The Life and Undeath of Lucy Westenra: A Dracula Adaptation
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The Life and Undeath of Lucy Westenra: A Dracula Adaptation
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Character Information
This play encourages diverse casting. While these characters have been historically portrayed as white and cisgender, in this retelling, they may be played by actors of any ethnicity/race or gender identity.
True horror comes from not knowing exactly what's in the dark. Dracula's form should never be explicitly shown onstage nor be portrayed by a separate actor. Rather, multiple characters assume his identity (as denoted by CHARACTER NAME/DRACULA) or his voice plays offstage.
Actors should play multiple characters as such:
The actors playing Mina, Mrs. Westenra, Arthur, and Florence also portray the physical embodiment of Dracula.
The actor playing Quincey can also portray Dracula's Voice.
The actor playing Dr. Seward can also portray the Gentleman and the Minister.
The actor who voices Dracula also portrays Van Helsing.
True horror comes from not knowing exactly what's in the dark. Dracula's form should never be explicitly shown onstage nor be portrayed by a separate actor. Rather, multiple characters assume his identity (as denoted by CHARACTER NAME/DRACULA) or his voice plays offstage.
Actors should play multiple characters as such:
The actors playing Mina, Mrs. Westenra, Arthur, and Florence also portray the physical embodiment of Dracula.
The actor playing Quincey can also portray Dracula's Voice.
The actor playing Dr. Seward can also portray the Gentleman and the Minister.
The actor who voices Dracula also portrays Van Helsing.
- Lucy WestenraOn the outside, she's a vision of poise, modesty, and beauty. However, she hides her true self from Victorian society. After her death, she seeks the truth about her demise.Character Agelate teens/early 20sCharacter Gender IdentityFemale
- MinaLucy's childhood friend, whom Lucy has feelings for. She's organized and loyal. A natural born leader.Character Age20sCharacter Gender IdentityFemale
- ArthurLucy's suitor. The most eligible bachelor in London. He's just inherited his father's title and he's cracking under the pressure of society.Character Age20sCharacter Gender IdentityMale
- FlorenceArthur's little sister. A curious, inventive girl. She's not afraid of the dark.Character Age11Character Gender IdentityFemale
- Dr. SewardLucy's suitor. The doctor of a psychiatric hospital. He wants to make progress through any means necessary. Doesn't believe in the supernatural.
Character Agelate 20sCharacter Gender IdentityMale - QuinceyLucy's suitor. Very American. He's an intelligent and daring hunter with more experience with vampires than people expect.
Character Age20s/30sCharacter Gender IdentityMale - Van HelsingDr. Seward's mentor. Has immense experience with the supernatural and is desperate to prove that it's real.Character Age40s/50s/60s/70sCharacter Gender IdentityMale
- Mrs. WestenraLucy's mother. Fluctuates between being a caring and a controlling mother. She feels the weight of the world on her shoulders. Has a heart condition.Character Age40s/50s/60sCharacter Gender IdentityFemale
- DraculaAn ageless being. Bloodsucker. A hunter. He desires companionship, but his idea of love revolves around violence and control. Never appears on stage. He's an offstage voice.Character Gender IdentityMale
- MinisterCharacter Gender IdentityMale
- GentlemanCharacter Gender IdentityMale
Development History
- Type Reading, Organization The Embark Playwriting Cohort at The Wayward Artist, Year 2024