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A Literary Hero
Dracula: Finding of a Shadow is a bold reimagining of Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece, presenting it as a stage play that mingles dark comedy, high drama, and an intriguing exploration of vampiric lore. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Dracula – is one of the most successful heroes of mass culture, who came to us from the pages of the famous gothic novel by Bram Stoker “Dracula”, written over 125 years ago. This book (“Dracula: Finding of a Shadow”) is dedicated to the image and character of Dracula: how it was formed, how it has transformed over the years, its future, and further development in the world of literature, film, and theatre.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
In the recently discovered Bram Stoker’s diaries and notes, published by the great-grand-nephew of the famous author – Dacre Stoker, I have found for myself a number of answers to questions about how this literary hero was born, why the author awarded him particular characteristics and qualities. I’ve also discovered information about Bram’s attitude towards theatre in general and the staging of his novel in particular. You can read all about it in the Foreword, written by Dacre Stoker himself, and also in the exclusive interview with Dacre included in the book.
In my original play “Dracula: Finding of a Shadow” the character of Count Dracula is presented as a collective image, based not only on the original novel by Bram Stoker, but also the prequel and the sequel, co-authored by Dacre Stoker, who used Bram’s notes and diaries to create them.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book – “Teach Me How to Die. A Novella and Other Stories” – is currently being published. It is my first prosaic experience. The novella “Teach Me How to Die” is dedicated to a very important issue of our time – suicide and its prevention. I believe the book will be released this summer.
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as the 175th anniversary of its author, Bram Stoker. In the foreword, written by the great-
grandnephew of the writer, Dacre Stoker, we discover that Bram Stoker worked in theater, loved
theater, and was inspired by the dramatic art. Dacre’s exclusive interview introduces the results
of his detective-research of various documents and Bram’s personal journals and notes — all of
the many discoveries led to the creation of the prequel, Dracul, and the sequel, Dracula the Un-
Dead.
Lisa Monde’s play Dracula: Finding of a Shadow was inspired by the original novel by
Bram Stoker, as well as both – the sequel and the prequel. The play had several Off-Broadway
productions. This current edition also includes an original play by the guest-playwright Thomas
R. Gordon – Dracula: Bloodlines. Both plays premiered at the Gene Frankel Theater in New
York City.
Over ten years ago, Lisa published her first scientific article on the evolution of the image
of Dracula in literature and art. Besides the plays, two essays by Lisa Monde are also included in
this book, both shedding light on the mystery of the birth of the stellar literary character and the
evolution of the image of Dracula.
In the Epilogue, Lisa summarizes the stages of the path traversed by Dracula in literature
and other types of art, as well as shares her ideas on Dracula’s future.
Dracula: Finding of a Shadow
Dracula: Finding of a Shadow is a bold reimagining of Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece, presenting it as a stage play that mingles dark comedy, high drama, and an intriguing exploration of vampiric lore. Through layers of theatricality and clever dialogue, the book serves as both a tribute and an expansion of the Dracula mythos. It’s packed with eccentric characters like the sultry vampiresses and the enigmatic Alucard, blending modern humor with classic gothic intensity. The narrative weaves moments of levity and horror, making it an unconventional but engrossing continuation of the Dracula legend.
One of the main values of this anthology lies in its deep study and research into Dracula as a subject, meticulously carried out by the author. This commitment to exploring the Dracula mythos elevates the work beyond mere storytelling. The book is enriched with an interview featuring Dacre Stoker, the collector and keeper of Bram Stoker’s literary legacy. This fascinating addition offers insights into the theatrical potential of the novel and the importance of theater in Bram Stoker’s life and work, making the anthology not just a play but an immersive dive into the world of Dracula.
The anthology also includes two thought-provoking essays that delve into the origins of Dracula as a literary character and his enduring legacy in cinema, theater, and musical theater. These essays give readers a unique opportunity to see Dracula from multiple perspectives: his birth, evolution, and lasting cultural impact. This exploration of Dracula’s image across different mediums adds layers of context and richness to the experience, allowing fans to appreciate the depth and breadth of the Count’s influence.
At the heart of the anthology is the play Dracula: Finding of a Shadow, which draws inspiration not only from the original novel but also from the prequel and sequel written by Dacre Stoker. The play captures the essence of the gothic classic while blending it with contemporary themes and dramatic innovation. The Epilogue offers a visionary take on Dracula’s future, presenting him as one of the most successful heroes of mass culture over the last two centuries, a perspective that feels both fitting and ambitious.
What struck me first about the play itself was its playful tone, especially in the scenes featuring the vampiresses. Their banter about trivialities like fashion or misunderstandings of modern vocabulary adds a quirky charm that offsets the brooding atmosphere. One particularly memorable scene was the Tango sequence between Dracula and Mina. It was strange and theatrical, but it effectively captured Dracula’s hypnotic allure while also hinting at his underlying vulnerability. These creative choices kept me entertained.
The character of Alucard is a standout. As Dracula’s estranged shadow, his mix of resentment, mischief, and strange loyalty gave him depth. His philosophical musings about shadows and freedom resonated with me more than the main plot.
Dracula’s raw, unyielding yearning for his lost love, Elisabeta, remains compelling. Lines like, “I wanted to forget her, but she comes to me once again,” highlight his tragic romanticism and elevate the character beyond a stereotypical villain. Yet, I couldn’t help but wish the script balanced these emotional beats better.
While I appreciated the modern twists, some elements felt overdone. The vampiresses’ slapstick antics and their convoluted schemes occasionally derailed the tension. At times, I wanted the story to focus more on Mina and Jonathan’s arc. Their rushed wedding at a corrupted church was both eerie and heart-wrenching, especially with the subtle hints that Father Dominic might not be human. That scene was masterfully creepy, though it left me craving more development of Mina’s perspective and her growing ties to Dracula’s world.
Dracula: Finding of a Shadow is for fans of gothic theater who enjoy modern flourishes and a bit of camp. It’s a work that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers moments of intrigue and poignancy. By including not just the play but also essays, an interview with Dacre Stoker, and a rich examination of Dracula’s influence across art forms, the anthology becomes a must-read for anyone fascinated by the vampire legend. If you love quirky reimaginings with the freedom to not always stay true to the source material’s tone, you’ll likely enjoy this.
Pages: 220 | ASIN : B0CN9QNSSZ
LITERARY TITAN 