An evening ‘Dissecting Dracula’ with academics from the University of Winchester proved a sell-out success at the city’s Theatre Royal.
Staff from several different subject areas across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) explored the lasting impact of Bram Stoker’s Gothic novel and our undying fascination with vampires.
On the night before Hallowe’en, the audience gathered to hear the following enlightening and entertaining presentations:
Pictured (from left) Polly Stoker, Emily Stiles, Joe Stubbersfield, Michael Bradshaw, Liam Stachell and Gary Farnell.
It was love at first bite when Stoker's novel first appeared in 1897 and almost 130 years later our fascination with Count Dracula seems as strong as ever.
The bloodthirsty count has appeared on stage, screen and radio and in comic books and video games. In fact, Dracula holds the Guinness World Record for being the most-played character in movies and TV.
His success has also fed into an ongoing obsession with the undead as featured in Twilight, Count Duckula, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and What We Do in the Shadows.
Following the academic's presentations at the Theatre Royal, the audience had a chance to dig a little deeper into the Dracula phenomenon when the Dean of HSS, Mike Bradshaw, chaired a Q&A session.
Speaking after the event Michael said: “As well as being an entertaining public event, ‘Dissecting Dracula’ was a compelling demonstration of the diverse expertise we have at the University.
“We saw psychologists, historians, and literary critics working together to bring exciting new perspectives on Stoker’s classic vampire story. Working across subject boundaries like this can be an exciting way of engaging public interest – especially with material as popular as Dracula. It’s great for starting conversations.”
Plans are already being made for a follow up HSS event to celebrate St Valentines Day. 'For the Love Of…' is scheduled to take place at the Theatre Royal on 13 February, 2025.
Pictured top: Bela Lugosi in Universal's 1931 version of Dracula.
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