CHARACTERS: Mina Harker: Early 20s. She pretends to be mortally ill to gain attention and sympathy. She is mimicking the same symptoms as that Lucy Westera had; Lucy being the character who has died of a mysterious illness. This illness is mysterious only because the medicine of the day could not diagnose the illness. Lucy may well have died of any serious diagnosed illness of the 1920s. Mina does have an eating disorder; bulimia. She comes from a wealthy family and her marriage to Jonathan Harker was probably arranged. Mina finds sex disgusting and sordid. Mina is child like, demanding, selfish, spoilt and manipulative. Mina probably tortured small animals as a child. She takes pleasure in overworking and subtly harassing her house maid, Ethel. Mina puts people on edge and people often dislike her or are at least sickened by her. Mina dislikes people and prefers her own company. She uses and tolerates her husband. Mina is annoyed by Quincy Morris and feels superior to Quincy; Mina sees Americans as uncivilised and unintelligent. Mina despises Jacqueline Fairchild and thinks her crass and debauched. Other characters in the play she feel very little for and uses and manipulates them. Mina has frequent and recurring sexual dreams which terrify and scare her. Jonathan Harker: Early 20s. His wealth is inherited but dabbles in business so he can feel like a provider and husband. He tries hard to play his role as a husband and is overly attentive to Mina's. He feels duty bound to her and the role of the devoted husband gives him a purpose in life but secretly loathes his wife and is disgusted by her. He is highly strung, neurotic, easily manipulated and has a low self esteem. He is a 'lost' character and relies on older men to provide guidance. He tries to be the convivial host and hopes to win the approval of his friends. His awkward attempts at humour and his desire for approval make him annoying to the other characters and place him at the bottom of the pecking order in the group. He is secretly terrified by sex and in his confusion makes half hearted attempts to sexually harass Ethel the house maid. Quincy Morris: Mid to late 20s. A Californian and wealthy with 'new' money. She is selfish, loud, brash and very self assured. She is not as educated as the other characters and she lacks the 'sophistication' of her English friends; she is aware of this and she over compensates by playing the brave frontier person. To the most of the other characters she a novelty because she is American. Jacqueline Fairchild is contemptuous for her and finds her ignorant and unintelligent. Mina is appalled by Quincy's lack of subtlety and feels superior to Quincy. Harker is frightened by her and Quincy bullies him. Quincy dislikes Harker and feels he is a weak and ineffectual man. She admires the more 'manly' qualities of Professor Van Helsing; adventurous, passionate, dominating etc. Alistair Seward: Early 30s. His interest in Medicine is genuine and he is devoted to it; it takes up most of his life and distracts him from facing his own problems and insecurities. He is secretly homosexual among friends who would not accept homosexuality. He is a caring and genuine person. He sympathises and is genuinely concerned for the welfare of his friends. He is under the illusion that the group of friends all like each other. He lacks initiative and is prone to hero worship and admires and dotes on Van Helsing. Initially Seward is caught up in Van Helsing's rhetoric and complies with Van Helsing. As the play progresses Seward becomes more and more distressed as acts of violence occur. At the end of the play Seward has not seen the 'error in his ways', he is shell shocked by all the violence, he is feeling blank and confused. Van Helsing: Mid 40s. An energetic, paranoid and obsessive person with strong pseudo religious beliefs; a mixture of science, metaphysics, the occult and Christianity. To Van Helsing, that which can't be explained by science of the day is in the realm of the supernatural. He enjoys his guru like status and enjoys the control he exerts on the susceptible believer. His extreme paranoia allows him to misinterpret and misconstrue; he sees plots and traps at every turn. He is obsessed with concepts of good and evil. Jacqueline Fairchild: Late 20s. Wealthy, urbane, cynical, highly intelligent, lazy, bored with her life and an alcoholic. She is the rationalist of the group. To her the group of friends are entertaining because of their failings; she secretly find them ignorant and boring. When the group start to suspect a vampire attack, she is entertained by their absurdity of the situation and the ignorance of the group. Though she understands that Dracula is being wrongly accused she does not intervene; she is too selfish to see the gravity of the situation. Godalming: Late 40s. A generous warm 'uncle' 'fatherly' type, full of bluff and enthusiasm. An ex-soldier and an imperialist with strong racist beliefs. Despite the bluff and bravado he is not brave when facing danger. He is liked by all the group. Count Dracula: Early 30s. Enigmatic, charming, mannered, deliberate and thoughtful. Intelligent and feels superior to the group. He is a rationalist and is appalled at the parochial beliefs that some of the group hold. Dracula is disillusioned with life and finds it unjust and he feels incapable of over- coming death of his wife. He is not a vampire. He is allergic to garlic. Ethel: Mid 20s. 'Down to earth' practical. Blunt, and to the point. Renfield: 50s. Spent most of his life in institutions. He is uneducated and can barely talk. He has invented his own fantasy world to escape into because his reality is unbearable. Setting: In the Harkers house in a 'well-to-do' London suburb. The period is the mid 1920s. The season is early spring. The time is early evening. Scene: In the parlour. Music plays: 'The Rite Of Spring' by Stravinsky; the opening movement. Mina is on lying on a divan. She is propped up with cushions and is covered by a blanket. She is eating chocolates from a box of chocolates. She eats each chocolate in her own ritualistic way. She takes great pains to choose the right chocolate, licks it a few times, puts it in her mouth, takes it out to examine it and then licks it again. She puts it back her mouth and then out it comes again, etc. The music fades and she puts the chocolates under the divan. She then scratches her neck. She has a scarf around her neck covering a rash. She exposes the rash. It is bloody, red and swollen. She finds it painful and pleasurable to scratch her neck. She then puts her fingers down her throat to induce vomiting. She gags a few times but does not succeed. She is bored with this and she rings the servant bell. She arranges herself and feigns helplessness and sickness. Enter Ethel. Ethel is tired, over worked and disheveled. Mina: Ethel? Ethel: Yes Mrs. Harker. Mina: I'm afraid I've made a small mess on the carpet again. Ethel: Yes Mrs. Harker.(She takes the pot that is beside the divan.) Mina: I'm sorry, I missed the pot and got a little on the floor. Ethel: I'll see to it Mam. (Ethel goes to leave) Mina: Oh Ethel, could you fluff my pillow pretty please? (Ethel returns to fluff the pillow) Ethel sometimes I get the impression that you don't enjoy working in this house. Ethel: Oh no Mrs. Harker its just that there is so much to do and I.... Mina: Plenty of young girls would jump at the chance to serve in my household. Ethel: Yes I know and I am very grateful to you and Mr Harker. Mina: You could do worse you know, much worse. I know what can happen to girls of your class and its not very pretty. Ethel: Yes Mrs. Harker. Mina: They end up on the streets begging and preyed upon by sick and depraved men. You don't want to end up like that do you Ethel? Ethel: No Mam. Mina: Ethel can I ask you a personal question? Are you still a virgin? Its so important that a young lady be intact when she comes to her husband on her wedding night. Are you still intact Ethel? (Enter, Godalming)and Harker.) Godalming: How is our darling Mina doing eh? Mina: I feel a little better, thankyou Bernard. Harker: There's a brave girl. Mina: I still feel very weak. Harker: Oh my poor little flower. (Ethel goes to leave) Mina: Ethel, the carpet. We don't want to leave a stain, do we? Ethel: No Mam. (Ethel wipes the carpet with cloth) Godalming: That rosy colour is coming back into those cheeks. Eh what? Harker: Yes rosy, definitely something happening there. Godalming: Before long, you and Jonathan will be at it love birds. Harker: Yes, absolutely Bernard! (Mina reaches for the bucket and has a small vomit) Godalming: Oh there, there, you poor thing. Mina: I'm going to die, aren't I, just like Lucy? ( She starts to cry) Harker: Now come on, don't be a silly-billy. Godalming: Mina, I just had a word with Alistair and he told me the Professor will be here tonight. Isn't that smashing news? Harker: He's ever so clever. He's had loads of experience with mysterious diseases. Not that your diseased or anything darling. No God forbid....but you have got some nasty lurgy haven't you? Godalming: Come along now, lets not put on a grizzly face. Where's my beautiful dolly got to, eh? (Mina smiles her weird smile) That's better. Whose the prettiest filly in all of London? Why Mina Harker, of course. Harker: You're absolutely right there, Bernard. No doubt about it. She one keen filly this one. Mina: I should like to go to my room now. Harker: Yes, of course my dear. Ethel take Mrs. Harker to .... Mina: Jonathan, I'd prefer it if Bernard helped me? Godalming: It will be my pleasure to wait on a beautiful lady. (Godalming helps Mina up from the divan and they move to the exit.) Mina: Ethel you've missed a bit. Its so hard to get good help these days. Godalming: Good domestics are hard to come by. When I was India, the servants were perfect. Hard working, loyal.... they'd slave all day for a handful of rice. I had this fantastic lacky. His name was Amir, died in a hunting accident poor fellow...but what a worker and always smiling, always cheerful. Indians are such happy people.... (they have exited) Ethel: Will that be all sir? Harker: Now please don't take any of that to heart, Ethel. Mrs. Harker is not herself. I for one, know you put in a jolly good effort around here. I think your smashing Ethel, I do, really smashing. Hard working, loyal, punctual.... always very presentable. You know, I think you may have put on some weight; filling out a bit, eh?. I like that in a woman. Mina is so thin, know what I mean? Ethel: I think I'll be going now sir.