+ All Categories
Home > Documents > BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram...

BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram...

Date post: 20-Jan-2021
Category:
Upload: others
View: 4 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend
107
BRAM S TOKER'S DRACULA Adapted By CHARLES MOREY © Charles M orey, 1990 Revised 2010 Representation: Mary Harden Harden-Curtis Associates 850 7th Ave., Suite 903 New York, NY 10019 212 977 8502 Revised - November, 2010
Transcript
Page 1: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

BRAM STOKER'S

DRACULA

Adapted By

CHARLES MOREY

© Charles Morey, 1990

Revised 2010

Representation:

Mary Harden

Harden-Curtis Associates

850 7th Ave., Suite 903

New York, NY 10019

212 977 8502

Revised - November, 2010

Page 2: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

NOTE

This adaptation of Bram Stoker's extraordinary novel DRACULA is an attempt to translate that

work to the stage in a manner that is as faithful as possible to the plot structure, characters,

thematic concerns, tone, and sensibility of the original. Thus, it retains all but one of the novel's

principal characters and many of its minor figures as well. It follows Stoker's plot sequence and

attempts to maintain the semi-documentary tone of the original. And it tries to balance the

explicit allegorical framework of the struggle between good and evil with the unalloyed

melodrama of the Gothic thriller. As originally produced by the Pioneer Theatre Company and

subsequently by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the play was set on an open raked stage

(designed in both instances by Peter Harrison) surrounded by crumbling Gothic columns. Tracks

moved palettes containing furniture and/or actors into and out of the playing space as required.

There was an area up center for the several scrim through appearances and also a rear projection

screen for the moon, "wolf's eye" projections and, in the most recent production, video

sequences. Bats - as well as the actor playing Dracula - flew on several occasions. We had

elevators, pyrotechnics and fog of every conceivable variety. In short - these were enormous

physical productions. And, therefore, the script contains many annoying references to special

effects and seemingly impossible shifts in location. Bram Stoker's story, however, is so strong on

its own terms that I remain quite confident that this adaptation can be produced successfully in

a far simpler manner. (In fact, among the strongest experiences of this play to date, are several

rehearsal room run-throughs with no special effects whatsoever.) The only true necessity is a

company of actors capable of filling the enormous emotional size of the material and an

imaginative staging that allows the piece to move rapidly from event to event. This material

should play with a ferocious urgency. The stakes (pun intended) are enormous in virtually every

scene. In its most recent production, the Pioneer Theatre Company 2010 revival, the first act

played in 1:12 and the second in 1:02 for a total running time of 2:29 including a fifteen minute

intermission.

Charles Morey

Page 3: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

Bram Stoker's

DRACULA

CAST

1. Abraham Van Helsing

2. Jonathan Harker

3. Dr. John Seward

4. Arthur Holmwood

5. Lucy Westenra

6. Mina Murray Harker

7. R. M. Renfield

8. Count Dracula

9. Mrs. Westenra / Peasant Woman

10. Coachman/Captain Swales/Reporter/Gentleman/ Peasant Man

11. Peasant Man /Maxwell /Reporter

12. Reporter / Peasant Man

13. Peasant Woman / Bride / Tart

14. Peasant Woman / Bride

15. Peasant Woman / Bride

Note: The size of the company can be reduced to eleven through the following doubling.

This will necessitate the cutting of the scrim through appearances for the brides, relying

on recorded voice-overs in those sequences, and using only two brides in the final scene.

Such extensive doubling will necessitate some very quick, but not impossible costume

changes. It may also be necessary to reverse the order of Act One, Scene 2 and Act One,

Scene 3 in order to accommodate the smaller company.

1. Abraham Van Helsing

2. Jonathan Harker

3. Dr. John Seward

4. Arthur Holmwood

5. Lucy Westenra / Bride

6. Mina Murray Harker / Bride

7. R. M. Renfield / Peasant

8. Count Dracula

9. Mrs. Westenra / Peasant Woman / Bride

10. Coachman/Captain Swales/Reporter/Gentleman/ Peasant Man

11. Peasant Man /Maxwell /Reporter

Time and Place

May to November of 1892. Various locations including: Castle Dracula, Transylvania; the

Page 4: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

seaside resort town of Whitby in Yorkshire; various locations in and around London.

Page 5: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

(Revised - November 4, 2010 )

ACT I

SCENE 1

An open playing space in a cruciform shape set on a diagonal raking strongly upstage. The whole

is broken up by fragments of Gothic architectural ornament: layers of colonnades disappearing

into the distance, the columns crumbling and broken away, wrapped in vines. Broken pieces of

statuary and stone litter the floor. Ragged pieces of tapestry hang from columns and arches. The

raked deck is surrounded by an earthen slope pushing out of which are more broken pieces of

statuary and possibly tombstones. The whole has very much the feeling of Piranesi's "Antichita

d'albano e di Castel Gandolfo".

The curtain rises on a low ground fog. There is a small

stone structure center which will later serve as an

abstracted "coach". It is almost nightfall. Jonathan

Harker enters to center carrying a small valise. He puts

the valise down, checks his watch, consults an

appointment book/diary. A wolf howls low in the distance.

A group of peasants slowly gather, entering separately.

They begin to speak - low and somewhat threatening -

approaching him tentatively. They make the two fingered

sign to ward off the "evil eye".

PEASANT MAN 1

Ordog...Pokol...

PEASANT WOMAN 1

Vrolak...

HARKER

Please... What do you want?

PEASANT MAN 2

Stregoica...Vlkoslak...

PEASANT WOMAN 2

Vrolak...Ordog....

HARKER

I'm sorry, I don't understand.

Page 6: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

PEASANTS

Ordog...Pokol...Stregoica...Vrolak...Vlkoslak... (Note: it is not intended here or elsewhere that the

peasants speak in unison, rather each word is assigned to a different actor and so arranged by

the director to create a threatening aural soundscape.)

HARKER

Does anyone speak English?... I don't know what you want...Please...

A peasant woman holds up a crucifix and approaches

Harker

PEASANT WOMAN 1

Vrolak!! Vrolak!

She drops to her knees and throws the crucifix at his feet

then pulls away. The other peasants continue to chant.

HARKER

I'm sorry... I don't understand... Please.

PEASANT WOMAN 2

St. Georg Nacht.

HARKER

Yes...?

PEASANT WOMAN 2

St. Georg Nacht!

PEASANT MAN

Ordog...

PEASANT WOMAN 1

Vrolok...

PEASANTS

(Very threatening) Ordog... Pokol... Stregoica... Vrolak... Vlkoslak...

PEASANT WOMAN 2

(Insistent) St. Georg Nacht... Nacht der Vampiren!

The Peasants freeze. ABRAHAM VAN HELSING enters.

2.

Page 7: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

In the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Ninety Two a series of documents came into my

hands while consulting upon the saddest of medical cases. These diaries, journal entries,

newspaper articles and letters of dear friends one to another have here been placed in an order to

reveal a story so totally at variance with the possibilities of contemporary belief as to appear the

ravings of madmen. We offer no proofs. We ask none to believe us. You have only my word

before God that what follows is pure and simple fact. Jonathan Harker's Journal, 3rd May, 1892.

Harker steps out of the freeze

HARKER

Left Munich at 8:35 P.M. on May 1st arriving in Vienna early next morning; and on to Buda-

Pest which seems a wonderful place from the glimpse I got from the train. I had the impression

we were leaving the West and entering the East as we crossed that splendid bridge over the

Danube...

VAN HELSING

Letter from Miss Mina Murray to Miss Lucy Westenra.

Mina enters.

MINA

Forgive my long delay in writing. While Jonathan is away in Transylvania I have been working

very hard at my studies in stenography and typing. When we are married I hope to be useful to

him in business. But tell me all the news! I hear rumors of a tall, handsome man?

VAN HELSING

Letter from Miss Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray.

Lucy enters.

LUCY

...Thanks and thanks again for your sweet letter. Yes there is someone! In fact my dear, it never

rains but it pours. Here I am with two proposals. Isn't it awful? I feel so terrible. Oh, and Mina,

so wonderful. I have had to let down one of the fellows dreadfully... Come visit me at Whitby,

please. Oh Mina, I'm so confused...

VAN HELSING

Letter. Arthur Holmwood to Dr. John Seward.

Arthur enters.

3.

Page 8: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

Jack, you are my oldest friend. I hope this will not cause a break between us. Do you remember

when were trapped by that freak storm in the Highlands for five days? Let that be the mark of

our friendship, not this latest. I would call on you immediately but I must stay with father who

remains perilously ill.

VAN HELSING

The diary of Doctor John Seward.

Seward enters.

SEWARD

...Ebb tide in appetite today. Cannot eat. Cannot rest. Since my re-buff of yesterday, nothing in

the world seems worth the doing... The only cure is work! I have thrown myself into the study

of one of my patients. R.M. Renfield, age 59, sanguine temperament, morbidly excitable, periods

of gloom, possibly dangerous to himself and others. His uniqueness manifests itself in a fixation

which I have never previously encountered. He desires to absorb as many lives as he can and he

has laid himself out to achieve it in a cumulative manner. He gave many flies to one spider and

many spiders to one bird - which he proceeded to eat! I call him a zoophagous (life eating)

maniac... If only I could have as strong a cause as my poor mad friend to make me work.

Renfield enters.

RENFIELD

I know the secret Doctor! The Master is coming and I know the secret. The blood is the life. The

blood is the life. THE BLOOD IS THE LIFE.

Under Renfield's lines the peasants resume their

threatening warning. All clear except Harker and the

Peasants.

PEASANTS

Ordog...Pokol...Stregoica...Vrolak...Vlkoslak...

A coachman enters. The Peasants re-direct their chant at

him with renewed vehemence while they simultaneously

back away.

