DRACULA

A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really

Based on the novel by Bram Stoker

By

Kate Hamill

DRACULA is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by

TRW PLAYS 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.trwplays.com

Kate Hamill boldly re-imagines Bram Stoker’s classic tale of vampires and finds new monsters just beneath the skin. The gothic tropes of villains who wear evil on their sleeve and damsels in distress are replaced by all-too-human monsters and ferocious women who stab at the heart of the patriarchy itself.

Please keep in mind: this is a play based on the classic horror story told through the lens of feminist satire. While strong elements of horror can be expected, the playwright often spoofs, critiques, and investigates these horror elements in order to comment on the patriarchy. There is supposed to be comedy and commentary. It is a revenge fantasy. If this play were a movie it would be more Jennifer’s Body or Kill Bill than Saw.

This play includes staged violence/gore which includes blood and knives; screaming; depictions and talk of death/dying, and mental illness; sexually suggestive moments including biting, kissing, passionate embraces; depictions of physical and emotional abuse including the objectification of women; descriptions of graphic imagery including implied infant death, cannibalism, murder, and suicide.

Abilene Community Theatre (ACT) was founded in 1954, and made it's home in its current location on Barrow in 1958. ACT is one of the oldest continually operating community theatre organizations in Texas. ACT is a not-for-profit 501(c)3, and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

ACT markets its productions throughout Taylor county to all ages and economic groups by way of public service announcements, appearances on local television and radio programs, and on social media. All actors and members are volunteers from the local community who are interested in helping preserve and promote live theater in Abilene, Texas. Audiences are comprised of a diverse mix of residents and seasonal visitors who enjoy seeing their friends and neighbors present live, local theater productions.

ACT is a volunteer group. It has no paid staff nor are any members of ACT remunerated for the time, efforts and talents they bring to the organization. Musical productions will sometimes incur the cost of hiring a pianist or musicians for rehearsals and performances.

Abilene Community Theatre seeks to encourage the appreciation of and participation in all aspects of live theater, as well as conducting related educational programs for adults and children. ACT is able to meet this mission through the hard work of it's active volunteer group, and the generosity of donors and sponsors.