( Ethel exits) Harker: Yes of course, Ethel...lots to do. (She has exited) Well, keep up the good work. (Enter Seward) Seward: How is Mina? Harker: Alistair, I feel that I have failed her. Seward: Come now, you mustn't think like that. Harker: Everyday she grows weaker, and all I can do is watch. Seward: Jonathan, she is very ill. But you .. Harker: I feel so god-damn useless. Seward: You are a loving and caring husband, and right now that's what Mina needs. Harker: Thankyou Alistair. You are a great friend. Seward: We'll get through this. Now, I must see how she's doing. Will you be fine? Harker: Yes old man. I just need a moment to collect myself. (Exit Seward) (enter Quincy) Quincy: Finally I've got you alone Johnathan Harker. I want the truth and I want it now. What have you done with my daddy's money? Harker: Quincy please, there is so much I am having to cope with at this point in time and I haven't had a moment ...... Quincy: My Daddy's hard earned cash. Where is it? Harker: The funds are safe, rest assured Quincy, safe and secure with my bank. I thought it best to .... Quincy: Your bank? Harker: Yes, I'm just waiting for the right opportunity, you know, for the market to improve and so forth and the money will be wisely invested just as your father entrusted me to do. Quincy: Why didn't you say so before? You've been avoiding me. Harker: No, no, no, not at all, Quincy my dear. Its Mina you know. She is very, very ill and I am so preoccupied as you can well appreciate. (Enter Seward) Quincy: Alistair when is this professor of yours turning up? Seward: He should be here within the hour, Quincy Quincy: You sure you can trust this guy? Seward: Absolutely Quincy, Not only is Professor Van Helsing a renown scientist, he is also an expert in metaphysics. Quincy: Meta-what? Seward: Metaphysics. It's the study of the supernatural; of things that defy rational explanation. Quincy: Oh. Right. (enter Godalming) Seward: I'm sure he will have some answers for us. Godalming: One would hope so Alistair. Seward: Bernard, how are we holding up eh? Godalming: I really am beside myself. This is all too upsetting. My dear Lucy suffered the same way, and I couldn't bear to see Mina.... ( He is too affected to go on.) Seward: Now come on everyone. We mustn't be so glum. Mina needs us. Godalming: Yes, of course Alistair. Is Jacqueline coming to dinner tonight, she'll liven things up around here. Harker: Of course. What would our dinners be like without Jacqueline, eh? Godalming: She's a saucy one all right. Quincy: I can think of several other words to describe Jacqueline. Harker: We're not a little envious now, are we Quincy? Quincy: Jonathan, sometimes you really are an idiot. Seward: What about your new neighbor the Count, will he be coming? Harker: Yes I did invite him along. Godalming: Oh Jonathan really, he's so.... Quincy: Depressing. Harker: I was only being polite. He's new in town and he doesn't have many friends.... Quincy: Why must the English be so polite. Back home, if you're a 'stinker' you're a 'stinker' Harker: Yes, I suppose so. Mina doesn't like him at all. He makes her feel nervous. Seward: He's a stranger in a new country. Its probably all very daunting to him, I suspect Godalming: Yes, he's a weirdo alright, there's no doubt about that. He bought that dump next door then, eh? Harker: I put the deal through for him last week. Quincy: You sure made a killing there didn't you Jonathan? Harker: Nothing a bit of renovating can't fix. Quincy: That house is a rat infested hole. Godalming: Well, you know how it is with foreigners.... to him its probably a palace. (an anguished howl is heard in the distance ) Godalming: My God! What the hell was that? Harker: That's one of the lunatics from Alistair's asylum next door. Isn't it Alistair? Seward: Its nothing to be concerned about he's harmless enough. Godalming: Do your loonies often escape? Seward: Oh no, no, no. That's Renfield. He's been with me for years. He's like a family pet really and we allow him a certain amount of freedom. Quincy: Your family pet sounds like he wants feeding. Harker: I think its about time we all had something to eat, eh what?. (Harker rings the bell). (enter Ethel) Seward: Now please everyone, we must buck up. Van Helsing is on his way. (They start to exit. Harker stays.) Godalming: He's not a German is he? Seward: No Bernard, he's from Holland. Quincy: The Dutch are a very clever people. Isn't that right Alistair; all those windmills and dikes? Seward: No doubt about it, the Dutch are an intellectual race. Quincy: They grow a lot of flowers you know. Seward: You mean the tulips? Quincy: Yeah, they really love those tulips. (They have exited.) Harker: Ethel. Ethel: Yes sir. Harker: I'd just like you to know how much I appreciate all your hard work. I know Mrs. Harker is proving a bit of a strain lately and If there is anything I can do for you, just let me know....(he motions to put his arm around her, hesitates and is clumsy) Yes, well, I think we're just about ready for dinner now, thankyou Ethel Ethel: Very good sir. (Harker exits) Oh are we now? Ready for dinner are we. Isn't that 'smashing'. Well maybe I'm bloody not ready. (Ethel stays to tidy up the parlour. She picks up cushions, shakes them out and replaces them. She punches a cushion in frustration etc and mutters to herself. She switches off the light and moves towards the door where she is confronted by Dracula. Ethel lets out a cry. Dracula turns on the lights.) Dracula: I am sorry if I have caused you alarm. Ethel: That's all right sir. You just gave me a fright. Dracula: How have you been feeling lately? Ethel: What ever you did for me last time sir, it did the trick. My headache disappeared. ( the bell rings. The bell is loud and annoying) But I'm afraid it didn't last. That bell never stops. Mrs. Harker is wearing me out and her guests are no better. (she is holding her head and is distressed.) Dracula: Would Madam like me to try again? Ethel: If it's no trouble, sir? Dracula: It will be my pleasure. Ethel: Where did you learn it? Dracula: Its a simple trick. It helped my wife when she was in pain. Please sit down. (They sit on the divan.) Now close your eyes and listen to my voice. Very good. (Dracula moves behind Ethel and places his hands on her.) I want you to imagine a very beautiful place that is far away. There are mountains and green valleys. There is a village. The people are singing and dancing to music. It is a special day; a celebration and you are there. The church bell is ringing and you are happy and you feel no pain. From now on, when you hear a bell ring, it will not be the sound of demanding people, it will be the sound of the of the village. You will be calm and peaceful. (He clicks his fingers and she awakens.) How are you feeling now, Madame? Ethel: Good... good. That's amazing. I feel fine! Yes, I'm feeling much better thankyou. Dracula: Where is Mr Harker and the others? Ethel: They are in the dining room sir. (She watches him exit. The servant bell rings and Ethel goes into a trance like state and sways to imagined music. Professor Van Helsing enters.) Helsing: Good evening. (Ethel does not respond. He clears his throat.. He moves towards her and waves his hand in front of her face. Ethel stares blankly out. Enter Doctor Seward.) Seward: Van Helsing! Thank God you've arrived. Helsing: Doctor Alistair Seward has but only to call and Professor Van Helsing will come. Seward: Hubert, I can't thankyou enough. Ethel, would you be so kind as to take the professor's coat? I say, Ethel? ( She doesn't respond. Van Helsing waves a hand in front of her face to demonstrate Ethel's unawareness. Van Helsing then snaps his fingers in front of her face. She comes to.) Ethel: Is something the matter sir? Helsing: No.... no. Thankyou very much. That will be all. (Ethel exits) Seward: What on earth came over her? Helsing: As I suspected, the serving girl was under the influence of hypnosis. Seward: The devil you say! Van Helsing: Someone may have plans to use this girl for their own purposes. Seward: Surely your not suggesting... Van Helsing: The forces of bad intent may be at work in this house. Seward: But who could.... Van Helsing: Our investigation must be based on fact, and fact alone. What we have seen just now, we will keep to ourselves. Seward: Of course professor. Its so good to see you again. I was worried that you wouldn't come. I thought... Van Helsing: Alistair, You became my friend for life in Africa. As soon as I was bitten by that snake you were sucking the poison from my wound. You will always be a dear and trusted friend. (They embrace) Seward: I know you would have done the same for me professor. Now come along you must meet some of my dearest friends. Everyone has been a little edgy particularly since Lucy died and what with Mina suffering the same way I'm afraid its all been quite a strain ......(they have exited) (Renfield enters through the parlour window after they have left the room. His clothes are old, dirty, worn out and ill-fitting. He is clutching a small box that he occasionally caresses. He explores the room. He finds a magazine and pretends to read it; mimicking the attitudes and manners of the upper class. He picks up the telephone and has an incoherent conversation. He quietly moves around the room, occasionally saying 'shh' to himself. He sits on the divan and from the box he takes out a rat, which he plays with and caresses and kisses. He loves his rat. The rat keeps trying to crawl over him. This is a little game that he enjoys very much. He becomes aware of the amount of giggling he is doing and afraid of discovery, puts the rat back in the box and climbs out the window.) Scene: In the Parlour ( After dinner; Lord Godalming, Quincy Morris, Jonathan Harker, Alistair Seward, Van Helsing and Jacqueline Fairchild. They sip port and some are smoking. Jacqueline drinks wine and has a bottle of wine near her and refills her glass throughout the scene. Seward is telling an Africa anecdote.) Seward: I think the time I was most afraid, was when we were finally summoned to meet the Zulu King. We were lead into an enormous grass hut in the centre of the village. and there he was. The fattest man I have ever seen. He could barely move and I'm sure he rarely ever did. Jacqueline: Why that sounds like Bernard. (they laugh) Harker: Yes, you're certainly putting on some weight, old man. (He laughs and the others don't laugh.) Quincy: Shutup, Jonathan. Go on Alistair. Seward: Standing all around the walls where huge fierce warriors, holding spears and shields. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I realised that the room was decorated with countless human skulls. (the others all respond: they are appalled). I literally froze with fear. But Van Helsing knew exactly what to do. He calmly approached the king, knelt down before the him, and kissed his feet. Quincy: Oh, Disgusting. Helsing: Yes, but it was the custom. Harker: You're both extraordinarily brave. I can't imagine me being so adventurous. Jacqueline: No, either can I Jonathan. (All laugh.) Quincy: Back home we have niggers but they're civilised. Seward: She means blacks. Quincy: Yeah, whatever. But they're happy and domesticated. Jacqueline: You make them sound like pets. Quincy: You know what I mean. Helsing: Yes Miss Morris, but they have long been out of the jungle. Dracula: For the Zulu people, the king is the height of civilisation. Godalming: I fought my far share of blacks in India and they were far from civilised, let me tell you. Helsing: Darwin explained it well; blacks are lower down the evolutionary scale and so it follows that their civilisation is less .... civilised. Harker: What do you mean professor? Quincy: Even I know what he's talking about, Jonathan. It means that their brains are not as developed as ours. Godalming: You can say that again. Jacqueline: Mr Harker's skin is darker than yours Professor (or another character) is he lower down the 'evolutionary scale'? Quincy: Probably. (They all laugh) Helsing: I can loan you a book on the subject Miss Fairchild. Jacquleine: If it doesn't have fashion and a good gossip column, forget it Professor. (they laugh) Dracula: You have a reputation as a writer, Professor. I have read your book 'Metaphysics and the Occult'. Van Helsing: What did think of my book? Dracula: I found it ....entertaining. Helsing: Entertaining? Dracula: The peasants of my country have many unusual beliefs ....such as those described in your book. These fantasies are good stories to pass the time in the long winter months. Helsing: To you they are fantasies only because such matters are outside your experience. Doctor Seward do you remember our time in Africa? Dr Seward: How could I forget it? Helsing: Our loyal guide Botswalee, became very ill after a witch doctor put a voodoo curse on him. We could find nothing wrong with him but still he died in terrible agony. Seward: That he did, God rest his soul. Helsing: In India we saw a man buried alive and two days later when they pulled him from the grave, he was still alive? Seward: Yes, it was extraordinary. Dracula: Extraordinary Dr Seward, because your understanding of science is limited. (pause) Dracula: With all due respect, science will eventually explain the mysteries you have described. Helsing: How can someone like you have any understanding of science? Seward: Yes well, ....tell me Count, how are enjoying England? Dracula: I have always had a taste for things English and the people are very kind and friendly. Quincy: Yeah, particularly the women, eh Jacqueline? Jacqueline: Whatever you say Quincy, my dear. Harker: 'Good old' English hospitality, eh? Dracula: England is very civilised which is a pleasant change from Transylvania. Helsing: Was it not a Transylvanian nobleman who drove stakes through the hearts of his enemies and left them to rot by the roadside? Dracula: Vlad the Impaler. I am a direct descendent of his. (Dracula laughs at their reaction) .... my family have long given up this practice. Godalming: Bloody barbaric behavior! Dracula: We now have more subtle means of dealing with problems. Quincy: So what brings you to London? I mean why London? Seward: Its the beautiful English women isn't it Count? Jacqueline: Since when have you been interested in women?.... I mean you're always so busy Alistair. Helsing: You are a long way from home, Count? Dracula: Some time ago my wife died. It has been difficult for me to accept life without her and so I chose to leave my country for an extended period of time. (Awkward silence) Harker: Well ah... yes. More port anyone. Jacqueline: Your wife. Was she very beautiful? Dracula: She was the most beautiful woman I have known. (Dracula drains his glass and smashes it in the fire place). This is a Transylvanian custom. You must break the glass when you talk of the dead. (pause) Harker: Ah yes, I see. Dracula: So professor, you have come to help Madame Mina? (Van Helsing is silent and watching Dracula) Seward: Yes of course he has. Lets drink a toast, thanking our dear friend for being with us in our hour of need. Godalming: Here, here! All: Cheers! Helsing: Count Dracula, will you be staying long in London. Dracula: I do not know. Death brings with it a dark cloud that makes the heart heavy and full of longing. Godalming: You can say that again. Its not long ago that I lost my darling Lucy? Quincy: Come on now everybody. Its not like us to be so glum, and besides Lucy wouldn't like it one little bit. Godalming: Oh God no! She could put on a happy face, no matter what. Quincy: She was 'Miss Personality' alright. Godalming: A real party girl, wasn't she? Quincy: Why don't we put on some music, Bernard? Godalming: Splendid idea. Say Quincy, why don't you show us that new dance, that flapper thing or what ever its called. Its very risqué. (He goes over to the phonograph.) Jacqueline: She's always got something new from America to show us. Quincy: Well I'm really not that good at it. Seward: Don't get bashful on us now, Quincy. Godalming: Come on, give it a shot. Quincy: OK then. Godalming: It's all the rage in New York, isn't it Quincy? Quincy: Yeah, just about everybody's doing it. (The music starts. She begins with some coy 'Betty Boop' type poses ; hands under chin, bottom out etc. Then she abruptly starts to dance a 1920s flapper dance. She is well rehearsed; complete with smile and dance moves. The others clap enthusiastically. Seward encourages her, Godalming is delighted, Van Helsing is impressed, Jacqueline smiles malevolently, Dracula watches on bemused. It ends and the gathering erupts into 'bravos', 'encores', 'well - dones' etc.) Jacqueline: What will America think of next? Godalming: Fantastic Quincy. Quincy: Get away, now. Seward: Come on Jacqueline, its your turn to 'shake a leg'. Harker: Yes, come now Jacqueline. Godalming: Lets see those wonderful calves in action. Jacqueline: Why not? Godalming: What does 'Mademoiselle' desire by way of music? Jacqueline: Give me a Tango, Bernard. I'll need a saucy partner for this one, won't I? (She deliberately motions around the room selecting a dance partner from the men.) Come along now Count, I'll bet this dance comes very naturally to you. Dracula: Thankyou, but.... Jacqueline: Now don't be shy. You're amongst friends. (The others encourage him. She pulls the Count to the middle of the floor.) Godalming: You're in for a treat now my boy, I can tell you. ( He puts the music on: a tango.) ( The dance starts slowly with the others encouraging the couple. Soon Dracula and Jacqueline are dancing well together. After a while Dracula stops the dancing and moves away from Jacqueline. Dracula is troubled and upset. The music is stopped.) Dracula: My wife loved this music very much. Please excuse me. I think I will take some fresh air. ( He exits). Harker: What do you suppose that was all that about? Helsing: It would appear that our Transylvanian friend has alot on his mind. Scene: In Mina's bedroom. (Music plays: an appropriate section from the 'Rite Of Spring'. Mina is asleep and experiencing a vivid dream and the audience is privy to the dream. Mina dreams a sequence in which Harker, Godalming, Quincy, Jacqueline and Seward are featured. The characters all move towards her and begin to caress her. At first Mina enjoys this. It is erotic and pleasurable. The characters then begin to distort and become grotesque, exaggerated and increasingly lascivious. The music crescendos. A 'tall dark faceless lover' then enters and moves towards Mina and begins to seduce her. Mina experiences a mixture of pleasure and disgust. She eventually wakes up screaming. The music stops abruptly and the lighting changes. (Van Helsing, Seward, Quincy who has her gun drawn, Harker, and Godalming arrive in the room and discover Dracula standing near the open window. Harker rushes to Mina.) Harker: Mina, Its all right. Everything is fine. It was only a dream. She has been having terrible dreams lately. shh etc. Godalming: My God man. What are you doing in a woman's bedroom? Dracula: I heard Mrs. Harker scream... I was in the garden. The window was open, I thought there was danger.... Godalming: That's just wonderful isn't it? He climbed through the window. What's wrong with you man? Seward: Mina, try to calm down. Quincy: You can't just leap in through a ladies window in the middle of the night! Harker: I'm sure the Count meant no harm. Mina has been having nightmares lately, haven't you darling? (Mina nods feebly) Dracula: I am very sorry that I caused you alarm, Madame. Mina: No, its me who has alarmed everybody. Carrying on like a school girl. Harker: There, there dear. Now don't you worry about that. We're all here to take care of you. Seward: Mina, I would like to introduce you to Professor Van Helsing of Amsterdam.... (Van Helsing has been staring at Dracula ) Seward: Er ... Professor. Helsing: Yes. Ah. Mrs. Harker. It is a pleasure to meet you. You have had a terrible fright, no? Mina: Yes. Helsing: I should like to hear more about these .... dreams. Dracula: Once again, I am very sorry for the intrusion Mrs. Harker. (Pause as Dracula leaves.) Quincy: The nerve of that guy! Godalming: Yes, quite! Helsing: It is very important that I talk with Mrs. Harker privately. Seward: Of course, Professor. Let's leave the Professor and Mina alone, so they can get acquainted. Harker: Don't you worry darling, we'll have you well in no time. There's a brave girl. (They exit. ) Helsing: So. Madame will you permit me to do a little examination. Mina: Yes, of course Professor. ( Mina and Van Helsing sit on the edge of the bed. He takes her pulse. he puts his hand on her forehead to feel her temperature. He then gets her to poke out her tongue and he examines her throat and tongue. He pulls down her lower eye lids and examines her eyes. He gets her to poke out her tongue and say ahh while he holds her nose closed. He simultaneously checks her reflexes by hitting her on the kneecap. He abruptly stops and looks away deep in thought for a moment.) Helsing: Now Mrs. Harker... Mina: Please Professor, call me Mina. Helsing: So, Mina, when did you first start having these...er..dreams? Mina: Well, they began the night after Lucy's funeral. Helsing: I see. Please tell me the details of the dreams. Mina: The dream is always the same and begins with me in bed waiting for Jonathan to come home. I'm eating chocolates. I like chocolates, you see. Helsing: Hah, hah, hah. Ah yes, we Dutch like chocolate very much. Mina: The room suddenly turns dark and a mist pours in through the window. It grows thicker and thicker and for some reason I can't move. Then I see two red eyes staring at me. They come closer and closer and suddenly there is man bending over me. I feel his hands press against me and feel hot breath on my neck. Then I feel a terrible pain as... Its so horrible! (She embraces Van Helsing and he comforts her) Helsing: The next morning, how do you feel? Mina: I always feel weak and languid. Helsing: Yes, I see. Will you allow me. (He reaches to look under the scarf around her neck. She resists.) Please, Madame! (She allows him to look. There are many bloody welts on the side of her neck. The audience sees these. It is a rash she has been scratching severely. He moves away from her suddenly.) You will tell me how long have had these marks? Mina: I think its some kind of rash. I have been scratching it awfully? Helsing: How long have you had this? Mina: Well .....It appeared not long after Lucy died. (Van Helsing looks away, deeply troubled and then turns back to her)....... I've tried all sorts of things to get rid of it, its ghastly.... Helsing: Thankyou Mina for your co-operation. If you will excuse me, I must make preparations to guard against ....dreams. I beg of you to rest. You will need all your strength. (He exits. Mina waits until he is gone and