PEASANT WOMAN 2

Take this, please.

She presses a crucifix upon him.

4.

Page 9: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKER

Ah. Here is the coachman. I really must go.

PEASANT WOMAN 2

Please take this. Wear it. Please.

HARKER

Alright... yes... thank you. But tell me...What is it? What are they saying?

Harker climbs on the "coach" behind the driver.

PEASANT WOMAN 2

Ordog means Satan. They wish you protection from the evil one.

HARKER

The evil one...!?

PEASANT MAN

Vrolak....mean....VAMPIRE!

The Driver cracks the whip.. The group of peasants back

up into the darkness. Lights and sound create the

impression of rapid movement and the passage of time.

HARKER

The coach plunged into the night, climbing steadily into the Borgo Pass. The Carpathians

towered above us, granting an endless perspective of rock and pointed crag. (A large bat - wings

flapping slowly appears silhouetted in the moon, possibly leading, or following the coach. After a

moment it disappears.) After what must have been several hours, the rolling clouds that had

obscured the moon suddenly passed revealing the approach to a vast ruined castle from whose

windows came no ray of light and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the

sky.

The coach stops. Harker climbs down. The driver exits.

Harker stands alone for a moment. A wolf howls. An old

man clad in black appears silently. His face is gaunt and

white. Grey hair hangs lankly from an almost bald skull.

DRACULA

Welcome to my house, Mr. Harker. Enter freely and of your own will.

5.

Page 10: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKERCount Dracula?

DRACULAI am Dracula. And I bid you welcome to my house. Come freely, go safely and leave something

of the happiness you bring. (Several wolves howl, close at hand. Harker turns to look,

momentarily startled.) Be not fearful. There is reason that all things are as they are. And did you

see with my eyes and know with my knowledge you would understand. Come in; the night air is

chill, and you must need to eat and rest. (Lights change, they cross to a table laid for dinner.) I

pray you be seated and sup how you please. You will, I trust excuse me that I do not join you;

but I have dined already.

HARKERThank you, Count. My employer, Mr. Hawkins, extends his regrets that he could not come

personally.

DRACULAI am confident you will serve my needs. But come, eat. Sample the wine of my country, Harker,

Jonathan. Ah, you must forgive me. I fall into my people's habit and use the patronymic first!

Jonathan Harker. I do not speak your English well.

HARKERBut Count, your English is excellent.

DRACULALearned from books, I am afraid. Through them I have come to know your London. I long to pass

through the crowded streets teeming with life...but come, tell me of England and of the house you

have purchased for me.

HARKERYes, of course. Here you are. (Handing him an envelope of documents.) The estate is called

Carfax. It is about twenty acres, surrounded by a solid stone wall. The house itself is very large

and parts of it date back to the middle ages, the most recent additions from Cromwell's time, I

believe.

DRACULA

A great man. A man of strength.

HARKER

There is only one neighboring house. A private lunatic asylum. (Dracula reacts slightly.) Oh, its

not visible from the grounds... The oldest part of the house is of immensely thick stone and

contains an ancient underground chapel.

6.

Page 11: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

DRACULA

I am glad that it is old. I myself am of an old family. A house cannot be made habitable in a day

and how few days go to make up a century. I rejoice also there is a chapel of old times. We of my

line love not to think that our bones may be amongst the common dead...

HARKER

I am afraid it is somewhat desolate and gloomy.

DRACULA

I seek not gaiety. And my heart, through weary years of mourning over the dead is not attuned to

mirth. The walls of my castle are broken, the shadows are many and the wind breathes cold

through the casements. I love the shadow and would be alone with my thoughts when I may. (A

wolf howls in the distance.) Ah, listen, the children of the night, what music they make.(A pause.

Then, lifting a glass of wine.) To England.

HARKER

To England. Why do you wish to go to London, Count?

DRACULA

It shall make me feel young again. But, my dear friend, Jonathan Harker, I have been preparing

for many, many years for this journey to England. Now, you must tell me everything.

HARKER

The Count questioned me on every conceivable subject. It was getting to be very late indeed but I

said nothing for I felt under obligation to meet my host's wishes. I was exhausted from my

journey and could not help experiencing a strange chill at the ebb flow of the night.

DRACULA

Why here is the morning. How remiss I am. You must make your conversation less interesting.

You are tired. Your bedroom is ready and tomorrow you shall sleep as late as you will. I shall be

away till the evening.

HARKER

I look forward to exploring the castle and it's grounds. May I?

DRACULA

You may go anywhere you wish in the castle except where the doors are locked, where of course

you will not wish to go. Good night, Mr. Harker.

The Count exits.

7.

Page 12: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKERThe view from my rooms is magnificent, but I am not at heart to describe it, for when I tried to

explore the castle I found nothing but doors everywhere and all locked and bolted! We have

repeated this routine for more than two weeks - the Count interviewing me until dawn as to the

manners and mores of the English. This strange night-existence begins to tell. If there were

anyone else to talk with, but there is no one, only the Count. But et me be prosaic as far as

facts... During the day I sleep as the dead and do not awake until the sun is setting over the

mountains the following evening. When I went to make my toilet I could find no mirror in my

room with which to shave. So I have taken to hanging the small shaving glass from my kit near

the window.

As he describes the action he removes a small mirror and

straight razor from behind a column and prepares to

shave himself. Dracula appears silently from behind a

column)

DRACULAGood Evening.

Harker jumps, cutting himself slightly.

HARKERGood Morning....evening. I did not see you come in.

Harker examines the looking glass and the view of the

room it holds then turns, horrified, having been unable to

see Dracula in the glass. Dracula reacts involuntarily to

the blood, displaying a slight but perceptible impulse

towards Harker.)

DRACULA

You have drawn blood. Take care how you cut yourself. It is more dangerous than you think in

this country. (Grabbing the mirror.) And this is the wretched thing that has done the mischief. It

is a foul bauble of man's vanity. (He flings it off-stage.) Your dinner is laid in the next room, Mr.

Harker. I must be away tonight on other business. You will, I hope, find everything as you wish.

HARKER

Count Dracula...! (Starting to object, then tentatively) ... I should make my return to England

shortly.

8.

Page 13: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

DRACULAFriend Jonathan. You come to me as agent of my solicitor. You shall rest here with me a while so

that by our talking I may learn of your England.

HARKERBut my fiancée is expecting my immediate return.

DRACULAAh. How charming. None-the-less, you shall remain. Perhaps you would care to write your

fiancée?

HARKERYes... of course.

DRACULAThe posts are few and uncertain. You will now write three letters please, one dated June 12

stating your work here is complete and you shall start for home in a few days; one dated June 19

that you have now arrived at Bistritza ; and one dated June 29 that you have entrained for

Budapest.

HARKERBut that's absurd!

DRACULAWe are in Transylvania; and Transylvania is not England... (Harked starts to respond.) Let me

advise you my dear young friend, it would be unwise to attempt to depart my company before

our business is complete.

HARKERAm I to be a prisoner?

DRACULAOffend not my hospitality, Mr. Harker. Mine is a strange land. There are many dangers for such

as you who would seek to leave my... protection.

HARKER

As you wish.

DRACULA

It shall be for the best... (He starts to go. An echoing, distant,, almost subliminal sound of

women's laughter.) One further caution: should you leave this room or the next; you will not by

any chance to go to sleep in any other part of the castle.

9.

Page 14: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKER

Sleep? Why should I...

DRACULA

Sleep takes many forms, Mr. Harker, and serves many purposes. It comes easily in such a house

as mine which is old and has many memories. And there are bad dreams for those who sleep

unwisely.

He exits.

HARKER

I know now the span of my life, God help me! At once I began to search the castle. As before

doors everywhere all locked and bolted. I ran up the stairs to the highest tower. The only

window is to the South where the castle sits on the edge of a terrible precipice - a sheer drop of a

thousand feet. As I leaned from the window, the wild crags of the Carpathians arrayed before me

in the bloodless light of a full moon, a sensation like an icy finger on the back of my neck caused

me to turn and look up - and there clinging to the side of the tower wall...!

A form swoops down behind the scrim throwing its

shadow on Harker then disappearing into a mist-

shrouded full moon. Harker runs downstage.

HARKER (CONT'D)

What manner of man is this! Or what manner of creature in the semblance of a man! My only

hope for sanity is to try to record all I can.

Harker sinks to the floor and begins to write feverishly in

his notebook. Lights and music convey the passage of

time. Harker rubs his forehead. He is becoming groggy.

We hear strange music. Out of the gloom appear three

women. We hear laughter and soft voices, but muffled and

echoing as if we are under ether. The three women

approach Jonathan slowly.

WOMAN #1

Go on. You are first.

WOMAN #2

We shall follow. Your's is the right to begin.

WOMAN #3

He is young and strong. There are kisses for us all.

10.

Page 15: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

The three women approach Jonathan and begin to kiss

and pet him. He responds sensually but as if anesthetized.

They unbutton his shirt and loosen his collar, stroking

him.

WOMAN #2

We've been waiting for you...

WOMAN #3

... So long, we've been waiting.

WOMAN #1

Now you shall belong to us...

WOMAN #2

You want us, don't you...

WOMAN #3

You belong to me now...for all time.

As she puts her mouth to his throat Dracula appears

suddenly. He carries a cloth sack which he drops to the

floor. He snarls violently.

DRACULA

AAHHHHHHH! (He crosses angrily to Woman #3 and throws her away from Jonathan.) How

dare you touch him, any of you when I have forbidden it! This man belongs to me!

WOMAN #3

You yourself have never loved!

WOMAN #1

You never love.

WOMAN #2

...Never love...

DRACULA

Yes, I too can love; you yourselves can tell it from the past. (He gently touches her throat.) Is it

not so? I promise you that when I am done with him, you shall have him, to kiss at your will.

Wait... have patience, tomorrow he is your's.

