some insights about the production, noting how Stoker’s original novel often leaves female characters as mere victims, relying on male figures like Dr. Van Helsing for protection. But in Hamill’s version, the women step into their own power. Mina Harker becomes a fierce fighter, challenging Dracula and even his brides, who are given their own unique backstories—a departure from their typical portrayal.

Strong Women Take Center Stage

One of the most exciting changes is turning Dr. Van Helsing into a woman experienced in vampire hunting. According to Parry, this move reflects a modern sensibility that resonates with current discussions about misogyny and the struggles women face. Instead of being written off as helpless, Hamill’s female characters either confront their attackers head-on or find their own ways to resist—talk about empowerment!

A Show Filled with Thrills

But that’s not all! The production will dazz ale with some truly unique technical elements. Parry mentioned the challenges and opportunities that come with staging such a dynamic story, especially since they’ll be using the Simons Center Black Box Theatre. This venue allows audiences to experience the action from three different sides of the stage, making the scenes all the more intimate and engaging.

Amelia Hawke Tebalt, a talented theatre minor, has crafted an innovative sound design that merges pre-recorded audio with live sounds. This means the audience won’t just watch the action unfold; they’ll *feel* it, creating an immersive experience that’s hard to forget!

Meet the Cast

The cast includes standout performances from theatre major LG Wylie, stepping into the shoes (or should we say boots?) of Dr. Van Helsing, and theatre major Chris Warzynski, who will embody the iconic Dracula. With the combined talents of the creative team, including scenic design from Professor Jonathan Wentz and costume design by theatre major Lily Lombardi, this production promises to be one for the books!

Showtime Details

Curious to catch this gripping adaptation? Performances of Dracula will run from November 13-20, with evening shows at 7:30 PM, an exciting late-night stellar performance on Friday at 9:00 PM, and a Sunday matinee at 2:00 PM. Set your calendars; you won’t want to miss this!

Tickets are priced at $25 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military personnel, youth under 18, and even CofC students, faculty, and staff. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit go.charleston.edu/nowplaying, or reach out to the George Street Box Office at gsbo@cofc.edu or call (843) 953-4726.

Don’t Miss Out!

This new take on a classic story promises to entertain, provoke thought, and maybe even raise a few hairs on your neck. So grab your friends, family, or someone special, and head out to witness this thrilling feminist twist on a timeless tale. Who knew that Dracula could teach us so much about empowerment and resilience?