takes out some chocolates she has hidden and eats them. She is disturbed by the Professor's reaction.) Scene: At Dracula's house; Carfax. (Dracula at home seated at a table. He is drinking red wine and eating bread and cheese. He is deep in thought. Renfield enters. He is creeps up on Dracula. It appears as if he is about to pounce on Dracula.) Dracula: Would Mr Renfield like to join me? Renfield: Yes Master. Good Master. (He laughs. It is a game he plays with Dracula. Renfield sits down. Dracula pours Renfield a glass of wine. They toast, clink glasses and drink. Dracula pushes the bread and cheese towards Renfield. Renfield breaks off a large piece of bread and an equally large piece of cheese. Renfield puts the bread and cheese together and begins to eat it hungrily.) ( Renfield grins maniacally at Dracula. They sit in silence, eating and drinking. Dracula refills the glasses. They share the bread and cheese. They are content eating together in silence. Renfield grunts in appreciation occasionally. Dracula reaches towards Renfield's. Renfield cowers. Renfield thinks Dracula is going to hit him. Dracula gestures for him to relax and from behind Renfield's ear he produces a coin. Dracula then does a magician type of hand flourish and the coin disappears. He then pulls it out from behind Renfield's other ear. Renfield is amazed and delighted. Renfield takes the coin examines it then swallows it. Renfield then gathers up the bottle of wine and the remainder of the cheese and scuttles out. Dracula is nonplussed. He watches Renfield go and then keeps drinking.) Scene: In the parlour Helsing: Do you mean to tell me that you do not know the cause of Lucy Westera's death? Seward: I would say she eventually died of female nervous prostration. Van Helsing: Alistair you must look outside the science of medicine. There are things in this world that one can never hope to fully understand. Seward: Yes I suppose so... Van Helsing: I suppose you do not believe in corporeal transference. No? Seward: Well I ..... Helsing: Do you believe in the existence of astral bodies. Seward: These things are altogether outside my experience Hubert but I .... Van Helsing: Exactly. Outside your experience, but remember your experiences in Africa and India? Seward: Yes we saw some extraordinary things. Helsing: Extra-ordinary! That is exactly right. On islands in the Western seas there are bats that pray on sleeping sailors. In the morning they are found dead; the blood drained from their bodies. Seward: Are you saying that ..... Helsing: You must have faith my friend, you must try and believe. Seward: Believe in what, Professor? Van Helsing: Faith enables us to believe in the impossible! Seward: In God's name, Van Helsing, what do you mean? Helsing: I mean this my dear friend. The death of Lucy Westera and Mina's illness are the work ....of a vampire. Seward: My God. In London, are you sure Van Helsing? Helsing: If such things can happen in the uncivilised world, why not London? Seward: ....but this is awful Professor. Helsing: We must take steps to guard Mina against the attacks of the Nosferatu. Seward: Nosferatu? Van Helsing. The 'undead'. We must seek out the vampire and destroy the monster. This will be a difficult and dangerous task. Will you help me my friend? Seward: Of course. I... Helsing: But in order to do so, you must believe! Seward: As you said, these things are altogether outside my daily life. But I have great faith in you. I have always trusted your judgement and looked to you for superior knowledge in such matters. My God, you've got us out of some pretty sticky situations before. Professor Van Helsing you can certainly depend on the support of one Doctor Alistair Seward. ( They embrace. Music: 'Rite of Spring'.) Scene: At Carfax. (Dracula is at a table writing in his diary. Jacqueline appears at the doorway; a little disheveled and drunk, and intent on seducing Dracula. she has a glass of wine in her hand. She takes a moment to collect herself.) Jacqueline: My God, what a dump. Dracula: Yes, it is in need of some attention. Jacqueline: You can say that again. It smells like someone has died in here. You left rather suddenly, Count. I can't blame you though. Its Quincy isn't it? I hope she never dances for us again. What an ignoramus! God I hate Americans. What do you think of professor Van Helsing of 'Amsterdam'? Dracula: He is like a man possessed. Jacqueline: You were a little possessed the other night, weren't you Count Dracula? You were a bit of a devil. What an odd name. Dracula. You are very handsome though, but you know that, don't you? (she has moves towards him. Dracula is still at the desk ) What are you writing here? Dracula: It is my diary. Jacqueline: Ooh! Have you written about our little encounters? I can't read a word of it. Dracula: Its in Transylvanian. Jacqueline: Of course it is. You know you've got the most smashing pair of lips. ( She kisses Dracula for a long time and Dracula starts to respond.) Jacqueline: I want you to fuck me right here on this table. (she lies climbs onto the table. She knocks a photo off the table. Dracula picks up the photo from the floor. It is a photo of his dead wife. He loses interest in Jacqueline. Jacqueline kisses him again.) I said, I want you to fuck me right here on this table. Dracula: I am very sorry I... Jacqueline: You just need a little encouragement don't you. (She starts to caress him.) I've had to wear a bloody scarf to cover the bruises you left on my neck. Look, see what you did. (she exposes the 'love bites' on her neck). Dracula: I am sorry Jacqueline, I .... Jacqueline: You're a bad boy aren't you? Now just relax eh? (She reaches to caress his groin.) This is what you need; a bit of encouragement. Yes. That's good isn't it? Come on now, your disappointing me. Try to concentrate... otherwise nothing's going to happen. Jacqueline: (Jacqueline stops touching him.) What's wrong with you? You were pretty keen last time...... First you lead me on, get what you want and then reject me. What gives you the right? How dare you sit there so smug and superior. Who the hell do you think you are? I mean, what makes you so special, eh? Say something. You hear me? Say something damn you. Say something! (pause) I like you. You know .... I ... I thought you cared .... about me. I thought you liked me.....I thought you ....you bastard. ( She exits.) (Dracula is motionless but affected.) scene: Mina's Bedroom. (Mina is sitting up in bed and Harker is comforting her. Quincy Morris is going through a box of anti-vampire paraphernalia. Van Helsing and Seward are hanging garlic and crucifixes. Godalming is looking over Quincy's shoulder.) Quincy: Professor there is some very unusual stuff here. (She is holding a wooden stake and Godalming a wooden mallet) Seward: Believe me, Quincy. The Professor knows what he is doing. Godalming: That I do not doubt, but with all this garlic in the room its starting to smell like some wog brothel. Harker: Bernard, there are ladies present. Quincy: Relax Jonathan, I'm sure we've all heard cussing before. Mina: I find that sort of talk offensive. Godalming: My apologies Mina my dear. No more potty mouth. Quincy: Come on professor. What gives with all this stuff. Helsing: I assure you, all will be revealed. For the moment we are conducting an experiment. Quincy: I'm as Christian as the next person but do we really need so many crucifixes? Helsing: Miss Morris we will need the help of the almighty God to fight this sickness. (They are awe struck by this) Helsing: Now. Everyone must do exactly as I say. We are going to leave Mina alone for the moment. Harker: Do you really think that's.... Helsing: Have no fear Mr Harker, we will be waiting just outside. Godalming: Waiting for what? Helsing: For the moment, I must keep my suspicions to myself, as any good scientist does. We are looking for evidence. We are looking for fact. I will need your total co-operation if we are to find the cause of Mina's illness. Quincy: I'm sure I speak for everyone, Professor; when I say that you can depend on us all. All: here, here, etc. Helsing: Mina we will leave you now to rest.(He gestures for all to exit. He turns the lights out). Madame Mina: Thankyou Professor. Harker: There's a brave girl. ( They exit. Mina makes her throat noise. ) (Music: Rite Of Spring.) Scene: The bedroom - but some time later. Mina on the bed asleep. ( The window seems to open by itself. The chiffon curtain blows, the sound of wind, creaky window etc. We see the shadow of a figure entering through the window. It is Renfield and he carries his rat. He moves towards Mina all the while caressing his rat. He smells Mina. He rubs his groin in excitement. He giggles and says 'shh' to himself. After a while he bends to pretend to kiss her. He is pretending to be a romantic lover. He makes soft cooing and grunting sounds. He thinks this is a very funny game and chuckles softly to himself and he kisses and caresses his rat. He then gets near to her face and softly says: ) Renfield: The master. The master. The master is coming. The master is coming. The master is coming. (etc.) (Mina then starts to wake. Renfield freezes. He smiles at her. She screams and Renfield runs to the window. As he jumps out of the window Quincy and Godalming enter. Quincy rushes in with her gun drawn. She sees Renfield jumping out the window. She rushes to the window and takes up a shooting stance and fires a volley of shots after Renfield.) Quincy: Come on Bernard, let's do this sucker. (Quincy leaps out the window.) Godalming: Wait Quincy, this man could be a maniac, wait...Oh my God. (He reluctantly follows Quincy. Van Helsing and Harker rush in. Harker goes to comfort Mina and Van Helsing goes to the window and stares out.) Harker: Mina my love, are you alright? Mina: It was horrible Jonathan. Horrible! Harker: I'm here now, darling. Mina: It was him He was in my room. The same awful man from my dreams. Seward: Van Helsing this is terrible. Do you suppose that this man is responsible for... Van Helsing: Alistair, we do not have a moment to lose. I prayed to God that I was wrong... gather everybody together . I must speak to them at once. (Music: 'Rite of Spring'.) Scene: In the parlour. (Seward, Harker, Mina, Quincy, Godalming and Jacqueline who is drunk. They are talking, pacing etc. Music fades as Van Helsing enters) Helsing: Good, we are all here. How are you feeling now, Mina? Mina: I'm feeling much better, thankyou Professor. Harker: Good for you darling. She is such a brave girl. Professor, we are all worried sick. Who was that intruder? Godalming: Please Professor. My nerves are just about shot. All: (panic; all talking at once.) Seward: Everybody Please!. Be calm! Please! (No one is calm. They keep talking over each other.) Quincy: Shutup! Everybody. Shutup! Van Helsing: Thankyou. There is so much I have to tell you, but first... I must ask you to keep an open mind. What I am about to tell you will seem fantastic but I am afraid it is the truth. Quincy: We're all ears Professor. Jacqueline: And mouth....just joking. Trying to lighten things up a bit. Van Helsing: This is no laughing