11.

Page 16: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

WOMAN #3

Are we to have nothing tonight?

Dracula nods towards the sack he has dropped on the

floor. It moves slightly. One of the women goes to it

hurriedly. We hear a baby's cry. The women exit with the

bag laughing softly. Dracula exits in an opposite

direction. Lights change. Harker awakens.

HARKER

God preserve me! Great God! Merciful God! Let me be calm for out of that way lies madness

indeed. In the awful light of a grey dawn, May 30, 1892 I vainly watch as a band of

Transylvanian peasants load fifty great wooden boxes on their crude wheeled handcarts and draw

them slowly through the castle gates, towards the crest of the Borgo pass. It is clear. The Count

intends to travel to London - with its millions of souls - and I am to be left... (the lights begin to

change suggesting sunset as the sound of the brides soft laughter begins to echo through the

castle, drawing ever nearer.) I must attempt to scale the castle wall! God be merciful. The

precipice is high. Should I fall, at least at its foot a man may sleep as a man!

Jonathan disappears. The laughter of the brides echoing

and fading away as...

SCENE 2

...the laughter of Lucy and Mina rises as they enter

running and cross downstage to a small stone bench

followed by Mrs. Westenra and Captain Swales who

remain apart engaged in conversation.

LUCY

Oh, Mina. Why can't they let a girl marry more than just one man?

MINA

Lucy!?

LUCY

Oh I don't mean it of course. But I've had two proposals from two wonderful men...!

MRS. WESTENRA

Lucy, dear, you remember Captain Swales ... (Lucy leaves Mina.)

12.

Page 17: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SWALESGood Mornin' Miss.

Lucy, Captain Swales and Mrs. Westenra talk, apart.

MINAI travelled to the seaside resort of Whitby today to join Lucy on holiday while Jonathan is

abroad. Straight away she brought me to a most beautiful spot - a little stone bench in the village

graveyard high above the harbour and the town.

LUCYYou and Captain Swales go on ahead mother, we'll sit here... (Returning to Mina.)

MINALucy? Tell me!

LUCYDo you know Jack Seward?

MINAThe doctor?

LUCYYes. He came down to see me the other day. He was so nervous - he almost managed to sit on his

hat! (She laughs at the thought, then, becoming tearful...) He told me how much he cared for me -

and then he asked if I thought I could love him in time. Of course I was in tears and when I shook

my head his hands trembled and then he asked if I cared already for anyone else. And I told him

and he took both my hands in his and said he hoped I would be very happy and that if I ever

wanted a friend I must count him as one of the best. Oh Mina, it isn't a happy thing to see a poor

fellow, whom you know loves you honestly, passing quite out of your life.

MINA

But Lucy? Who is the other?

LUCY

Arthur Holmwood.

MINA

Lord Godalming's son?

13.

Page 18: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

LUCYYes. Oh Mina he is so wonderful! He absolutely swept me away. I do love him. I know I do. But

I feel so... I'm very confused Mina..One minute I'm laughing the next crying. Mina, have you

ever...?

MINAWhat?

LUCYI mean with Jonathan... Have you ever wanted...? Wanted ...?

MINA(Understanding.) I'm not sure I understand.

LUCYI can't sleep at night Mina. And when I do I have these dreams.

MINAWhat sort of dreams?

LUCYAbout Arthur. Sometimes Jack. Others too. Sometimes men I don't know. And I... Last night,

Mina, the air was so thick and oppressive it felt like a hand on my breast, pressing me down into

the bed...

MINALucy, I don't know what to say.

LUCY(Breaking out of it.) But Arthur and I are to be married in the autumn. And that, as they say, is

that. You will be my maid of honor?

MINAOh, Lucy. Matron of honor, I hope, by then.

MRS. WESTENRACaptain. (Pointing out to sea.) Is that ship in danger?

SWALESI can't make her out. A Russian by the look of her. But she's knockin' about in the queerest way.

And that be one devil of a storm puttin' in behind her!

Townspeople enter as if watching the storm at sea.

14.

Page 19: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

REPORTER 2The Whitby Daily telegraph, 8 August, 1892.

REPORTER 1(With notebook and pencil.) One of the strangest and most sudden storms on record has just been

experienced here. The day was unusually fine until the afternoon when the wind fell away

entirely leaving the dead calm and sultry heat that predicts a storm.

REPORTER 2The only vessel noticeable was a foreign schooner with all sails idly flapping as she rolled on the

undulating swell of the sea.

REPORTER 1

Then, with a rapidity that seemed incredible...

REPORTER 2

The tempest broke.

REPORTER 1

Most strangely, however, this savage storm seemed to be centered upon the foreign vessel that

now wallowed at the mouth of the harbor.

TOWNSWOMAN

She's heading right for the reef!

SWALES

No,look,she's come around: against the wind? How the devil did she do that?

LUCY

My God! Oh, Mina. Look!

SWALES

She's going to ground herself beneath the East Cliff.

TOWNSWOMAN

There she comes. She's grounded.

MINA

What's that!

MRS. WESTENRA

Is that a dog?

15.

Page 20: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SWALES

Did ye see that leap. Good Lord! That's no dog! That's a wolf!

Lights focus strongly on Lucy. The dim, daytime moon

turns a veiny, blood red for an instant. The moon is

overtaken by a projection of the wolf's eye. A loud

distorted wolf howl. A terrifying scream from Lucy.

LUCY

Mina! Did you see ? My God! It looked right up here. It looked right at me. Did you see that?

My God!

All exit except the reporter.

REPORTER 1

By courtesy of the village constabulary, your correspondent was permitted to tour the vessel.

There was not a living soul aboard, only the body of one poor seaman who was lashed to the

wheel. His throat had been torn open as if by some animal. The schooner is a Russian from Varna

called the "Demeter". She has only a small cargo - a number of large wooden boxes filled with

earth.

SCENE 3

Dr. Seward's office. A desk and chairs.

SEWARD

9 August. Strange and sudden change in Renfield last night. He is usually quiet and respectful

during our interviews, but tonight...

RENFIELD

I don't want to talk to you. You don't count now; the Master is at hand.

SEWARD

The Master, Renfield? Do you mean the resurrection of our Lord?

RENFIELD

Oh Doctor, all your learning and there is so little you know.

He takes out a notebook and begins to jot something

down.

16.

Page 21: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARDTell me Renfield. I wish to learn.

RENFIELDDoctor, does your God mind the fall of a sparrow?

SEWARDI believe he does.

RENFIELDAnd of a spider? Or a fly?

SEWARDWhat is in your book, Renfield?

RENFIELDMy accounts.

SEWARDAccounts?

RENFIELD"We defy augury; there's a special providence in the fall of a sparrow." If God minds the fall of a

sparrow why will he not spare me!

SEWARDGod's goodness encompasses all creatures. May I see your book?

RENFIELDHere. It doesn't matter. The Master is coming.

SEWARDThere are many columns here. What do all the numbers mean?

RENFIELDIt doesn't matter. The Master is coming. Now I can wait.

SEWARDWait for what, Renfield? Do these numbers have anything to do with your flies? Or your

spiders?

RENFIELDBother them all, I don't care a pin for them now.

17.

Page 22: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARDNot for spiders?

RENFIELD"The bride-maidens rejoice the eyes that wait the coming of the bride; but when the bride-groom

draweth nigh, then the maidens shine not to the eyes that are filled."

SEWARDI'm afraid I don't understand. Can you explain that to me?

RENFIELDThere is very little you understand, Doctor.

SEWARDWould you like more sugar? To attract more flies?

RENFIELDI told you! Not now! I need to be patient for the Master.

SEWARDPerhaps we'd better say good evening. We don't seem to be getting anywhere tonight.

RENFIELD

The column to the left represents fly lives; to the right; spider lives. Each page a day. Each day

small lives added to the greater life. But Doctor! Each day as well I lose life. Fly lives and spider

lives only add seconds, Doctor. They are not enough. Not enough to stem the flow of my life...

But now the Master is at hand. I will serve him and he will reward me with ever greater lives.

SEWARD

We all must die, Renfield.

RENFIELD

(Laughs hysterically.) All? Surely not all? Do you read scripture Doctor?

SEWARD

Yes.

RENFIELD

"He who believeth in me shall have eternal life".

SEWARD

Yes, of course, but that refers to the life of the spirit...

18.

Page 23: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

RENFIELD

I mean real life, full-blooded life! No. No! I must be patient. He is coming. The Master is coming.

I must be patient. I want to go back to my cell now, Doctor. Please.

SEWARD

Of course.

He presses a button. An attendant enters.

RENFIELD

Doctor? Might I ask a very great favour?

SEWARD

Yes.

RENFIELD

I'd like a kitten, a nice little, sleek, playful kitten that I can play with and teach and feed and

feed... and feed.

SEWARD

A kitten? Why not a cat?

RENFIELD

Oh yes, I would like a cat! I only asked for a kitten lest you should refuse me a cat. No one

would refuse a poor madman a kitten would they?

SEWARD

I'll think on it.

RENFIELD

Please doctor, I should be so grateful.

SEWARD

I said I'll think on it.

Renfield has an impulse of violence towards Seward but

restrains himself. He is distracted by a large, buzzing fly

nearby. He stalks it momentarily, snatches it out of the air

and eats it.

19.

Page 24: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SCENE 4

Lucy's bedroom. Mina is seated writing in her diary. Lucy

is asleep in bed.

MINA 11, August. Nothing still from Jonathan since that strange and brief final note from Bistritz. I am

dreadfully afraid something has happened. I have not had much rest lately. Lucy has taken up her

old habit of sleep-walking and Mrs. Westenra has asked me to sit up with her as she is afraid that

she might do herself some harm through this... nocturnal perambulation. Arthur is coming up to

visit shortly. Lucy is counting the moments until she can show him the seat on the churchyard

cliff - from whence we saw that strange event the other day - but which remains the most

beautiful spot in Whitby. I am so tired... so, so, tired...

