GRACE GORMAN

DRACULA
BRAM
STOKER
 Summary of play
"Dracula" by Bram Stoker is a classic Gothic horror play
published in 1897. The story revolves around Count Dracula, a
vampire from Transylvania, who moves to London to spread his
reign of terror. A group of individuals, led by the renowned
Professor Van Hesling, unite to stand against Dracula's sinister
intentions. As the group attempts to defeat the vampire, battles
between good and evil unravel, highlighting themes of gender
roles and female empowerment, religion and spirituality and good
vs evil. Through its eerie atmosphere, vivid descriptions, and
complex characters, "Dracula" remains an influential and
captivating tale in the realm of horror literature.

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IN THE ROUND
STAGING
I decided not to go with in the round staging
because:
• It has lack of visual focus: Given the circular
layout of the stage, it becomes challenging for
the audience to have a fixed visual focus. This
can be problematic when it comes to creating
dramatic tension and maintaining suspense,
crucial elements in a horror story like
"Dracula.“
• It limits staging options: In the round staging
restricts the set design and blocking choices.
There is no 'back' to the stage, so it becomes
difficult to create hidden compartments or any
use of flats that could be used to enhance the
mystery and help change scenes showing the
horror elements of the play.
• Difficulty in creating atmosphere: A key aspect of
"Dracula" is the creation of a dark, eerie, and
suspenseful atmosphere. In the round staging
may dilute this atmosphere as it becomes harder
to use lighting, sound, and set design to arouse a
chilling environment. Certain effects, like
shadows or dramatic reveals, may be
compromised due to the lack of a fixed
backdrop or clear front-facing perspective.
•
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Modern
minimalist
I decided not to go with this setting
because:
setting
Dracula is set in the late 19th
centaury and requires a setting that
reflects the time-period and the
gothic nature of the story.

A modern setting would not have the

necessary elements such as:

Ornate furniture, dark and

mysterious corners, and a sense of
decay and age that are essential to
creating the right atmosphere for
Dracula.
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THRUST STAGING
I decided to go with this staging because:
Intimacy: thrust staging allows closer proximity between the actors and the audience and can create a more
Intense atmosphere. Since the stage extends into the audience, it creates s sense of proximity and involvement, which can
enhance the suspense and horror elements of the play, The audience feels closer to the action, making them more engaged
and immersed in the story .

Visibility : with th ru st stag in g , th e au d ien ce h as a b etter v iew o f th e acto rs an d th eir mo vemen ts from

Differen t an g les. Th is is esp ecially g o o d fo r Dracu la, wh ere p h y sicality an d mo v emen t p lay a sig nifican t
Ro le in p ortray in g th e su pern atu ral an d su sp en seful elemen ts. Th e au d ien ce can see th e actor's facial
ex p ressio ns, b o d y lan g u ag e, an d su b tle g estu res mo re clearly, en h an cing th eir u n d erstan d ing an d emo tio n al

co n n ectio n to the ch aracters.

Dynamic staging: Th ru st sta g in g p ro vid es mu ltip le a n g les a n d p ersp ectives fo r sta g in g a n d th e a ctio n . Th is ca n b e
p a rticu la rly effective fo r a p lay like Dra cu la , wh ich in vo lves va rio u s lo ca tio n s a n d scen es. Th e a ctors ca n u tilize d ifferen t
p a rts o f the sta g e, crea tin g a visu a lly d yn a mic a n d en g a g in g exp erien ce fo r th e a u d ien ce.

Overa ll th ru st sta g in g ca n en h a n ce th e a tmo sp h eric a n d immersive q ua lities o f Dra cula , ma kin g it a co mp ellin g a n d
en g a gin g exp erien ce fo r th e a u d ien ce.

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THEMES AND ISSUES AND WHAT TO FOCUS ON
HOW THRUST STAGING HELPS TO HIGHLIGHT THE THEMES AND ISSUES.

POWER DYNAMICS- Dracula explores themes of power and control particularly in the context of gender and sexuality. Thrust staging can emphasize these power dynamics by physically positioning characters in relation to each other and the audience. For example, having Dracula physically dominate and manipulate other characters on the thrust stage, can visually reinforce
the theme of power and imbalance.

ITIMACY AND TEMPTATION- thrust staging can enhance the themes of intimacy and temptation in Dracula. By extending the stage into the audience, the actors can physically interact with the spectators, creating a sense of intimacy and seduction. This can highlight the allure and danger of Dracula’s powers of seduction and the characters’ struggle to resist his temptations.

DUALITIES AND CONTRASTS- Dracula explores the duality of human nature, the contrast between good and evil, and the struggle between civilisation and the supernatural. Thrust staging can visually represent these dualities by allowing for multiple perspectives and angles. For example, having characters positioned on different parts of the stage can symbolize the clash
between the human and the supernatural, or the struggle between rationality and the unknown.