matter. I beg of you to listen carefully. Mina's life depends on it. (pause) The death of Lucy Westera and Mina's illness ...is the work of a vampire Jacqueline: A Vampire! Professor, how can you expect us to believe a thing like that? Van Helsing: My friends. I have learned not to think lightly of anyone's belief, no matter how strange. Godalming: What the hell is a vampire? Helsing: I admit that I was the greatest skeptic, but my years of research confirm the terrible truth. Vampires do exist. A vampire is a creature that cannot die as long as he can drink the blood of the living. All: (Appropriate comments: a mixture of confusion and panic.) Seward: Please. You must allow the Professor to speak. I have the utmost faith in him and I would trust him with my life. He has been a guiding light in such ignorant and closed minded times. You must all listen. Mina is in grave danger. Godalming: But Professor, what makes you so sure that such a creature is the cause of all this? Van Helsing: What we have just witnessed confirms that she is under attack and invasion by a fiend. Harker: My God! Van Helsing: We arrived before the brute could fulfil his gruesome need for blood. This was not his first unwanted visit on the young lady. If Madame will permit? (He shows the group the marks on Mina's neck - they are shocked) Harker: My God Mina. Why haven't you shown me these? Helsing: A vampire will put a victim into a trance like state. This explains Mina's terrible dreams. Harker: You mean some creature has been interfering with Mina in the middle of the night. Helsing: I am afraid so. Yes. Harker: Van Helsing this too terrible. (Mina reaches for her sick bucket and vomits.) Harker: Oh darling. There, there. Helsing: We must act quickly. The vampire has already decided on his next victim. Godalming: My God, who Professor? Helsing: Mr Harker, if you would be so kind as to call for the serving girl. Harker: Yes of course. (He rings the bell). Van Helsing: Please observe her behavior very closely.( She enters in a trance and stands in front of the group humming and swaying. They are shocked, appalled, amazed etc. Van Helsing moves in front of her. Waves his hand in front of her face and gets no response. He then snaps his fingers. Ethel comes to.) Ethel: How did I get here? I was in the kitchen ..... and now...... Helsing: Everything is going to be fine my dear. ( He tries to put his arm around her.) Ethel: Don't you touch me. You may be a guest, sir, but that doesn't mean you can take liberties. Helsing: I assure you I ... Ethel: I know your type. Just you keep your hands to yourself. I don't get paid enough to put up with that sort of carryings on. (She has exited) Godalming: It was as if she was possessed. Jacqueline: I think she's been at the cooking sherry......Oh yes, possessed definitely, something wrong there. Helsing: Precisely. The 'undead' has chosen her as his next victim. All: ( they erupt into a panic) Helsing: Friends, please! I beg you all to remain calm. Godalming: You tell us there is a blood sucking maniac on the loose and you ask us to be calm? Quincy: I mean really Professor, this is very scary stuff. Seward: Please everybody, Professor Van Helsing has experience with this sort of thing. Van Helsing: Remember, this vampire is alone. But we, my friends, have the power of combination; together we can combine the forces of good to triumph over the forces for evil. Seward: Absolutely, I'm with you to the end Van Helsing. You know how I feel about you.... I mean your work and all that. Godalming: Professor, I spent four years in the British dragoons fighting damn, infidel darkies. I'm a man well used to danger and I know the importance of team-work. Harker: As for me, I have a very personal debt to settle with this fiend. He's been messing around with my wife, God damn it! Mina: Professor I'm handicapped being only a girl - but I can keep my end up. Quincy: What do you mean handicapped! If this vampire comes near me I'll shoot his balls off! All: (Except Mina.) Bravo, Quincy. Good girl! (etc.) Jacqueline: Professor do you have any idea where this vampire thingy is hiding? Harker: Yes. Is he nearby? I mean there are some very strange people living in this neighborhood. Godalming: Take for instance, that rude bloody Arab shopkeeper. Jacqueline: Oh, he's definitely vampire material. Mina: What about that family of Chinese two doors up? Godalming: What about Harker's Jewish accountant. He's been coming around here alot. Quincy: Are there any niggers in the neighborhood? All: ( Excited accusing talk.) Helsing: Please! My friends! Please! Once we have made certain who is responsible we will deal with him immediately. Harker: Why not go straight to the police? Van Helsing: I assure you, that would be absolutely useless. To the police this would be a 'cock and bull' story. Quincy: What about Scotland Yard. Didn't they handle that 'Jack the ripper case'? Jacqueline: Quincy, that was over fifty years ago. Helsing: Yes, and did they catch the murderer? No. I think not. (He says this meaningfully). But this is why I asked you all here; to tell you what I suspect and to ascertain what you wish to do. Seward: If I may be allowed to say something? Helsing: Please Alistair. Seward: If you had known the Professor as long as I have, you would be guided by him and do as he suggests. He is without question an absolute authority on such matters. Van Helsing: Thankyou Alistair. It can be argued that I have made a wrong diagnosis, but I am prepared to stake my professional reputation on this. Jacqueline: Professor where is this vampire? Van Helsing: ( pause). As yet I have no actual proof ... ( pause) but.. I strongly suspect that Count Dracula is the vampire. Quincy: Count Dracula? Jacqueline: I knew it! (She pours herself more wine.) Seward: Of course! He only ever comes out at dark. Harker: Come to think of it I've never seen him out in broad daylight. Jacqueline: Oh my God and to think I danced with him! Godalming: Great Scott! Dracula is responsible for Lucy's death. Quincy: I always found that guy very, very creepy. Jacqueline: Quincy you are so right! Godalming: I knew there was something wrong the moment I laid my eyes on the man. Quincy: Yeah! I felt the same way Bernard. I mean, look a his complexion and his eyes are too close together. Mina: Yes! Yes! It was his eyes I saw every night. It was his face that tormented me. Harker: Don't you worry darling we will deal with that despicable animal. Van Helsing: Wait! My friends! It is good to hear such brave words in the face of adversity but at this point I only suspect Count Dracula. We must put the theory to the test. Godalming: Onward old boy! We're yours to command. Helsing: This will take great courage on everybody's part ......we must invite Dracula here, to this house, tonight. Harker: Surely not Professor. Mina is so fragile..... Helsing: Have no fear. I will protect us with anti-vampire safe- guards. Quincy: The garlic and the crucifixes. Helsing: Precisely Miss Morris. Then I shall be able to perform certain tests on him. Quincy: Professor, I volunteer to go next door and ask Dracula over. Godalming: Are you sure Quincy? It could be very dangerous and ... Quincy: I can take care of myself Bernard, and besides I think someone needs to check out Dracula's hideout. We might pick up a few clues. Helsing: Bravo my American friend! Jacqueline: Yeh, for America! (She toasts and then drains her glass). Godalming: Well then I er... volunteer as well. Quincy: Good for you Bernard. Harker: And then Professor? Helsing: If Dracula proves to be the vampire we shall have to take matters into our own hands. Harker: In God's name how? Helsing: By driving a wooden stake through his heart. (pause) Godalming: Is that absolutely necessary? Helsing: Believe me my friend, it is the only way. (Music: Rite of Spring) scene: At Carfax (Dracula sits at a table drinking wine. On the table is a photograph album. The album contains photos of him and his wife. He drinks and turns the pages looking at the photographs. He finally closes the book. After a while Renfield enters. Renfield holds his dead and bloodied rat in front of him. Quincy has shot his rat in the previous scene. He is very sad. Dracula puts his arm around Renfield to comfort him.) (Music: 'Rite of Spring') Scene: In the graveyard. (Renfield is kneeling and praying. Dracula stands holding a bible and reciting a funeral mass in Latin. We faintly hear this. There is a small mound in front of Renfield and Dracula with a little handmade cross on it: the rat's grave, in amongst some real headstones. After a while Quincy and Godalming enter.) Quincy: Come on Bernard, keep up. Godalming: I can't see a bloody thing. This place is very creepy . Was it really necessary to cut through the graveyard? Quincy: Where's your sense of adventure. Godalming: Where the hell are we? Quincy: Keep quite and follow me. Godalming: Why didn't we just telephone and ask him over? Oh ah oh ah etc. (He is madly rubbing his hair and face.) Quincy: Bernard for God's sake. Act like a man. Godalming: Spiders. I hate damn spiders. Quincy: Look, there's someone down there. Godalming: Oh my God, its the maniac. Let's get out of here. Quincy: I want to get a closer look. Godalming: Quincy, you'll get the blood sucked out of the both of us. Quincy: I want to see what our sucker friend is up to.(She draws her gun. She conceals it in her leg garter under her flapper dress. We faintly hear Dracula reading from the funeral mass.) Godalming: This is not a game you know. This man is very likely a cold blooded killer. Quincy: Its him all right, and isn't that one of Alistair's loonies? Dracula must be using him as some kind of slave. That's where Lucy is buried isn't it? Godalming: Yes, I think so. Quincy, come on, lets get out of here. Please! Quincy: I've heard about these sort of things. They're doing some kind of devil worship ceremony. Godalming: I'm buggered if I'm going to interrupt it. Quincy: Lets get back and tell the others. ( We hear a little more of the funeral service - then Music cue: Rite of Spring.) Scene: In the parlour. (Harker is on the phone. Mina, Godalming, Quincy, Van Helsing and Seward are all gathered around Harker listening in. Jacqueline is pouring herself a drink. From here on, the group become more excited and erratic. Their dinner dress becomes more and more disheveled.) Harker: Yes, 9pm will be just fine.....oh gunshots? Ah yes, well Quincy Morris was just letting fly at a few rats she saw in the yard....hah,hah,hah you know how Americans are..... Mina? Oh well ..she's picking up a bit .... oh no no no no. We are no closer to finding out the cause of her ....ah... illness. No, no idea. The Professor has tried just about everything, short of putting leaches on her, hah, hah, hah, hah well we will see you later tonight then eh? Yes ...smashing, Bye. Helsing: Well done my friend. Now as Miss Morris and Lord Godalming have just witnessed, Count Dracula is conducting satanic rituals. He also has the assistance of a madman. It is more than likely that Dracula has turned this madman into his slave. Harker: I feel very responsible Professor. I should never have had anything to do with Dracula. Quincy: You should be more careful who you do business with. Jacqueline: I was immediately suspicious of Dracula when I met him. I knew right from the start that he was hiding some dark secret. (she drains her glass) Godalming: I disliked the fellow the moment I laid eyes on him. Quincy: Me too. I've got a pretty good instinct for people. Jacqueline: Oh you do Quincy, absolutely. Quincy: I can tell when someone is not quite right. All: (General rabble) Helsing: Stop. Let us examine the evidence so far. We know that Count Dracula is doing strange things in the graveyard . We also know he has enlisted the help of a madman as an assistant. (pause) Mr Harker, ask your serving girl to come in please. Mr Harker: Certainly Professor. Helsing: A poor ignorant serving girl is easy prey for the likes of a vampire. Quincy: Well he's not likely to get the better of this here girl. Helsing: No Madam, you are a match for any man. Quincy: You can say that again. All: ( laughter.) (Enter Ethel and Harker) Harker: No Ethel, there will be no need for the professor to touch you. He just wants to ask you a few questions. Ethel: I don't know what's going on here. With all this running around and gunshots.......why is everyone looking at me like that for? Van Helsing: We just want to ask you a few questions. Is that all right then? Yes? Ethel: Fine, and then Mr Harker I should like to resign. Harker: Yes, of course Ethel, now please sit down. The Professor needs to ask you some very important questions. Ethel: All right then, but don't you touch me. Helsing: Hah, hah, ... as you request .