A light fog begins to curl around the bed and chair. Mina

falls asleep. The fog thickens. Music. The distant howl of a

wolf. The bedclothes magically pull themselves off Lucy

revealing her asleep in her nightclothes.

DRACULA (V.O.)Come... Come...

Lucy rises and wanders through the fog....

DRACULA (V.O.)Come to me my love. I am eternity... I am the life... I am the blood. Come... Come... Come...

...finally arriving at the bench in the graveyard. Dracula

appears out of the fog - rising by elevator and trap if

possible. He envelopes her in his cape. She arches her

neck , rising to him as he places his mouth upon her

throat. Mina awakens with a start in the bedroom. She

goes to the bed.

MINA Lucy? Lucy!?

She runs out following the path Lucy has taken to the

churchyard. As she approaches she calls out..

MINA (CONT'D)

LUCY?

20.

Page 25: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

Dracula rears up. His face is smeared with blood. He

gestures towards Mina. The moon pulses red. Perhaps a

projection of the wolf's eye. He disappears. Mina has not

seen him.

MINA (CONT'D)

Lucy! (Lucy moans. Mina comes to her.) Lucy, my God, what are you doing out here? You must

be freezing. Let me get my shawl around you. How did you get all the way out here? (Lucy

moans again and puts her hand to her throat.) What is it? Oh, Lucy I'm so sorry. I must have

pricked you with the clasp. Here now, come on, let me get you back to bed.

LUCY

Oh Mina, you won't tell anyone? Not Arthur. Please, you won't tell.

MINA

Of course not. You've had a terrible dream - that's all. Now come back to bed.

LUCY

The eyes again. Red eyes. Wolf's eyes.

Mina takes Lucy back to the bed, then exits.

SCENE 5

Seward's Sanitarium.

ARTHUR

(Entering.) Jack, I must speak with you.

SEWARD

Yes?

ARTHUR

You are one of my oldest friends. I need your help.

SEWARD

Of course, you know I'll do anything you ask.

ARTHUR

I'm afraid it's Lucy.

21.

Page 26: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARDAh.

ARTHURI know you still love her. She had to choose between us, Jack... but I'm asking you to do me this

favour.

SEWARDWhat is it you want?

ARTHURI want you to see her. She's ill. The local doctors don't have an idea as to the cause, but she looks

awful and is getting worse every day. I know this might be painful for you, but for Lucy's sake -

and the sake of our old friendship - will you see her?

SEWARDI'm sure the Whitby doctors are quite competent...

ARTHURJack, the thing is I can't be there as I should. My father is terribly ill and I'm all that's left of the

family. If only you could see her, I know you could help...You're my oldest friend... Please.

SEWARD

Of course I will. Did you ever doubt it?

They freeze.

MINA

19, August. At last, news of Jonathan! I have received a letter from the Hospital of St. Joseph

and Ste. Mary in Budapest informing me that Jonathan has been under their care for almost six

weeks suffering from a sort of brain-fever. I am to leave in the morning and shall bring him home.

I feel awful about about leaving Lucy. I went for a walk on the cliffs last night and when I

returned I glanced up and saw Lucy sitting at the open window. She was fast asleep but with the

strangest aspect - as if she were waiting for someone. She looks so haggard and worn. But I must

leave tomorrow. My journey is mapped out and my luggage ready.

Mina exits. Seward and Arthur break the freeze.

SEWARD

My dear friend. You won't like what I have to tell you.

ARTHUR

What is it?

22.

Page 27: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARD

I've seen Lucy. I cannot find any functional disturbance or malady.

ARTHUR

But surely...

SEWARD

At the same time, I am not by any means satisfied with her appearance. I would have judged her

anemic on a first diagnosis, but I have analyzed her blood and it shows, really, a quite vigorous

state of health.

ARTHUR

Then what could be causing her to look the way she does? Those dreams she speaks of... the

sleep-walking?

SEWARD

I don't know Arthur. I simply don't know.

ARTHUR

Good Lord, what can we do?

SEWARD

I have written to my old friend and professor Abraham Van Helsing. He knows as much about

obscure diseases as anyone in the world. (As Seward speaks, Van Helsing enters and begins to

examine Lucy.) He is not only a medical doctor but a philosopher and a metaphysician. As a

young man he studied for the priesthood, took his vows, but left his order to marry. A man of

absolutely open mind, he has an indomitable resolution and the kindliest and truest heart that

beats.

Seward and Arthur cross into the scene.

SCENE 6

VAN HELSING

My dear young miss, I have the so great pleasure to meet you because you are so beloved. They

told me you were a trifle pale... pouf! (Dismissing the notion.) ... You are beautiful!

LUCY

I am fine Doctor Van Helsing... absolutely fine. These two worry about me like old women.

23.

Page 28: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSINGWell, I know nothing of your charming fiancé, Mr. Holmwood. But, this one: a brilliant student

once; now, perhaps an excellent Doctor, but he knows nothing of the young ladies. Sit up now, I

listen to your breath. No all he thinks is of the work. No eye for the young ladies or he would

not still be single... I have mis-spoke?

SEWARDNot at all Doctor. You are quite right.

VAN HELSINGSo, young lady, you feel weak?

LUCYI... sometimes have difficulty sleeping. My dreams are very full. It's nothing. My father was a

sleepwalker as well, mama tells me.

VAN HELSINGYou walk in your dreams sometimes? You do not stray far, I trust?

LUCYNo, of course not. Once I... (awoke on the cliff) ... But Mina... it's nothing.

VAN HELSINGMost assuredly. Nothing at all. Dreams are such strange windows to the mind. Now, Miss Lucy,

forgive me. I wish to feel the glands in your throat.

LUCYNo. I...

VAN HELSINGJust for a moment, please. Would you mind to remove the scarf.

LUCYNo... I can't.. I mustn't...

VAN HELSINGShhh... Shhh.... Shhh... It is lovely, but we must now remove it.

ARTHURIt's alright Lucy, darling.

VAN HELSINGThere. Now. That's not so bad. The glands feel quite normal. (As Lucy turns her head to replace

the scarf, Van Helsing notices the two small marks on her neck.) Mijn God!

24.

Page 29: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARD

What is it?

ARTHUR

Doctor? Is there anything wrong?

VAN HELSING

Nothing. Nothing, my young friends... Miss Lucy, you have two small puncture wounds on

your throat here. Do you know where you got them?

LUCY

Mina told me she caught me with the pin of a clasp when she was fastening my shawl. It was

just an accident.

VAN HELSING

John, come look. I want you to see this. Take your hand away now, Miss.

SEWARD

It doesn't appear to be much.

VAN HELSING

No. It doesn't appear to be much. Now, Miss Lucy. Do you remember this accident with the

clasp. Where did this happen?

LUCY

We were on the cliffs.

VAN HELSING

The cliffs?

ARTHUR

Yes, the cliffs above the harbour. There is a lovely spot in the churchyard where Lucy enjoys

sitting. Isn't that what you mean, darling?

VAN HELSING

Ah. And when did this happen?

LUCY

I can't remember.

VAN HELSING

Of course you can.

25.

Page 30: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

LUCY

No. I don't want to think about it...

VAN HELSING

You must! You will tell me, now.

ARTHUR

See here...

VAN HELSING

I am sorry. But I must know this if I am to be of help. Now, please. You will tell me, ja?

LUCY

I... I suppose I must have been sleep-walking again. (As Lucy relives her nightmare we hear

distant music and Dracula's voice repeating "Come... Come... Come to me my love... I am

eternity... I am the life... I am the blood... come... come.") I was in my bed. I wasn't quite

dreaming; but for some reason I wanted terribly to be in the churchyard on the cliffs. Passing

through the streets the whole town seemed to be filled with dogs all howling at once and there's a

kind of a mist that almost pulls me along and the mist is closing around my face... And I... some...

thing... long and dark with red eyes... and I'm sinking now into deep green water... and singing in

my ears... women singing... suddenly my soul seems to float free of my body and I'm looking

down on... and then this awful, agonizing shudder right through the center of me...!

The speech builds to a scream after which she collapses in

tears.

ARTHUR

Lucy! Oh my God. Lucy.

LUCY

Arthur. Hold me. Don't go away. Please hold me.

VAN HELSING

Ah, my dear Miss Lucy. I am so sorry to have made you to do this. But it is good to let such

things pass through us by the telling of them. I leave you now in the good care of Mr.

Holmwood. But, I shall return soon... John, you and I will step into the next room, ja?

Van Helsing and Seward cross away.

SEWARD

Well?

26.

Page 31: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

I can find no functional cause of this illness. With you I agree, she is in no way anemic. But there

is cause. There is always cause... She is a lovely girl... She means something more to you than a

patient?

SEWARD

She does. Did. It is past.

VAN HELSING

Ah. I see. I am sorry. What did you think of those marks on her throat?

SEWARD

(Checking his notes.) Two small punctures over the external jugular vein. Edges white and

somewhat jagged. No sign of corruption but not wholesome. Quite impossible that she could

have lost much blood from there. Her night clothes would have been drenched.

VAN HELSING

Quite impossible!?

SEWARD

Well, yes.

VAN HELSING

Friend John, you have a good mind. You may one day be a good Doctor when you come to

realize "there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

SEWARD

(Ironically.) I have a madman in my care who quotes Hamlet as well.

VAN HELSING

Perhaps you should pay more attention to him. I must return to Amsterdam tonight, John.

SEWARD

Amsterdam? But you just got here.

VAN HELSING

I know. There are books and documents there. I must write to my old friend Professor Szgany in

Budapest. I will send you certain flowers.

