Dracula makes timely arrival
Ballet Victoria’s Paul Destrooper drew from a number of sources to create the new ballet Dracula, including a trip to Romania several years ago.
“There is a lot of folklore and some of the stories about Vlad the Impaler were pretty ruthless,” said Destrooper, who borrowed from the cultural esthetic of the Romani, but went with the more romantic Bram Stoker version of the story for the ballet.
“We didn’t get into the wars and history. But there are neckbiting vampires and more of a 21st-century take on the themes and characters.”
These include strong female roles in dance and character.
“The women are mostly vampires and choose their paths rather than just being victims. There is also some very athletic choreography,” Destrooper said. “Dracula represents an entity that embodies something people want: youth, beauty and power.”
He said the ballet explores themes of addiction, and shows how being connected to others and having compassion and empathy can help.
“People can lose these battles, then find empathy and connection to survive,” Destrooper said.
The ballet is performed entirely on pointe by the company of 14 and incorporates traditional classical music such as Beethoven, as well as contemporary elements such as tango and music by Tyler Bates (Guardians of the Galaxy).
And, yes, it will be spooky. “There will be blood,” Destrooper said.
The vampires are painted in blood tattoos with dragons, snakes and symbols of dark magic. Costume designer Jane Wood pays tribute to the mythological origins of the story with sheer harem pants and red folk dresses.
Destrooper said the ballet showcases the company’s range and encourages the audience to dress in costume or “wear fangs.”
Ballet Victoria’s Dracula is one of many arts programs with a Halloween theme this week. Other highlights include: • Victoria Symphony Thrillers: Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Royal Theatre. New pops conductor Sean O’Loughlin brings the spooky sounds of horror flicks Psycho, Jaws, Jurassic Park and more. Featuring Lorraine Min on piano. Tickets are $32 to $85. For more information, visit victoriasymphony.ca. • Rocky Horror Show Live: Today, Friday and Saturday at 7 and 10 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday at the Metro Theatre. Tickets are $32 or $37 with props. This cult classic has become a Victoria tradition, featuring some of the city’s top theatre performers. Dress up and join in. For more information, visit atomicvaudeville.com • Psychic Pollution and friends perform John Carpenter: Tuesday night’s Halloween party at the Copper Owl features synthesizer renditions of horror-film director and composer John Carpenter’s spookiest works (Halloween, Christine, The Thing). Tickets: $7.50/$12 at the door. For more information, visit copperowl.ca.