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ROYAL SHAKESPERE THEATRE
ADVANTAGES:

§ intimacy
§ Visibility
§ Dynamic staging
§ Versatility
§ Audience interaction
§ Contributes to a unique and engaging
theatrical experience for both the performers
and the audience.

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 TIME PERIOD OF MY PLAY 1850

I decided to set my play of Dracula in 1850 because:

Gothic atmosphere: The Victorian era was known for its fascination with the Gothic genre, characterized by eerie settings,
supernatural elements, and psychological suspense. By setting the play in 1850, i can tap into this Gothic atmosphere,
creating a dark and atmospheric world for the characters to inhabit

Costume and set design opportunities: The Victorian era offers a visually stunning aesthetic, with elaborate costumes,
opulent settings, and intricate architecture. Setting the play in 1850 allows me to take advantage of these design
opportunities, creating a visually captivating experience for the audience.

Historical context: The year 1850 was a period of significant historical events, such as the Industrial Revolution and the
Victorian era. This historical backdrop can add depth and authenticity to my play, allowing me to explore themes of progress,
modernity, and the clash between traditional and emerging societal values.

Literary references: By setting the play in 1850, i can incorporate literary references and allusions into the story. Bram
Stoker's Dracula was published in 1897 and setting the play in 1850 allows me to explore the events and characters that may
have influenced Stoker's novel. This can
. add depth and intertextuality to the narrative, as well as provide opportunities for
audience engagement and recognition.
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GROUND PLANS
ACT1
 SCENE 1- JOHNATHAN HARKER'S OFFICE IN LONDON

FLATS
LAMPS
DESKS
CHAIRS
ENTERANCE/EXITS
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 SCENE 2- COUNT DRACULA’S CASTLE IN TRANSYLVANIA

LAMPS
FLATS
WINDOW
ENTRANCE/
EXITS
ROSTRA
STAIRS
DINING TABLE
CHAIRS

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SCENE 3- BEDROOM IN COUNT DRACULA’S CASTLE

FLATS
WINDOW FLATS
CURTAINS
LAMPS
BED
CHEST
ENTERANCE/EXITS
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GROUND PLANS
ACT2

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SCENE 1- BEDROOM IN COUNT DRACULA’S CASTLE

FLATS
WINDOW FLATS
CURTAINS
LAMPS
BED
CHEST
ENTERANCE/EXIT
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SCENE 2- SHIP TRAVELLING FROM TRANSYLVANIA TO ENGLAND

FLATS
SHIP

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SCENE 3- DR SEWARD’S ASYLUM

BOOKSHELVES
ENTRANCE/EXIT
BED
OPEN/CLOSING
CURTAINS
SIDE TABLE
FLATS
DESK
CHAIR

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SCENE 4- BEDROOM IN LUCY’S HOUSE IN ENGLAND

FLATS
BED
MIRROR
CHAIR
LAMP
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SCENE 8- GRAVEYARD IN ENGLAND

FLATS
PATHWAY
GRAVESTONES
BUSHES
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GROUND PLANS
ACT 3

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SCENE 1,3,4,5- BACK TO DR SEWARDS ASYLUM

BOOKSHELVES
ENTERANCE/EXITS
BED
OPEN/CLOSING CURTAINS
SIDE TABLE
FLATS
DESK
CHAIR

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SCENE 2- BACK TO LUCYS BEDROOM IN ENGLAND

FLATS
BED
MIRROR
CHAIR
LAMP
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GROUND PLANS
ACT 4

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SCENE 1,2,3,4,5- BACK TO DR SEWRADS ASYLUM

BOOKSHELVES
ENTERANCE/EXITS
BED
OPEN/CLOSING
CURTAINS
SIDE TABLE
FLATS
DESK
CHAIR

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GROUND PLANS
ACT 5

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SCENE 1,2,3,4,5- BACK TO DR SEWARDS ASYLUM

BOOKSHELVES
ENTERANCE/EXITS
BED
OPEN/CLOSING CURTAINS
SIDE TABLE
FLATS
DESK
CHAIR

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ELEVATION DRAWINGS
KEY SCENES

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COUNT DRACULAS CASTLE TEXTUAL CLUES TO HIGHLIGHT THEMES AND
ISSUES.
Power and Control: The description of Dracula's castle
emphasizes his dominance and control. The castle is described
as "a vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no
ray of light" (Act 1, Scene 2). This imagery suggests a sense of
darkness and isolation, symbolizing Dracula's power and control
over his domain.

Gothic Atmosphere: The castle scene creates a Gothic

atmosphere through its description. Harker describes the castle
as having "great black windows" and "massive walls" (Act 1,
Scene 2). These details contribute to the eerie and mysterious
atmosphere associated with the Gothic genre, setting the stage
for the supernatural events that unfold throughout the play.

Fear and Isolation: The castle scene evokes a sense of fear and
isolation. Harker describes feeling "a terrible loneliness" and
being "filled with dread" (Act 1, Scene 2). This sense of fear and
isolation contributes to the overall atmosphere of suspense and
horror in the play.

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