SEWARD

Flowers! I thought you came to help Lucy; to help me...

27.

Page 32: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

Of course I did. This sweet young girl is dear to you I know and in so short a time she becomes

dear to me as well. I will send you these medicinal flowers; the aroma may help. You must put

them at her window and in a garland around her neck. Until these arrive you, or Arthur must stay

with her all the night. You must not sleep. I shall be back as soon as possible. And then we may

begin.

SEWARD

Begin?

VAN HELSING

We shall see. Remember. She is your charge. If you leave her, and harm befall, you shall not sleep

easy hereafter. (He exits.)

SEWARD

I am beginning to wonder if my long habit of life amongst the insane is starting to tell on my own

brain. We followed Van Helsing's instructions to the letter. Arthur and I alternating nights sitting

up with Lucy until the lack of sleep began to affect us both.

LUCY

(She wakes, screaming and clutching at her throat.) AHHHHH. The eyes again! Always those

eyes!

ARTHUR

It's alright, now. It's alright. I'm here. Nothing can happen. Try to go back to sleep.

LUCY

I can't breath. I can't catch my breath.

ARTHUR

Shhh. Shhh. You must try to sleep.

LUCY

It only brings the horror.

ARTHUR

The horror? I'm here, now. You must sleep tonight.

LUCY

Oh, Arthur. Do you know how sometimes when you start to go off to sleep you feel as if you

are falling and then awake with a start?

28.

Page 33: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

Yes?

LUCY

I have that same feeling always but I never wake up with that little start. I just keep falling and

falling until I feel as if my soul were falling away from me, draining away... Oh God, if I could

really, truly sleep.

Lights fade.

SCENE 7

SEWARD

8, September. A week has passed. The arrival of Van Helsing's flowers quite confounded us.

They are nothing but common garlic! However, we have followed the Doctor's wishes and hung

them around her room. And Lucy's happy vivacity seems to be returning. There is even a touch

of color in her cheeks. I have a telegram from Van Helsing asking me to meet him at the train in

the morning. We proceeded immediately to the Westenra residence. Upon our arrival we met

Arthur disembarking from his carriage as we stepped from ours.

ARTHUR

Dr. Van Helsing! You're back.

VAN HELSING

Good God man, what are you doing? Weren't you with Miss Lucy last night.

ARTHUR

I was called away. I'm afraid my father is on his death-bed. But Mrs. Westenra offered to sit up

with her and we arranged all those flowers exactly as you instructed us.

SEWARD

As I told you on the way she is improving rapidly. I think she's out of any danger now.

MRS. WESTENRA

(Entering.) Good Morning, Doctor Van Helsing. So good to see you back.

VAN HELSING

Yes. Delighted. But, Miss Lucy...

MRS. WESTENRA

You will be glad to know that Lucy is much improved. The dear child is still asleep.

29.

Page 34: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

So, my treatment is working?

MRS. WESTENRA

And I've done my little part myself.

SEWARD

How do you mean, Mrs. Westenra?

MRS. WESTENRA

Well, I looked in on her last night after she'd fallen asleep. She began to thrash about so and kept

pulling at those awful flowers around her neck and it seemed so close and stifling in that room -

so I took them all away and opened the window to let in a little fresh air. And all at once, she

seemed to relax and sleep easy. You will be pleased with her, I am sure. Good day, doctor.

Van Helsing bows slightly - restraining himself as Mrs.

Westenra exits - then moves rapidly to Lucy's bed

followed by Seward and Arthur.

VAN HELSING

My God! (He looks her over quickly.) As I expected, there is no time to lose.

ARTHUR

Lucy. Oh, my God. Lucy! Doctor, she's ice cold!

VAN HELSING

(To Seward.) She will die for sheer want of blood. There must be a transfusion at once. Jack, do

you know... ?

SEWARD

Arthur matches.

VAN HELSING

Mr. Holmwood, you are the fiancé of our dear Miss Lucy. She is very, very bad. You are to help

her?

ARTHUR

If you only knew how gladly I would die for her.

30.

Page 35: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSINGOnly to sit down beside her will be sufficient. (Taking out tubing and needles.) The ghastly

paraphernalia of a beneficial trade. John you will prepare him as I do Miss Lucy. We will sedate

her mildly. She must not awaken during the proceedings.

SEWARD(Preparing Arthur.) Make a fist if you would... that's right.

VAN HELSINGNow. We can only wait.

Blood begins to flow in the clear tubing. Music and Lights

indicate a passage of time. Above , behind a scrim, we see

Dracula, arms folded as if asleep. He moves - sensing the

intrusion of new blood. His head jerks. Lucy trembles

violently. Dracula disappears. Lucy relaxes.

VAN HELSING (CONT'D)There. Enough. (He removes the transfusion equipment.)

SEWARDHere Arthur, hold this on the wound for a minute or two. Do you feel alright.

ARTHURI'll be fine thanks.

VAN HELSINGYou stay with her, Arthur. John and I must consult. She will sleep for a long while now, I think.

ARTHURJack... thank you.

Seward and Van Helsing exit. Lights and music indicate

the passage of time. Lucy begins to wake.

LUCY

What's happening to me?

ARTHUR

You're going to be fine now, darling. I know it.

LUCY

What's that on your arm?

31.

Page 36: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

I gave you blood.

LUCY

Oh, Arthur.

ARTHUR

I'm sure it sounds strange but I felt as I lay there and watched my blood pass into your veins; as

the color returned to your cheeks and your hand began to warm; I felt as if we were truly married

in that moment.

LUCY

Oh darling, I wish we were... for real... right now. Will you always love me?

ARTHUR

Of course.

LUCY

And when I'm dead?

ARTHUR

Don't speak of that. It shan't be for many years: when you are old and gray and surrounded by

grand-children...

LUCY

Children...(Beginning to cry) I'll never have children. I mustn't!

ARTHUR

Lucy, darling, it will be alright! You'll be well soon, I know it. (He tries to hold her. She pulls

away.)

LUCY

Will you open the window? It's very close in here.

ARTHUR

Of course.

LUCY

(In a panic.) NO! Don't!... (A change coming over her.) Look at the moon. It's almost full, isn't

it? Why does it look so enormous?

32.

Page 37: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHURI don't know... an optical illusion I suspect. Something to do with its position on the horizon.

LUCYIt looks like a fat, bloated, child... (She laughs lightly.)

ARTHURWell that's an odd way to put it. But it's good to see you laugh again.

LUCYLaugh again! Why, Arthur I've never felt happier than I do right now.

ARTHURReally darling?

LUCYThe night air makes me feel so alive... I'm ripe. Full of your blood, I suppose. (She laughs.)

ARTHUR

Lucy, I don't think you should be getting up just yet.

LUCY

Arthur, I want you. You said before that we were married through our blood. I know we are. The

only way in which we can truly be married.

ARTHUR

Lucy...

LUCY

Come to me Arthur. Hold me. Oh Arthur... kiss me, my love... kiss me... I want you. Now.

They kiss deeply. She pulls her head to one side, opens

her mouth wide exposing fangs. Van Helsing enters.

VAN HELSING

NO! For God's sake no.

He crosses rapidly to them and pulls Lucy away. They

struggle for a moment - Lucy demonstrating surprising

strength - then Van Helsing hurls her to the floor.

ARTHUR

My God, what's happening?! What's happening!

33.

Page 38: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

Lucy is curled in a corner, her face twisted in a spasm of

rage.

ARTHUR (CONT'D)

Lucy!

He starts to go to her. Van helsing stops him.

VAN HELSING

No. Not for your living soul and hers.

Lucy's hideous snarl slowly turns to tears.

LUCY

Oh, My God! Oh God, what have I become?

VAN HELSING

Now. Go to her. Take her hand.

LUCY

No. Don't touch me. Please don't touch me! (To Van Helsing.) My true friend. Oh help him.

Guard him. Guard him from me and give him peace. Help me! Oh God, help me.

Lights change. Arthur carries Lucy back to her bed then

exits along with Van Helsing. Seward steps forward.

SCENE 8

SEWARD

20, September. Only resolution and habit can let me make an entry here tonight. I have never

before felt as miserable; as low-spirited, as sick of the world and all in it as I do now. I had

returned to London, my work and my patients. Holmwood was staying in Whitby and nightly

watching over Lucy. Van Helsing was buried in the British Museum continuing those fevered

researches the subject of which he will only hint. Arthur's good father finally gave up the fight

and died. Arthur had no choice but to leave Whitby. He telegraphed both Van Helsing and myself

to come immediately to take over the watch. As only bad chance and cruel misfortune could have

it, neither telegram ever arrived at its destination. There is nothing left to do - only to curse the

telegraphers - and a God whose indifference could allow such horror.

MRS. WESTENRA

(Entering Lucy's bedroom.) Now, don't you worry darling. I'm sure Dr. Seward will be here soon.

But I know exactly what to do;after all I've been seeing to you for many a year now.

34.

Page 39: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

LUCY

Oh, mother. Sit with me. Tell me stories like you used to when I was a girl. Tell me about Father.

Tell me about the day you met him.

MRS. WESTENRA

Good Gracious! You want me to remember things I haven't thought about for years.

LUCY

Yes. Please mama. Just talk to me.

MRS. WESTENRA

Oh really, Lucy.

LUCY

(Becoming hysterical.) Please mama!

MRS. WESTENRA

Lucy, dear... Well, your father. He was such a handsome man. You remember I met him at a

garden party. He had just returned from the Crimea and had been terribly wounded at

Sevastopol. It must have been 1856, or...no? Was it '57? In any event it was Springtime and

everything imaginable was in bloom

As Mrs. Westenra talks on we hear - faintly - Dracula's

voice calling to Lucy. We also see the three Brides behind

a scrim. They call to Lucy as well.

DRACULA

(Overlapping.) Come... Come to me... I am the life... I am the blood... The blood is the life.

