Ahead of Blackeyed Theatre’s highly anticipated adaptation of Dracula, our Student Ambassadors Joshua Shane Watts, Holly Lobban, and Lily Howe interviewed cast member Maya-Nika Bewley about playing Mina and Dr Hennessy.
What can attendees expect, and what are you hoping the audience take away from the performance?
Audiences can expect a production that stays relatively true to the original Bram Stoker text, with a few added modern and clever twists by our incredible Writer/Director Nick Lane that have kept audiences on their toes throughout the entirety of this tour. Characters use letter-writing and diary entries to communicate with each other as well as a significant amount of direct address, which makes the story feel personal and keeps the audience deeply invested in the story as the characters on stage, even in the most dramatic moments of the play. We also have beautiful music and singing sprinkled throughout the show, composed by the incredible Tristan Parks, that really elevates the vibe of the piece. We hope that you think about what the tweaks in our version of the story mean to you, influence how you view the world around you, and how they keep this incredible story relevant to this day.
How is this production bringing something new to the story?
Without giving too much away, our version of the play brings this 1897 story firmly into the 21st century. We invite audiences to tackle difficult topics like gender roles in the Victorian era (and how little those roles have changed), England’s long history of colonialism, mental healthcare (and again, how little stigma and care have changed), love and loss in times of crisis and what it truly means to be a “vampire”.
Tell us about your characters. What do you have in common with them, and what makes you different?
I play Mina and Dr Hennessy. I have loved these characters wholly from the first time I ever read the script. They are so different from each other, want entirely different things from life, and yet are both entirely committed to fighting for what they believe in, no matter the personal cost. I hope that I share Mina’s gentleness and openness and Dr Hennessy’s unflinching fight for justice. I may not always get these things right in my own life, but these two characters inspire me to try.
What was challenging about this script?
The script is absolutely huge. There is so much text, both for individual characters as well as the many ensemble moments throughout the show. I don’t think any of us would say it was a daunting task, but we all worked very hard throughout rehearsals and continue to work on making sure those ensemble moments are impactful and connected.
What is your favourite line in the show?
My favourite line comes towards the end of the show. Mina goes to Renfield’s cell to seek out information and ask for help. As I enter the cell I say “Good evening, Ms Renfield”. It’s such a simple line but holds so much weight for my character. It’s fun to say every time!
The period costume design looks beautiful! Which is your favourite costume in the show, and why?
The costumes are so fun! We basically get to play dress up for a living! I love how we use small pieces of clothing like a skirt, a jacket or a scarf to convey character swapping. We all play so many roles we don’t have time for elaborate costume changes! My favourite piece is probably Renfield’s jacket. Not only does it look great on stage, but it also holds so much meaning beyond the physical item.
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