( She sits and the group gather around her except for Jacqueline.) Now... Ethel, you say you have been feeling a little anxious. Ethel: A little.. try 'a lot' Van Helsing: Yes of course my dear. What would you say is the cause of these ..er...feelings? Ethel: Well if you want to know the truth, it's the Harkers. Mrs. Harker works me into the ground. Mina: You ungrateful girl, we've always been...... Ethel: I get paid next to nothing and they haven't given me a day off all year. They give me a tiny room to live in with no heating so I just about freeze to death. Then there's the endless parade of visitors that I have to cook and clean for and they all treat me like I'm dirt. The only human being among them is Count Dracula from next door. ( They are alarmed at this) Ethel: He's the only one that's shown any kindness. Helsing: Kindness you say? Ethel: That's right. He took away my headaches he did. Helsing: So ...you...er..feel attracted to the Count. Ethel: What do you mean? I just said he helped me, that's all. No more. You're a sordid one aren't you? I know your game. Just like Mr Harker. Harker: Thankyou Ethel. That will be all. Ethel: Yes, that'd be right, and by the way Mr Harker, as of today, I quit. I've had enough of you. He grabs me just about every chance that he gets. Harker: Ethel isn't there something.... Ethel: You don't pay me enough to put up with it. I've had it with you and your spoilt wife. ( She exits.) Harker: Thankyou Ethel. We will call you if we need you again. Mina: Jonathan, what was she saying? Seward: Mina, the poor girl is deranged, she doesn't know what she's saying. Goodness knows how Dracula has been using her. Godalming: You mean the swine has been using her as in... using her? Helsing: Quite possibly. All: (Appalled and shocked comments.) Jacqueline: I must confess; I feel Dracula may have affected me the same way. I have at times felt inexplicably drawn to him. (She feigns distress). Godalming: (He puts his arm around her.) Your in safe hands now Jacqueline. Jacqueline: Thank God you came when you did Professor! Helsing: Thankyou my friends, but we must ready ourselves. Tonight we may be having supper with the devil himself. Scene: At Carfax. In Dracula's room. Dracula has put on some music; a 1920s up tempo song plays. Dracula stands in front of his mirror. Renfield sits watching Dracula. There is a small dresser, a rack with cloaks, hats and coats on it. Dracula is preparing to go out. We watch him adding the final touches. Renfield is very sad after the death of his rat and Dracula is trying to cheer him as he dresses to go out. Dracula dresses with flare and moves slightly to the music to entertain Renfield. Renfield takes more of an interest. He oils and combs his hair. He applies some cologne or scent. He puts on his coat. He then puts on his cloak with a flourish. He puts on his top-hat. Takes up his cane and gestures to Renfield a good-bye and then exits. Renfield then stands in front of the mirror. He mimics Dracula but soon finds his own way of dressing. He pours alot of oil on his head and pats his hair down. He puts on too much powder and creates a dust storm. He puts on an excessive amount of cologne and also pours it down the front of his pants. He puts on a top hat. He then takes up a cane. He accidentally pulls the handle from the cane and finds there is a short sword hidden in the cane. He pretends to sword fight and then puts the cane back together. He smiles his best smile, admires himself for a moment and then hurries out. The music is still playing. Scene: In the Parlour. Harker, Seward, Van Helsing, Quincy, Jacqueline, Mina. They are going through the final preparations before Dracula arrives. There is a large amount of anti-vampire paraphernalia; crosses, various religious artifacts, wreaths, cloves of garlic etc. (Godalming enters. He has a Christmas tree) Godalming: What do vampire's think about Christmas? Helsing: I do not think a Christmas tree will have an effect on a vampire. Harker: Wait till he tries one of my garlic and cucumber sandwiches. Quincy: Professor, are vampires more attracted to white women? Helsing: Yes, I do believe so. Harker: Maybe the women should be moved from, the house. Godalming: I agree. This is definitely a men thing. Helsing: Of course you are right, but we would risk arousing the suspicion of the vampire. Jacqueline: (she is drunk and not helping with the preparations.) Why don't we just stake him now and be done with it. (she laughs) Sorry a little too much gin. Seward: Professor Van Helsing is a professional. He needs firm, rock solid evidence that Count Dracula is in fact the vampire. When he has this, I assure you he will act swiftly and surely. Helsing: Thankyou Alistair. We must all behave normally and naturally. He must suspect nothing. Do not be afraid. The vampire will not attack us. While we are in this room we are well protected. Quincy: Well if you ask me it looks like a pack of Dago's have moved in. All: ( laugh) Helsing: Ah, you American's have such a good sense of humour. ( the door bell rings) Helsing: Mr Harker, if you please. (Harker exits to open the door) Now everybody assume their positions and remember, God is on our side. Dracula enters: (pause) All: (Good evening Count. etc.) Dracula: (He acknowledges them and is aware of the strange appearance of the room and everyone's forced demeanour.) Mr Harker: Don't mind all this. Its just some rather unconventional measures that the Professor is taking against Mina's illness. Dracula: One would think, Professor, that you are expecting a visit from the devil himself. All: ( Forced laughter.) Helsing: The garlic, as you probably well know, is good for many ailments; particularly nervous prostration. The religious symbols help to reassure Mina. Harker: Yes, Mina is a deeply religious person. Aren't you dear? Mina: Yes that's right Jonathan. Jacqueline: (Jacqueline comes forward hand extended). And how are you feeling tonight Count? You were looking a bit peekish last time I saw you; a little limp. Seward: Oh it was all the excitement. A new country. New friends. (Dracula kisses Jacqueline's hand) Dracula: ( approaching Mina ) Madame, you are regaining your colour. The blood has come back into your cheeks. (As he says this he takes her hand and kisses it: the others stiffen and Mina is horrified. Dracula then approaches Quincy and is reaching to kiss her hand.) Quincy: That won't be necessary....I have a skin disease...you might catch it. Harker: Well how have you been old boy? Since we last saw you...er.. at dinner, eh what? Well... Care for a cucumber sandwich? Dracula: ( He takes a sandwich). Thankyou. ( Dracula takes a bite from the sandwich and swallows). There is garlic in this, yes? Helsing: Is that a problem for you Count Dracula? Dracula: I am very allergic to garlic. Quincy: He's allergic to garlic. Dracula: Garlic makes me very ill.(Dracula starts to breath heavily.) Helsing: So you are not feeling well, eh Count Dracula. Dracula: No, I am sorry.... I can't.....( He is having trouble breathing.) Helsing: So Count Dracula, what if I put this on you eh? Maybe this will help. (He puts a crucifix around his neck.) (Dracula staggers about and the others back away. He seems to be choking. He tears at his shirt and becomes more frenzied. He takes off the crucifix and throws it across the room. He exits gasping and panting.) Mina: ( breaks down sobbing ) I feel so dirty Seward: My God Professor, it is him. Godalming: What extraordinary behavior! Harker: Did you see the way he ripped off the crucifix. Jacqueline: Maybe he is allergic to garlic. Seward: No. There is no medical excuse for that type of reaction. Helsing: I'm afraid my friends, we have found our vampire. Jacqueline: You know I have a terrible allergy to chili. I sneeze and cough... Harker: The bastard. That utter bastard. How dare he touch my wife. Godalming: Just let me get my hands on him, I tell you... Quincy: I'll make mince meat out of him Mina: Yes. Yes. Kill the cunt.... I mean Count. All: (murderous rabble.) Seward: Quit, quiet, all of you. The Professor has something to say. Helsing: We must now undertake a most perilous task. This will require great courage and love of all things that are good in this world. Together we will take on this terrible evil. Together we will fight, and together will win for the greater glory of God and all his creation. You all show great courage but the vampire is a powerful force. We will need our combined strength and particularly our combined intelligence to fight this evil. Quincy: Well said professor. OK, Lets stake this bastard. (They erupt into a murderous rabble, Jacqueline starts to make her way out of the room). Helsing: Wait! My friends, there is one more thing I have must tell you. (Pause: as they notice Jacqueline attempting to leave the room.) Jacqueline: Er..... I've just have to powder my nose. It must be all the excitement. (she exits) Helsing: It is a matter of great importance that we undo the evil work that Count Dracula has done. Seward: Do you mean Mina, Professor? I'd say she has perked up a bit? Helsing: It is not Mina I'm talking about. Godalming: Do you mean the serving girl? Do you think we should tie her up or something. Helsing: No my friend. It concerns the loved one you have recently lost. Godalming: You mean Lucy. Yes, Count Dracula and I have a debt to settle there. Helsing: Lord Godalming, please sit down. (Godalming sits) A vampire will prey on the same person and take just enough