WIVES

(Overlapping.) Come... join us... we are eternity... we are the blood...

MRS. WESTENRA

It was a party for Sybil Prynne and oh, my, all the young men were there and so many in

uniform. Her father was a General, of course, and Sybil was quite the beauty so all the young

officers flocked around. (Lucy has begun to climb out of bed and move towards the window.)

Lucy... Lucy... (Mrs. Westenra goes to her.) Lucy darling, where are you going? Get back in bed

dear. Please. Lucy. Please.

LUCY

Mama? Mama, it's you?

35.

Page 40: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

MRS. WESTENRA

Of course it's me. You must stay in bed, dear. Dr. Seward and Arthur would be very dis-pleased.

Now get back in bed. Perhaps I ought to let you try to sleep.

LUCY

No, please! Don't let me dream! Talk to me. Please. Tell me things about Father. You were telling

me about Father.

MRS. WESTENRA

Yes, of course. Calm down now, Lucy dear.

LUCY

He was a soldier when you met? Wasn't he? Tell me, please.

MRS. WESTENRA

Yes. He was in uniform and so handsome, so dark and handsome. Bristling whiskers. And he

leaned just ever so slightly on a walking stick. I use that stick sometimes and it makes me always

think of that beautiful Spring day. Well, he seemed so brave and distant but Sybil Prynne was

making a shameful play for him, so naturally...

There is the distant howl of a wolf. A shadow of a bat

flutters across the scrim.

MRS. WESTENRA (CONT'D)

Oh, my. What could that be.?

LUCY

(Weakly) No... No...

MRS. WESTENRA

It's alright. There's nothing to be afraid of.

LUCY

No, Mama. Don't. Don't. Don't!

Dracula appears. He is fifty years younger. In the music

we hear an over amplified heartbeat. He gestures. The

moon turns its veinous blood red. It is accompanied by an

extremely loud and distorted wolf's howl. Mrs. Westenra

reaches to her forehead. Another gesture. Another sound.

Mrs. Westenra clutches at her left arm. A third gesture

and sound. Mrs. Westenra collapses across the bed.

36.

Page 41: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

Lucy rises and walks slowly towards the vampire. He

caresses her face and throat with one finger. He is

surprisingly gentle. He envelopes her in his cape

dropping his mouth to her throat. She gives herself to him

fully. All life sinks from her body. They drop into the fog -

via elevator and trap if available.

SCENE 9

VAN HELSING

Letter, Mina Harker to Lucy Westenra - unopened by the deceased.

MINA

My dearest Lucy, It seems like an age since I heard from you or indeed since I wrote and I'm

afraid only a quick line here. I have found my dear Jonathan in Budapest. Oh, so thin and pale

and weak. Something awful has happened to him. He does not remember the details or at least

does not wish to remember them. He has kept a journal - which he has given me for safe-keeping -

but he tells me he never wishes to read it. I intend to do the same and let our lives begin anew

from this hour - for Sister Agatha has sent for the chaplain of the Anglican mission church and

we are to be married shortly. Oh Lucy, in a few short weeks we shall all be together again. My

blessings and love to you, your dear mother, and Arthur.

Seward's office.

ARTHUR

Oh God what have I done! I never should have left for an instant. My God, Jack, what have I

done?

SEWARD

Arthur, it's not your fault. You couldn't have done otherwise.

ARTHUR

You've been a great friend, Jack. I know she loved you.

SEWARD

Don't speak of it, please.

ARTHUR

She told me and I know there was no friend had a closer place in her heart than you. I don't know

how to thank you for all you did for her...What am I going to do? The whole of life seems gone

from me.

37.

Page 42: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

(Entering.) Mr. Holmwood, I am glad you have come to see us. I must ask your permission on

two subjects... ah, perhaps I am premature?

ARTHUR

No, of course not. Forgive me Dr. Van Helsing. I am afraid it has been quite a week. What is it

you want?

VAN HELSING

First, I have here some papers: letters and diaries that once belonged to Miss Westenra. Might I

have your permission to study these?

ARTHUR

Of course, but for what possible reason?

VAN HELSING

I have reason now for all I do. You have many years trusted me John. You, Arthur I can only ask

that you learn to trust me now in the strange and terrible days before us. Let us not be three, but

one.... one in intent...

RENFIELD

(Appearing suddenly.) There was another once who spoke of one in three, I believe, Doctor!

SEWARD

Renfield!

RENFIELD

No need for introductions, Doctor Seward. Lord Godalming. You are Lord Godalming now are

you not?

ARTHUR

Yes, I am. Sadly.

SEWARD

How would you know that, Renfield?

RENFIELD

(Smiles knowingly.) And Dr. Van Helsing. What shall any man say at the pleasure of meeting Van

Helsing? I make no apology for dropping all forms of conventional prefix. When one has

revolutionized science and philosophy; conventional salutations are unfitting since they would

seem only to limit. "Here was a man not for an age, but for all time".

38.

Page 43: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

I thought your patient only quoted Hamlet, John.

RENFIELD

(Delightedly performing for them.) "To what base uses we may return Horatio! Why, may not

the imagination trace the noble dust of Alexander 'till he finds it stopping up a bung

hole"..."Imperious Caesar dead and turned to clay might stop a hole to keep the wind away."

MAXWELL

(Entering.) I'm sorry doctor. I don't know how he got out this time.

RENFIELD

(Very serious.) Did you know, Doctor, Clay and flesh hold many of the same characteristics?

SEWARD

How did you get here, Renfield?

RENFIELD

Out the window, across the roof and down the wall, of course.

SEWARD

A precipitous journey.

RENFIELD

As is life, my good doctor, friend, and jailer.

SEWARD

You are not a prisoner, Renfield.

RENFIELD

That, Doctor, depends upon the vantage point. But Van Helsing, the number one does not divide

by three - a school-boy knows this - yet three shall be one? The Father... the Son... Don't you

know that he has many more than three lives? He has accumulated them for centuries! For you

see three is divisible by one! Not one by three. Small lives add up to the greater life. A

fundamental mistake made by your common-place theologian is the assumption that "The blood

is the life" is merely metaphor, but you Doctor, the great Van Helsing...

SEWARD

Renfield... I think perhaps it's time to return to your room. Maxwell. You'll help Mr. Renfield to

his quarters.

39.

Page 44: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

RENFIELDNO! Van Helsing, surely you understand. The concept of... the tri... The concept of the trin...of

the TRINITY! It's exactly backward. All life must be pulled into one greater life.

MAXWELLAlright now...

RENFIELD(Grabbing a letter opener from Seward's desk.) Stay away from me. The Eucharist is real, Van

Helsing! (Holding it to his wrist.) "This is my blood shed for thee... Drink this and you shall have

eternal life!"

VAN HELSING"How all occasions do inform against thee", my friend... As does the Prince Hamlet you quote,

you dread only the "something after death, the undiscovered country from whose bourn no

traveller returns..." (Renfield's resolution shatters, he turns to Van Helsing as to a saviour.)

RENFIELDDoctor...?

SEWARD

Come on now... (Seward reaches for the letter opener. Renfield appears to give it to him, then

suddenly slashes Seward's palm. Arthur and Maxwell wrestle him to the ground.) Ahhhh. God

Damn you!

VAN HELSING

Let me see, John.

SEWARD

It's superficial.

VAN HELSING

There is much blood. Take this handkerchief.

RENFIELD

(Raving.) "The body is with the king... but the king is not with the body..."

SEWARD

Get him in a strait jacket and give him a sedative.

MAXWELL

Let's go you.

40.

Page 45: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

Seward has dropped Van Helsing's blood soaked

handkerchief on the floor and replaced it with his own.

With a tremendous show of strength Renfield breaks loose

of Maxwell and dives on the handkerchief then sucks

greedily upon it.

RENFIELD

"Let my thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth!"

ARTHUR

Good God!

Maxwell and Arthur drag Renfield out as he continues to

rave.

RENFIELD

The blood is the life... the blood is the life... the blood is the life ...

Van Helsing and Seward freeze as reporters enter.

REPORTER TWO

The Westminster Gazette, 25 September. Headline: "The Hampstead Horror"

REPORTER THREE

During the past two or three days several unusual cases have occurred of young children straying

from home or neglecting to return from their playing on the heath.

REPORTER TWO

All the children have been slightly torn or wounded in the throat. The wounds seem such as

might be made by a rat or small dog.

REPORTER THREE

Further, the victims seem to be somewhat weakened or emaciated by the attack. The police are

instructing parents to keep a sharp look-out on children in the area. In all cases the victims were

too young to give any properly intelligible account of themselves. But they commonly report

that they have been taken out onto the heath by a beautiful lady in white.

VAN HELSING

(Slapping a newspaper down on Seward's desk. ) Have you read it.

SEWARD

The "Hampstead Horror"? Yes.

41.

Page 46: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

And? What do you think?

SEWARD

The wounds are like poor Lucy's.

VAN HELSING

And what do you make of it?

SEWARD

Simply that there is some cause in common. Whatever it was that has injured her has injured

them as well.

VAN HELSING

(Arthur enters.) Ah. Friend Arthur. There can be no doubt now.

ARTHUR

No doubt as to what, Professor?

VAN HELSING

You shall learn.

SEWARD

For God's sake tell me what you are driving at. You have been hinting about some terrible

knowledge for weeks.

VAN HELSING

Do you mean to tell me you have no idea as to what poor Lucy died of?

SEWARD

Of nervous prostration following on great loss of blood.

VAN HELSING

And how was the blood lost?

SEWARD

I don't know.

VAN HELSING

You are a clever man, friend John; you reason well, and your wit is bold; but you are too

prejudiced. It is the fault of our science which wants to explain all; and if it explains not, then it

says there is nothing to explain.

42.

