The Blood Countess

by Michael Dalberg

In the icy corridors of 1600s Hungary, power bleeds easily—especially from women. The Blood Countess reimagines the infamous legend of Countess Erzsébet Báthory, peeling back myth to expose the woman beneath the horror. As war looms and alliances crumble, Erzsébet navigates a treacherous court of noble ambition, religious hypocrisy, and patriarchal control. Haunted by her past, manipulated by those closest to...

In the icy corridors of 1600s Hungary, power bleeds easily—especially from women. The Blood Countess reimagines the infamous legend of Countess Erzsébet Báthory, peeling back myth to expose the woman beneath the horror. As war looms and alliances crumble, Erzsébet navigates a treacherous court of noble ambition, religious hypocrisy, and patriarchal control. Haunted by her past, manipulated by those closest to her, and increasingly desperate for autonomy, she walks a dangerous line between victim and monster.

Told with sharp wit, evocative movement, and an ensemble-driven approach, The Blood Countess is a visceral, feminist horror story about the price of survival.

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The Blood Countess

Recommended by

  • Emma S. Rund: The Blood Countess by Michael Dalberg
    “

    In 1610, Countess Erzsébet Báthory was sentenced to imprisonment within her castle for the brutal torture and murders of a large number (somewhere between 30 and 600) of her servants, based on largely hearsay. Over the next several hundred years, Erzsébet’s story evolved to claim that she bathed in the blood of her victims to maintain a youthful appearance. Michael Dalberg’s interpretation of the story challenges us to look at Erzsébet not as a monster but as a woman fighting for her legacy.

    In 1610, Countess Erzsébet Báthory was sentenced to imprisonment within her castle for the brutal torture and murders of a large number (somewhere between 30 and 600) of her servants, based on largely hearsay. Over the next several hundred years, Erzsébet’s story evolved to claim that she bathed in the blood of her victims to maintain a youthful appearance. Michael Dalberg’s interpretation of the story challenges us to look at Erzsébet not as a monster but as a woman fighting for her legacy.

    ”

Character Information

Servants can be done using only 3 people and guards can double as Pal, Imre, Gyorgy, and Istvan as needed for a minimum of 9 roles (if Gyorgy and Istvan also double, or otherwise. Beyond that, productions are encouraged to add servants and/or guards as desired to build out the world.
  • Erzsebet Bathory
    The infamous Hungarian countess. The soft metal of her soul has been forged under extreme pressure to become hard but also mercurial, though not without shine. 50+ years old.
    50+
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Anna Darvulia
    The most trusted servant of the countess. She maintains the household, and tends to the countess’ health. Above all, she is a protector. 40+ years old.
    40+
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Pal Nadasdy
    Son of the countess, and her natural-born heir. 17+ years old.
    17-30
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Janos Ujvary
    Presumed to be a mute peasant from a nearby village. Of indiscriminate age.
    Any
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Gyorgy Thurzo
    A player of politics belonging to one of the richest houses in Upper Hungary. 50+ years old.
    50+
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Imre Thurzo
    Son of György Thurzó, and his natural-born heir. 17+ years old.
    17-30
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Istvan Magyari
    The local Lutheran minister. 50+ years old.
    50+
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Servants (3+)
    Servants of the countess. Their names alternate between Katarina, Ilona, and Dorotya. They are younger than Anna Darvulia.
    Under 50
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Guards (2+)
    Guards of the countess, hired by the late Ferenc Nádasdy. Of indiscriminate age.
    Any
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Workshop, Idle Muse Theatre Company, 2025
  • Workshop, Idle Muse Theatre Company, 2024
  • Workshop, Idle Muse Theatre Company, 2024

Production History

  • Professional, Idle Muse Theatre Company, 2025

Awards

  • Best of Chicago - Best Play
    Chicago Reader
    Finalist
    2025
  • Jeff Nominated
    The Joseph Jefferson Awards
    Finalist
    2025