Communist Dracula Pageant

By Anne Washburn

Directed by Anne Kauffman

Originally produced at American Repertory Theatre, Cambridge, MA.

October 18, 2008 through November 9, 2008

About the Premiere Production: The Communist Dracula Pageant: by Americans, for Americans, with hallucinations, phosphorescence, and bears is a hilariously provocative new play that dramatizes the final, surreal days of the Ceausescu dictatorship in Romania. A blend of fantasy and historical fact, the play examines the relationships among politics, power, national mythmaking and the media.

Artistic Statement: Anne Washburn’s Communist Dracula Pageant dramatizes the downfall of Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu, the autocratic rulers of Romania from 1965 – 1989. What makes Communist Dracula Pageant unique, however, is its blend of the historical and the fantastical. Dialogue taken directly from historical transcripts is often followed by absurd events such as a bear prowling outside a courtroom. Additionally, fantasies and flashbacks disrupt the play’s chronology, creating a non-linear narrative. Communist Dracula Pageant is subtitled “by Americans, for Americans with hallucinations, phosphorescence, and bears.” Washburn wanted to write a play about the consolidation of political power, and while she chose Romania for her subject, she did so knowing that the foundation of tyranny is the same in any time and any place. We believe the timing of the production, during the U.S. Presidential election season, will be especially relevant for our audiences.

Director: Anne Kauffman

Set Design:Mimi Lien

Lighting Design:Tyler Micholeau

Sound Design:David Remedios

Costume Design:Christal Weatherly