Page 47: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARD

I am a rational man and I have no data upon which to found any sort of rational conjecture.

VAN HELSING

You think there is nothing in life that science cannot unlock?

SEWARD

Of course not, but...

VAN HELSING

Does your science begin to answer the great mysteries of life and death?

SEWARD

No...

VAN HELSING

Can you tell me why, when other spiders die small and soon, that one great spider lived for

centuries in the tower of an old Spanish Church?

SEWARD

Professor...

VAN HELSING

Can you tell me how the Indian fakir has made himself to die and be buried and to live again?

Can you tell me why men believe in all ages and in all places that there be some who cannot die?

The un-dead. The nosferatu!

ARTHUR

Nosferatu?!

SEWARD

Professor, stop. I am going mad. Why are you doing this?

VAN HELSING

I want you both to believe.

ARTHUR

Believe what?

VAN HELSING

To believe in things you cannot. An American once so defined faith: "that which enables us to

believe things we know to be untrue."

43.

Page 48: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARD

You want me to let go of all my previous conviction... my prejudice... so that I might accept

something so strange I should otherwise rationally reject?

VAN HELSING

Always the good pupil. You would think then that those small holes in the children's throats

were made by the same that made the wounds in Miss Lucy's.

SEWARD

Yes. I suppose I would.

VAN HELSING

Then you would be wrong.

ARTHUR

In God's name Van Helsing what do you mean?

VAN HELSING

It is far, far worse. They were made by Miss Lucy.

ARTHUR

Are you mad?

VAN HELSING

Would I were. Madness were easy compared to truth like this.

ARTHUR

We laid Lucy to rest not yet a week ago, Doctor. I saw her placed in the coffin. I saw the coffin

placed in the mausoleum. You expect me to believe such complete and utter nonsense?

VAN HELSING

I do not ask you to. Tonight I go to prove it. Dare you come with me?

SEWARD

Where?

VAN HELSING

To the Churchyard at Kingstead. To the Mausoleum of the Westenra family.

ARTHUR

And what do you expect to find?

44.

Page 49: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

The un-dead.

SEWARD

The un-dead?!

ARTHUR

(Overlapping.) Good Lord, you can't be serious!

VAN HELSING

I do not ask for now that you believe. Only that you accompany me tonight. And if you see the

un-dead, as I know you will, you will give me permission to do what I think is good.

ARTHUR

Professor, are you in earnest or is this some monstrous joke? Un-dead!?

VAN HELSING

If I could spare you one pang, my friend I would do so. Why did I take so long to tell you this?

Because I do not wish to give you pain.

SEWARD

What is it you wish to do?

VAN HELSING

Tonight... I wish to drive a wooden stake through the heart of Miss Lucy.

SEWARD

Good Lord.

ARTHUR

This is too much. Not for the world would I consent to the mutilation of that poor girl's body.

What did she ever do that you should want to dishonor her memory?! I have a duty to protect

her grave and by God, I shall do it.

VAN HELSING

I, too, have a duty before God. A duty to you. A duty to bring rest to a poor soul. All I ask now

is that you come with me; that you look and listen and if you do not then wish me to proceed,

God help us all.

He holds out his hand to Arthur who grudgingly accepts

it. Lights change. Music.

45.

Page 50: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SCENE 10

A street. Night. Several passers by. A tart stands in a

doorway. Mina enters with Jonathan Harker. He has

aged and walks with a cane.

MINA

(Stepping forward.) I promised never to read Jonathan's diary of his fearful time in Transylvania.

Because of the events of last night, I must break that promise. Jonathan and I went to the theatre.

A play by Mr. Pinero. I hoped it would raise his spirits. After leaving the theatre we walked

through a seamy section to the hansom cab ranks...

TART

(To a passing gentleman.) Busy tonight, love?... (To another.) Hello darlin'... (To a third

Gentleman taking his arm.) Want some company?

GENTLEMAN

No, thank you.

TART

Don't worry sweet 'eart, I don't bite...

GENTLEMAN

(Removing her arm from his.) No, really.

TART

(Disgusted with the lack of business.) O, bloody 'ell.

She starts to exit. Following her from out of the shadows

is Dracula. Jonathan sees him. But he does not see

Jonathan. He exits following the Tart.

HARKER

Did you see? Did you see who it is?

MINA

No, dear. I didn't notice. Who?

HARKER

It's him. My God it's him!

46.

Page 51: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

MINAWho dear?

HARKERThe Count! Oh my God. But... he... he has grown so young. How can it be? Oh God help me.

MINAJonathan, Jonathan! Please... it's the fever.

HARKERHe's here. He's here!

MINAListen to me! Stop it now. Stop it.

HARKERI am going mad. If only I knew. I am going mad. (He rushes off-stage, Mina following.)

MINAJonathan!

Lights change.

SCENE 11

The Kingstead Churchyard. Van Helsing, Seward and

Arthur enter. Arthur carries a lantern

SEWARDIt was after 3:00 when we entered the churchyard over a low wall.

ARTHURThe night was dark with occasional gleams of moonlight between the rents of heavy clouds that

scudded across the sky.

VAN HELSINGExtinguish the light now, please.

ARTHURWe'll need it to enter the tomb, won't we?

VAN HELSINGIt shall not be necessary. It is almost dawn. We shall wait here.

47.

Page 52: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

Van Helsing opens a satchel and removes a small

container holding a thin wafer. He crosses himself. Then

begins to crumple it around the entrance to the tomb.

VAN HELSING (CONT’D)Out of the lore and experience of the ancients I have learned of the un-dead, but there is much -

so much more - to know.

SEWARD

What are you doing, Professor?

VAN HELSING

I am closing the tomb so that she may not enter.

ARTHUR

And that is supposed to do it? Is this a game?

VAN HELSING

You could call it such.

SEWARD

What is it that you are using?

VAN HELSING

The Host. Miss Lucy is very young as un-dead. She will have great respect for its power of

goodness. Now, we wait... and pray. Go.

He motions Seward and Arthur to separate parts of the

stage. Music. After a time a figure in white appears in the

shadows. It is Lucy. She approaches the tomb. As she

enters the presence of the Host, a burst of smoke issues

from the ground. She lets out an animal scream then

breaks down into very human sobs.

ARTHUR

Lucy? (Stepping out of the shadows.)

LUCY

Arthur... Arthur... Come to me. Come ... and we can rest together.

ARTHUR

Lucy...

48.

Page 53: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARD

Arthur, for God's sake!

VAN HELSING

Arthur!

LUCY

Do not listen to them. Your blood is in my veins. It has wedded us. Come my husband... my

lover..

ARTHUR

Oh God, Lucy... I...

Arthur moves towards her. Van Helsing rushes between

them, holding a crucifix up to Lucy's. She backs away,

hissing viciously.

VAN HELSING

No! You see! Now do you see! Force her into the tomb.

Seward and Van Helsing brush the host from the entrance

to the tomb with their feet and force her in to the tomb

with their crucifixes. Lucy rushes in as we see the first

rays of light.

VAN HELSING (CONT’D)

Answer me, my friend, am I to proceed in my work?

ARTHUR

Do as you will. There can be no horror greater than this.

Lights change. Lucy is lying on a stone slab, asleep to all

appearances.

ARTHUR (CONT'D)

Can this truly be she?

VAN HELSING

Yes. You understand now. She is nosferatu. But when we shall make her to rest as true dead,

then the soul of the poor dear lady we all love shall be made pure. My friend, it will be a blessed

hand for her that shall strike the blow that sets her free...

49.

Page 54: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

Tell me what I am to do.

VAN HELSING

This stake must be driven through her heart. When we begin our prayer for the dead - strike in

God's name.

ARTHUR

One moment. Please. (Arthur pulls away to compose himself.)

SEWARD

Thank God it is almost over.

VAN HELSING

Over, friend John? I am afraid we have only just begun the greater task.

SEWARD

What do you mean?

VAN HELSING

To find the author of all this our sorrow. One, I fear of great power, of many years, and much

wisdom, a King of Vampires. And our sole sworn duty must be to destroy him!

ARTHUR

Professor. I am ready.

VAN HELSING

Ah, so it ends and begins. "Lord, have mercy upon us."

SEWARD AND ARTHUR

"Christ have mercy upon us."

VAN HELSING

"Lord, have mercy upon us." "I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth

in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall

never die."

Arthur places the stake over Lucy's heart. He raises the

hammer.

50.

Page 55: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING AND SEWARD"Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God in his wise providence to take out of this world the

soul of our deceased sister, we therefore commit her body to the ground; earth to earth;

Arthur strikes the stake, a horrible scream from Lucy

who writhes, quivers, and twists in wild contortions.

VAN HELSING AND SEWARD

(CONT’D)

"...ashes to ashes..."

A second blow.

VAN HELSING AND SEWARD

(CONT’D)

"...dust to dust..."

A final blow.

VAN HELSING AND SEWARD

(CONT’D)

"...Looking for the Resurrection in the last day and the life of the world to come..."

VAN HELSING, SEWARD, ARTHUR

"... Through Our Lord Jesus Christ at whose second coming the corruptible bodies of those who

sleep in him shall be changed and made like unto his own glorious body; according to the mighty

working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself."

During the above we see DRACULA, high and behind a

scrim. As the three men recite the litany, he lifts his head

and begins a low moan that grows into an enormous howl

of pain, loss, and rage that crescendoes with their final

words.

BLACKOUT

END OF ACT I

51.

Page 56: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ACT II

SCENE 1

Seward's office. As each speaks, he moves into position

for the scene to follow.

VAN HELSING

Jonathan Harker's Journal, October 6, 1892.

HARKER

I thought never to write in this journal again, but the time has come. A Dutch Doctor - who

attended upon Lucy Westenra at her last and has been studying her correspondence and diaries -

has come to see Mina. She has given him the chronicle of that fearful month in Castle Dracula.