blood to keep the victim alive. Godalming: You've explained all this professor and I for one can't wait to whack a stake into Count Dracula. Helsing: No. You must listen. If a vampire kills the victim, the victim becomes a vampire. Harker: You mean Lucy. Helsing: Precisely. Godalming: Oh my God! Helsing: On the third full moon her corpse will rise up and become a living dead. Godalming: My poor Lucy..... Helsing: This living dead is not your former love. It is her body that is possessed. On the third full moon she will rise up and join Count Dracula in his foul and despicable work Godalming: This is terrible...my Lucy.... Helsing: No not your Lucy, but a vampire bride for Count Dracula. Quincy: That's why he's been hanging around the graveyard. Godalming: You mean to say ..... he's been waiting for her Professor? Helsing: I'm afraid so, yes. Godalming: I'll die before I let her be taken. Helsing: We will not let her be taken my good friend. Seward: Professor how on earth are we to prevent this. ( Pause; Van Helsing is looking particularly grim.). Oh, you can't mean..... Helsing: Yes, I do mean. Godalming: What! What...what are you talking about? Helsing: We must open the grave of Lucy Westera and drive a stake through her body. Godalming: Oh my God. Helsing: It is the only way. Quincy: I think I'm going to be sick. Seward: Come on now Bernard. We've got to keep ourselves together. (Godalming is breaking down) Godalming: Then there's nothing for it then.....lets get on with it. Seward: Bernard, I think you had better let us handle this. Godalming: I'm coming too. There is no way on God's earth that I'll let my Lucy be taken. Helsing: Together we will make sure her soul remains pure and at rest. Scene: in the graveyard: Godalming and Seward in the graveyard. Godalming is on his hands and knees dry retching and Seward is comforting him. They are both dirty from having opened the grave. There is a shovel by Godalming's side. All the characters dinner dress is very much the worse for wear and becomes more so as the play progresses. Seward: Bernard, are you all right ... Bernard... Godalming: She looked so horrible Alistair....I never would have thought.... she..was.....oh. Seward: Yes Bernard, but she has been buried for three months now. Godalming: Oh I feel so sick...I've never smelled anything like it. Seward: Yes I know Bernard, but everything will be fine now. ( Enter Quincy, Mina who has a peg on her nose and Van Helsing is splattered with gore. Quincy and Mina are 'shell shocked'. They have come from Lucy's grave.) Quincy: Will that hold her Professor? Helsing: Absolutely, and may God rest her soul.(He crosses himself.) Mina: I've never seen a dead person before. (Mina is a little maniacal. They all look at Mina.) (Renfield appears somewhere in the theatre; silhouetted or casting a huge shadow. He is still wearing Dracula's cloak, top hat and cane.) Quincy: Its him! Dracula. Harker: He has come for Lucy. Godalming: You'll pay for this Count Dracula. Renfield: (Renfield lets out a maniacal laugh.) Mina: (She screams. She screams throughout the chase sequence.) (Extremely exciting old horror movie music plays: typical of a dramatic chase scene from a 1930s-40s film. Van Helsing leads the chase with a crucifix in one hand and a wooden stake in the other. Quincy with her gun drawn. The others have gardening tools. Mina has a little garden hand rake. What follows is a chase scene with choreographed slapstick as they pursue Renfield . Renfield is chased across the stage and through the theatre with the group yelling and screaming after him. Renfield might escape at times through the audience or might pretend to be an audience member while the others look for him and is suddenly discovered and the chase continues. Renfield enjoys the chase. At some point Renfield corners one of the group and they cower and Renfield pretends to be driven off by the crucifix. At some point one of the group grabs one end of Renfield's cane. Renfield pulls the cane away and is left holding the handle i.e.; the short sword. Godalming then accidentally runs onto the sword. The music abruptly stops. Renfield is horrified for a moment and then makes a quick 'get away'. Godalming dies. The death is realistic and with a good deal of blood and noise. The group are too shocked and appalled to chase after Renfield. Scene: At Carfax (Jacqueline enters.) Jacqueline: Hullo. Hullo. Anybody home. Count Dracula. You-who! Dracula: (Dracula enters wearing a robe. He is still ill from his garlic experience.) Yes. (She is caught by surprise.) Jacqueline: Oh, you scared me. Are you feeling all right now? Dracula: Yes, thankyou. Jacqueline: That's good. Yes. Listen, I must apologise for the others.. their behavior must seem a little odd. Dracula: Yes, I did not experience 'old fashioned' English hospitably. Jacqueline: I think I'd better let you in on something..... before it gets out of hand. Dracula: I see. Jacqueline: Well, I thought it all very ridiculous right from the start, but I sort of played along with it for a while, you know...... and I was sort enjoying the stupidity of it all and to be perfectly honest ...I was angry at you...Yes, well I know this will sound ludicrous but ....the others have got it into their heads that you are responsible for Mina's illness. Dracula: I see. Jacqueline: They also believe that you may also be responsible for the death of Lucy Westera. ( pause). They also believe that you are a vampire. Dracula: A vampire? Jacqueline: A vampire is supposedly a living dead type thing that wanders around the place sucking other people's blood. Professor Van Helsing is adamant that you are a vampire. You're not are you? Dracula: I don't think so. Jacqueline: What a pity. It sounds like a bit of fun to me.( laughs) Yes, well, anyway the others are very excited and worked up about it all. Unfortunately I think they'll be paying you a visit at some stage. ... I thought I'd better warn you. They are going to make bloody fools out of themselves, aren't they? Look I'm sorry about all this, but... that's how it is, silly I know, well, I'll see you soon.....(She exits. ) (Dracula stands for a moment and then exits) Scene: In the parlour. Quincy, Mina, Harker is lying on the couch sobbing. Enter Seward and Van Helsing with blood smeared on their white dinner shirts. Quincy's flapper dress is also smeared with blood. Seward: We put Lord Godalming's body in the cellar. Harker: Oh my God! (Seward is very shaken. Van Helsing discretely takes some pills) Quincy: Jonathan. He died fighting for what he believed in. He was a soldier and he would have wanted it that way. Harker: Shutup Quincy, shutup. Just for once in your life couldn't you keep your big, fat, horrible mouth shut. Quincy: You ungrateful little so and so..... Harker: We have just seen one of our dearest friends die a horrible death and you spout some drivel about soldiers. Quincy: You are a pathetic creature Jonathan Harker. Just because I don't cry like a child doesn't mean I don't hurt inside. Mina: Jonathan is right. You are a cold hearted woman. Quincy: Oh yes, and butter would not melt in your mouth? You Mina Harker are a spider. The only person you ever cared about is yourself. Mina: At least I'm not a stupid American. Quincy: You are one snotty nosed bitch, you know that? Mina: Jonathan, did you hear what she said? Quincy: He doesn't care about you, he's more interested in groping the maid? Harker: No...no don't believe her...she's lying Quincy: You're a poor excuse for a man Jonathan Harker. Harker: What would you know about men. No man could bare to touch you. Mina: Jonathan, Is it true? Harker: No, don't believe her. She's just trying to hurt us. She's jealous of our love. Quincy: The only thing you love is the maid's ass. Mina: Jonathan its true isn't it? Harker: No, its all spiteful rubbish. Quincy: Its true all right. Seward: Quincy, you know that Jonathan is devoted to Mina and loves her very much. Quincy: Bullshit. What would you know about love, Alistair. You've never even been with a woman. You're all pathetic, all of you. You hear me. You English think you're so smart and superior, as if you're shit don't stink. Well let me tell you, there ain't a pair of balls in all of England and all the women should have been drowned at birth. Mina: You really are a very stupid person. Quincy: Yeh is that so. This stupid person is going to tan your hide. Mina: Jonathan! Jonathan! (Mina makes her unusual noise and hides behind Harker. Quincy starts to move towards the pair) Seward: Stop it! Stop it. Stop it! ( He is very manic.) We're friends aren't we? And we must stay together. Bernard was dear to us all .....and he gave up his life to protect us. Helsing: We have no time for this, we have a far more serious problem. Where is Jacqueline Fairchild? Harker: What could be more serious than one of our dearest companions murdered by that fiend. That scoundrel! That blackguard! I want revenge. Seward: Jonathan... Jonathan....Get a grip on yourself , please. Harker: I'm sorry, I'm sorry its...just...I ....I'm so overwhelmed. His face...when he died....it was so hideous. Helsing: We all overwhelmed, young man. Dracula will pay for this if it is the last thing I do. (Jacqueline enters.) Jacqueline: So how is everybody? Harker: Oh Jacqueline, its just too terrible. (Harker goes to Jacqueline and embraces her.) Seward: Come now Jonathan. Sit down. Jacqueline: What on earth is the matter? Seward: Jacqueline, something dreadful has happened. Jacqueline: What do you mean? Seward: It's Bernard, he's been killed. Jacqueline: This isn't funny you know. Mina: He's been murdered. Jacqueline: Oh I see, we're playing murders are we? (pause). What's that on your shirt... What's happened? Helsing: This is no game, Madame. Lord Godalming has indeed been murdered. Jacqueline: Alistair? Seward: We we're in pursuit of Dracula, when he turned on us brandishing a sword. He slew Bernard mercilessly.... Jacqueline: But I was just with the Count ...I was dropping back a book he had loaned me. Quincy: We spent half the night chasing Dracula around the graveyard. Jacqueline: But I saw him I tell you. He was still sick from the garlic.... (Van Helsing is watching her and moving towards her.) Quincy: Jacqueline, that's impossible we saw him......... Helsing: With a vampire, anything is possible. Tell me Miss Fairchild....uh please sit down.