Dracula - Sydney Theatre Company
On Wednesday, 31 July, Year 11 Drama students were lucky enough to attend a showing of the Sydney Theatre Company’s newly adapted depiction of Bram Stoker’s much-adapted 1897 novel, “Dracula”.
Dracula, which debuted in early July to rave reviews, is whatSTC Artistic Director Kip Williams likes to call ‘cine-theatre’, an ambitious mash-up of live performance and live and pre-recorded video. This style of self-proclaimed ‘cine-theatre’ is Kip Williams’ speciality, as he previously utilised the same attributes of theatre and film in his productions The Picture of Dorian Gray and Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
These productions astounded audiences and critics alike with their innovative cine-theatre live video techniques that closely engaged audience members.
Dracula was a phenomenal production that was incredibly engaging and entertaining. Actress Zahra Newman performs all 23 roles in the play, from the vampire-hunter, Professor Van Helsing, to the mysterious titular count of the play. She puts on an incredibly transformative performance as she employs a variety of techniques to differentiate the varied characters she portrays, her subtle acting choices allow her to shape-shift between all roles
using only wigs, costumes and her extraordinary voice and physicality.
Newman carries this production on her back as she adapts spectacularly to the intense requirements of the show. It is a masterclass of acting within the two-hour runtime of the production. Assisting Zahra Newman in bringing these characters to life is the fabulous costume department which provides intricate appearances that add to the play’s gothic atmosphere. However, despite all the wonderful costumes seen, I felt the costume and look of the titular character felt off and disconnected from the rest of the play.
For example, the red wig that Dracula wears felt somehow incongruous in the interactions between he and other characters, and ended up being quite distracting. However, elements such as this are easy to forgive.
Alongside the acting chops put on display by Zahra Newman, are the spectacular technical elements of the play. The so-called ‘cine-theatre’ is performed expertly, as Williams takes you through the harrowing tale of Count Dracula and his hunters. The different elements of production, namely the live and pre-recorded film are incredible to witness and immerse you immediately.
The play achieves a captivating degree of world-building with minimal props and items on stage. The narrative voice often shifts from character to character to progress the story. Whilst this effect is effective for a majority of the time, it does become difficult at times to stay on track, as Newman weaves in between different character perspective.
The technical aspects of the moving screens and the implementation of their recording is unlike anything that you’ve seen before. The pre-recorded film is used with live vision as Newman interacts with herself playing multiple characters, conversing and exchanging, building the tension. The musical soundscape provided by the composer is always present, always evocative and menacing.
Overall, the Drama students thoroughly enjoyed the excursion and were grateful for the opportunity to watch both an intriguing interpretation of a classic novel and a style of theatre that is unique.
Oscar Wilson
Year 11 Drama Student
