Stage Blood: Vampires of the 19th Century Stage

by Roxana Stuart

The vampire originally took on its characteristics in the public imagination from a series of plays written and performed by some of the most important figures in nineteenth-century theater. This work is the first major study devoted to the vampire on stage; the author discusses the figure that preceded Dracula—Lord Ruthven—the subject of more than forty English, French, and American plays. The principal works are melodramas, but the vampire theme was also treated in tragedy, opera, ballet, burlesque, farce, burletta, and satire.

Genres: Vampires, Research

386 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Christine]

Hugely enjoyable and versatile look at 19th century vampire plays and operas, and vampire´s evolution from stage to cinema. Features detailed plot summaries, reviews from contemporary sources and Ms/Mrs Stuart herself, plus available contemporary pictures.