(She doesn't.) Jacqueline: This has all got out of hand. Something very strange is happening here and I think its about time we went to the police. Helsing: The police are no match for a vampire. Jacqueline: This man has scrambled your brains. Can't you see you fools. This vampire stuff is utter rubbish. Quincy: You've suddenly changed your tune. Jacqueline: Look, I've been drunk for most the day, and it was amusing to see you all behave so stupidly but things have got out of control. A man has been killed and we must call the police.....why are you all looking at me like that ?.... I'm going to the police. ( She goes tries to exit. Quincy blocks her exit. ) Jacqueline: Get out of my way. Quincy: I don't think so, sweetheart. Seward: What are you doing? No please.... (She tries to scramble past but the group restrain her and force her to sit in a chair-with the exception of Seward ) All: (Struggle type rabble.) Helsing: Tie her to the chair ( they tie her hands to the chair and her legs to the chair legs. They use something domestic to tie her up with. Seward does not participate.) Seward: Professor, surely you don't suspect..... Helsing: I am afraid so Alistair. Jacqueline: How dare you. Let me go. This is an outrage. Unhand me you fools. Alistair, stop them, help me please. Alistair. ( lines in any order and add other appropriate lines as she is tied up. They all participate with the exception of Seward. Mina pulls back Jacqueline's head by her hair.) Seward: Please, Hubert is this really necessary Helsing: Alistair, we do this for her own good. Jacqueline: What? How dare you treat me like this. This is outrageous. Helsing: Miss Fairchild is under the power of Count Dracula. Jacqueline: Don't listen to him. Jesus Christ, he's muddled your brains. There's no such thing as a fucking vampire. This so called Professor is a quack, a charlatan. Wake up to yourselves, God damn it. He's nothing but a fool. God damn you, you bastards, you... (Quincy gags her with Seward's handkerchief.) Harker: She is like a woman possessed. Mina: Jacqueline would never utter such profanity. Helsing: No. This is not the Jacqueline you know and love. (Mina takes Jacqueline's scarf from around her neck.) Mina: The marks Professor. She's got the marks on her neck.(She has 'love bites' on her neck) Helsing: (He examines the marks.) The vampire has found another victim. Quincy: Is it serious Professor. Can we help her? Harker: Maybe he put her in a trance Professor. Helsing: No, I'm am afraid this is far more serious. Count Dracula has enslaved Miss Fairchild. She is very nearly a vampire herself. (They all tentatively back away from her and Jacqueline stops struggling and looks at them in panic. Van Helsing pulls out a crucifix and brandishes it in front of her. Jacqueline's struggle becomes more furious and she screams from under the gag. The others are horrified) Quincy: She is a vampire. Helsing: Not yet, but Dracula has a firm hold on Jacqueline. Harker: Is there a treatment professor. Can we help her. Helsing: My friend, the best treatment is the extermination of the cause. Quincy: You mean we have to drive a stake into Jacqueline as well? Helsing: No,. With proper treatment she will recover. Now, I would like to ask her a few questions. Madame if you will be so good? Mina: If you insist Professor, but I've never heard such obscenity. ( Mina removes the gag) Helsing: It is not Jacqueline Fairchild who speaks to us. The devil himself has invaded her body. ( Mina removes the gag.) Jacqueline: (crying) Please don't ...... let me go...... Helsing: We know what you are. There is no use hiding from us. We know the truth. Seward: Please Hubert, you are hurting her. Helsing: This is not the Jacqueline you all know and love. She is under the control of Count Dracula and her body is occupied by evil. Harker: Listen here you foul thing. We are on to you. We know your game. We're going to track you down and send you back to hell. You foul wretch. You hear me? You hear me? (He hits her.) Helsing: (He holds the crucifix to up to Jacqueline's face.) In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command you to speak. Jacqueline: You'll all pay for this. Helsing: Where is Dracula hiding? Helsing: Mr Harker, light me a cigarette. Seward: Van Helsing please, is this really necessary? Helsing: Alistair, you must be brave. Do not let the fear over take you. Seward: Van Helsing I.......... Helsing: Give me the cigarette. Hold her. Jacqueline: What are doing? Get away from me. Seward: Please Hubert I don't ... Helsing: Fire is a good weapon against the vampire. Jacqueline: Get away from me. Alistair, help me, please no,(Harker wrenches Jacqueline's head back by her hair). No.... (The light fades as Van Helsing closes in on Jacqueline. Seward stands apart from the group is appalled and shocked by the violence. Jacqueline screams as Van Helsing burns her with the cigarette.) (music: 'Rite of Spring'; it is becoming more frantic) Scene: At Carfax. Music: a slow 1920s jazz song plays. Dracula is slowly dancing with an imaginary person. He imagines he is dancing with his wife. He imagines the feeling of his wife's body against his; the warmth, her smell, her hair, her breathing. It is not so much a memory for Dracula; it is as if his wife is really there. He is lost in the memory. This is something he has done before. The experience is painful to him. Lights fade. Scene: In the Graveyard. Music: 'Rite of Spring'. The group of vampire hunters appears. They still wear their dinner dress but it is very dirty and disheveled; Helsing, Seward, Harker, Mina and Quincy. Van Helsing carries a wooden stake and mallet, Mina and Harker have domestic things that double as weapons; a cricket bat and a garden hand rake and Quincy has her gun drawn. Seward has no weapon. Van Helsing leads the group. (Music fades) From another entrance comes Renfield. He no longer is wearing the clothes he borrowed from Dracula. Renfield is singing a mournful tune. Van Helsing gives a signal and the group disperse. Renfield is lost in his song and unwittingly comes into the ambush. They move to surround Renfield. Renfield tries to escape but his exit is blocked. Helsing: Speak to him Alistair. Seward: Hullo, Mr Renfield. Its alright. How are we, eh? Now, We just want to you to tell us where Count Dracula is. Harker: You've got to be firmer Alistair. Let me have a go at this? ( He grabs Renfield) God he reeks. Listen here you filthy pig. Where's Dracula hiding, eh? (Renfield points) No he's not. We've just come from there. My best friend was murdered tonight by Dracula, you fucking little pig. He's had his way with my wife and I'm going to have my way with him.(He violently shakes Renfield.) Quincy: ( she pulls back his head and puts the gun in his face). OK retard, you've got two choices. Either you tell us where he is, or I blast your brains right out the back of your head. Helsing: Force will not work with this one. (He quietly approaches Renfield) Hullo. Don't worry. We are not going to hurt you. Would you like a sweetie? (Helsing takes some sweets from his pocket) Yes, you would, wouldn't you? Here you go. ( He gives Renfield a sweet and Renfield tentatively takes it and puts it in his mouth.) There's a good fellow. Would you like some more? (Renfield nods tentatively) Yes. Here you go. Good Huh? ( Renfield reaches for more) No. First you must take us to Dracula. Dracula, your friend. We are his friends too? Renfield: Master? Helsing: Yes, take us to your master. We are his friends too. Renfield: Master. ( Renfield is more relaxed now and smiles at Helsing) Helsing: Yes, we would very much like to see him. ( Renfield takes the bag of sweets and leads the group off. Seward is finding the turn of events increasingly disturbing.) Music: 'The Rite Of Spring' Scene: Carfax The following is to be staged in such a way as to highlight the horror and brutality of the death. The Rite of Spring plays; the quieter section from the beginning of the first movement. Dracula is in bed asleep. Renfield enters followed by Van Helsing, Quincy, Harker, Mina and Seward. He gestures them all into position. Renfield and Seward stand apart from the group. Renfield then becomes aware that the group are planning to harm Dracula. He is pleading with Seward to intervene but Seward is transfixed by the horror of the situation. The music then cuts to a particularly loud and violent section of 'The Rite Of Spring'. They then brutally beat Dracula with their weapons. Renfield is mortified. They stop to let Van Helsing deliver the final blow. Scene: In the parlour a week later. Music: the beginning of the first movement from 'The Rite of Spring'. Seward is sitting down and is lost in thought. (Mina runs in giggling and looking for a place to hide. She makes a 'shh' gesture to Seward. Seward barely acknowledges her) Harker: (off stage) Where are you? Come out, come out wherever you are? Mina: I'm not in here! (She giggles and hides behind a chair.) (Enter Harker) Harker: Alistair, you haven't seen my little cherub, have you? ( Mina, giggles) Daddy's going to find you. Yes he is. ( Harker pretends to search for Mina. he find her and tickles her.) (Enter Van Helsing as Mina exits squealing. Van Helsing is in his overcoat and carries his travel bag.) Helsing: Mina made a remarkable recovery. Harker: Yes, remarkable Professor and all thanks to you. Helsing: I think this whole experience has rekindled the spark of love between Jonathan and Mina. You know yourself Alistair, excitement is very good for the libido. Harker: Well Professor, its certainly has been a week I shall never forget. Helsing: As our friend Quincy Morris would say; 'you can say that again'.( he effects Quincy's accent. They laugh. Seward doesn't laugh). Harker: She would be well on her way back home by now. You know, I will miss Quincy but I am certainly looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet around here, if you know what I mean. (they chuckle again) Mina: (off stage) Jonathan! Harker: That will by my love. Once again Professor, thankyou. We are eternally indebted to you. (They shake hands.) I hope you have a safe and uneventful journey. Helsing: (Harker exits) Alistair, how is Jacqueline Fairchild? (He does not respond) Alistair? How is Miss Fairchild? Seward: She is not very well I'm afraid...its most distressing. Helsing: She is still suffering from delusion? Seward: I have to keep her under constant sedation. She may be a patient at my asylum for a long time to come. Helsing: We were very lucky with the police, weren't we my friend? Seward: Do you think they believed us? Helsing: Yes, of course. To the police, the madman Renfield was the obvious suspect and evidence from an expert such as yourself was all that was needed. Seward: Yes... Helsing: Renfield will certainly be found guilty of murdering Lord Godalming and Dracula. He will, unfortunately, meet his end at the gallows. (Helsing puts his arm around Seward.) We must pray that God will have mercy on his soul. Seward: Yes, we must.( pause) Professor. I.... I don't feel quite right.... Helsing: In times of great anxiety and fear, the human body has the capacity to shut down, as it were. In time you will be fine. Seward: Yes. Helsing: (He puts his arm around Seward) Count Dracula, certainly met his match, when he met up with English courage. Did he not? Seward: Yes, .....of course. Helsing: Good will always triumph over evil, my friend. You must never forget that. Seward: Yes, of course. Thankyou. Helsing: I look forward to our next meeting. No doubt there will be some adventure that will bring us together again. (He hugs him. Seward does not return the hug. Van Helsing picks up his bag and exits.) ( Music plays; Seward stands briefly, then moves to a chair and stares out. The stage lights gradually fade and the light becomes more focused on Seward's face and after a moment the light fades to black.)