Fresno State’s Theatre Department is set to stage the premiere of “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really,” a female-led play created by Kate Hamil and directed by Fresno State professor J. Daniel Herring. 

The play, which officially opens Sept. 27 is anticipated, by the theatre department, to be a defining production of the theatre’s autumn offerings since it’s a one-of-a-kind new perspective on an original script, “Dracula.” 

“Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really” delves into a new look into the well known story “Dracula,” creating a clever and disquieting revenge tale. Set on targeting the sexism in Bram Stoker’s original work, it overcomes the harmful notions of toxic masculinity and presents an insightful and provoking feminist reinterpretation. 

Director J. Daniel Herring, known for his completion of twenty seasons with Stage One in Louisville, Kentucky, is at the lead of this production. Herring’s interpretation focuses on the revolutionary elements of the original story while also exemplifying the voices of the female characters. 

“If you go back to that original literature, it’s all male driven,” Herring said. “And in this adaptation, Kate Hamill makes it so that the women are the ones who get to say what is controlled in the end.” 

Herring hopes the audience will find themselves able to connect with the blend of humor, gore, scares and empowerment that ultimately define “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really.” He believes the play’s unique tone, balancing light comedy alongside moments of intense horror, will not only entertain them but provoke thought. 

“I hope we will scare them a couple of times and I hope we get some laughter at some points”, Herring said. “I think in an audience like this, one person might be scared while another might laugh. I feel it’s got a whole range of possibilities for how the audience is going to respond.” 

The production will feature a skilled group of Fresno State students such as Steven Kairuz who will be starring as Dracula. The lead role will be taken on by Paulina Contreras as a reimagined Van Helsing, whose portrayal will highlight the character’s own journey of empowerment through a feminist point of view. 

Kairuz and Contreras both described their personal excitement on the groundbreaking production. 

“I am most excited about playing Dracula in this play because I was very interested in the ‘feminist revenge’ part of the play,” Kairuz said. “I would describe the play with the words ‘really bloody awesome!’” 

Contreras, who portrays the heroic Helsing, added, “I am so excited to portray a known and iconic character but as a powerful woman. I love the concept and message that it portrays to empower women.” 

The play will take place in the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre, located in the Speech Arts building at Fresno State,  which has housed numerous productions over the years. 

The show is set to be in production from Sept. 27 to Oct. 5. Tickets for “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really” have already gone on sale, with prices ranging from $10 to $20. 

Student tickets start at $10 and can be found on the website. Parking is also free for shows through the weekend, but shows during the week will require a permit, which can be purchased at various parking meters. 

For more information about tickets and showtimes the Fresno State Theatre Department website or visit their box office just outside of the theatre.

Correction: This article was updated on Sept. 17 to reflect Paulina Contreras’ role as the lead character.