SEWARD

Letter, Professor Johan Szgany to Abraham Van Helsing.

VAN HELSING

(Reading) As you suspected, he was, indeed, that Vlad Dracula, the great Prince of Transylvania

who won his name against the Turk in the fifteenth century. He is also called Vlad Tepes

(pronounced "Tsepesh") which translate to "Vlad The Impaler". He is said to have so murdered

on sharpened poles more than 50,000 men, women, and children...

SEWARD

...In life he was spoken of as the most brilliant and cunning warrior of his time...

HARKER

...He can appear at will...

SEWARD

... He has the strength of twenty men....

HARKER

...in the many base forms that worship him, the rat, the wolf, and the bat...

ARTHUR

...He flourishes...

VAN HELSING

...by replenishing his own life with...

52.

Page 57: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

...The blood life...

VAN HELSING

(overlapping ) ...The blood life

HARKER

(overlapping .) ...the blood life

SEWARD/ARTHUR/HARKER

...of the living...

MINA

He is called Nosferatu - the un-dead - a perverse reflection of the Christ who dwells in the heart

of man.

ARTHUR

Letter, Abraham Van Helsing to Dr. John Seward...

SEWARD

...You will maintain a careful record of Mr. Renfield's activities and outbursts. There may be

some connection to this awful terror we seek, this nosferatu...

VAN HELSING

...Oh he is not dangerous - our aging Prince Hamlet - there is nothing to fear, but we may well

learn from him...

HARKER

Personal memorandum of Lord Godalming.

ARTHUR

Van Helsing has requested a meeting - a war council of sorts - at Jack Seward's sanitarium. He has

prefaced this by sending us all surely the most extraordinary document. It has been assembled

and typewritten by the dear friend of my poor Lucy, Mina Murray, now Mrs. Jonathan Harker.

It is an account - taken from our diaries, journals and letters, from newspaper clips and freight

bills, from ancient manuscripts - of unimaginable horror and disgust.

SEWARD

(Exploding.) For God's sake, Van Helsing, give me some small scientific rationale! How? Why?

53.

Page 58: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSINGHow? Why? I know not how or why he is. My science cannot answer. Maybe God only knows

this answer.

SEWARDIf this is true how are we to begin? Even if we find him how can we possibly destroy him?

VAN HELSING

We are not without strength.

HARKER

(Who has been pacing agitatedly.) My God! I'm the one who has set this creature loose in the

world...

VAN HELSING

Unwittingly, yes.

HARKER

I am the only one of you to have seen him face to face. Seward's right. He can't be destroyed.

VAN HELSING

No, Jonathan, the nosferatu is not free. He is prisoner. He must obey certain laws...

HARKER

Laws?!

VAN HELSING

And these natural laws offer us weapons. He must not enter anywhere at the first unless

someone of that household bid him come. His power ceases as do all evil things at the coming of

the day. By sunrise he must return to consecrated soil of his native earth. There are things we

know afflict him so he has no power - as the garlic. And things sacred, as this my crucifix and the

Host. In their presence he take his place far off and silent with respect.

HARKER

Garlic! The Host! For God's sake you've never even seen him! I looked in the glass where he cast

no reflection; looked in his eyes.(Becoming hysterical.) And... in the eyes of those women, Van

Helsing... saw only myself reflected in endless and obscene repetitions of... shame...

MINA

Jonathan, darling please... (Trying to comfort him.)

54.

Page 59: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKERYou cannot destroy him!

VAN HELSINGWe know of the peace from the stake driven through the heart.

HARKERThat's absurd.

ARTHURHarker with this arm I drove a wooden stake into the still beating heart of the woman I loved - a

Nosferatu - and I saw. I saw her delivered. I saw her find peace.

VAN HELSINGWe three have seen this, friend Jonathan... There is much we know.

HARKER

(Still shaken.) From that tower, I watched all those boxes carted out through the gate, and I

knew...

MINA

(Interrupting.) The boxes... Jonathan, what was the name of the estate you transferred to Count

Dracula..

HARKER

I don't remember ... no... Carfax?

SEWARD

Carfax Abbey! Good God! Do you know what you are saying?

ARTHUR

Isn't Carfax the estate...?

SEWARD

Yes. No more than a mile across the heath.

HARKER

My God.

ARTHUR

Then we've got him!

55.

Page 60: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARDDo you know for a fact he's there?

HARKERMina, the freight... where are the freight bills and customs declarations?

ARTHURFor God's sake let's go and find out!

VAN HELSINGWait, wait, my impetuous friend!! This is a terrible task we undertake. For if we fail? What is the

end? Not merely to die, but to become as him! To us forever the gates of heaven shut; an arrow

in the side of Him who died for man... My friends, not the least of this creature's terror is the fact

- the dark lure - that this evil thing is rooted deep in all good. This is its great contradiction. The

enigma of its being. To face the nosferatu is to face a test for your soul. We are confronted with

great duty. Must we shrink? I say no. But you...?

ARTHURI have nothing to live for if not this creature's destruction.

SEWARDThere is no choice. I have seen his work.

MINATo know evil and not to act; may that not be the greater evil?

HARKER(Having found the customs declaration.) "Fifty cases of common earth - for experimental use.

Port of origin Varna, shipped on the 'Demeter' landed at Whitby and carted by wagon to Carfax

Abbey."

Van Helsing takes the papers. As Harker speaks we see

a large bat - or perhaps it's shadow - outside the window,

beating its wings slowly as to hang motionless in one spot.

The bat disappears. Mina shivers as if something has

passed over her.

HARKER (CONT'D)

Mina, are you alright?

MINA

Yes... I'm fine. A chill.

56.

Page 61: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

He is there!

ARTHUR

Professor, how do we proceed?

VAN HELSING

We know that from the Castle Dracula to Carfax Abbey came fifty boxes of earth. Our first step

must be to ascertain if all remain and that he has not removed any to another resting place.

SEWARD

And if they are all in Carfax?

VAN HELSING

We "sterilize" these earth boxes one by one so in them this man- that-was cannot rest. We use

the Host just as you saw me do at the tomb of Miss Lucy. Then we deal with this creature

during the light of God's day when his powers are weak. (A pause then to Harker.) There is no

shame, whichever path you choose.

HARKER

May God help us all.

Arthur steps forward. Van Helsing, Harker, and Seward

exit, bidding farewell to Mina

ARTHUR

Van Helsing marshalled us into the drawing room to complete arrangements for the beginning of

our quest. Mrs. Harker remains to continue her prodigious task of organizing all our papers that

document this... abomination which seemed nothing so much as nightmarish fantasy until the

moment I drove the hammer down upon that wooden stake.

He exits. Mina sits at the desk and begins to go over her

notes of the evening. Music. A hand slowly appears and

wraps itself around a column behind her. Mina looks up.

A sharp intake of breath. Renfield walks out from behind

the column.

MINA

Oh! I'm afraid you frightened me a little.

SEWARD

(Re-entering.) Renfield! What are you doing here?

57.

Page 62: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

MINA

You came back.

SEWARD

Yes. For the pistol I keep in the desk. I'll ring for Maxwell.

RENFIELD

You're not the girl the Doctor wanted to marry are you? You can't be. She's dead.

MINA

No. I have a husband of my own. I am Mrs. Harker. Are you Mr. Renfield?

RENFIELD

(Pleased.) Yes. You know of me?

MINA

Dr. Seward has spoken of you.

RENFIELD

What are you doing here?

MINA

My husband and I are staying on a visit with Dr. Seward.

RENFIELD

Then don't stay.

MINA

Why ever not? (Renfield does not answer.)

SEWARD

How did you know that I wanted to marry someone, Renfield?

RENFIELD

What an asinine question!

MINA

I don't see that at all, Mr. Renfield.

58.

Page 63: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

RENFIELDHe knows all your... (Covering.) You will of course understand, Mrs. Harker that when a man is

respected and honored as is our host, everything regarding him is of interest to our little

community. Dr. Seward is loved not only by his friends but even by his patients some of whom

are not exactly in what you would call mental equilibrium. (During the following he circles her as

if drawn to her viscerally but unwilling or unable to move on her.) Why, I myself am an instance

of a man who had a strange belief. I used to fancy that life was a positive and perpetual entity. I

actually tried to take many small lives though what I wanted...

SEWARDRenfield...

RENFIELD...I relied, of course, for substantiation upon the scriptural phrase, "For the blood is the life". Do

you believe that Mrs. Harker? "The blood is the life." Do you believe that?

MINAI am a Christian, Mr. Renfield.

RENFIELDAh. "I know a hawk from a handsaw". The blood is, indeed the life, Mrs. Harker, though the

truism has been vulgarized by its common acceptance as mere symbol! The Eucharist is real, not

symbol, not metaphor, not ritual! I know one who has lived many lives... (Renfield suddenly

turns as if there is another presence. Music. Perhaps a dim projection of the wolf's eye.) No... I

won't tell... No! (He twists his neck strangely as if his head is being turned by some force. He

throws himself on the floor.)

MAXWELL

(Entering.) Oh, so there you are! I'm sorry, Doctor...missus. This one seems to be able to slide

out through a crack in the wall. He's nothing but a harmless old looney though, ain't ya? (Pushing

him with his foot.)

MINA

Let me help you up, Mr. Renfield.

MAXWELL

Mind yourself, missus.

MINA

That's alright, he won't harm me.

59.

Page 64: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARDTake him back to his room. Make sure he doesn't get out again.

RENFIELDDr. Seward... I must ask you, no, implore you to allow me to leave this place tonight.

SEWARDLeave?

RENFIELDI am not at liberty to give you the whole of my reasons, but I assure you they are sound,

unselfish and spring from the highest sense of duty.

SEWARDWhy can't you give me these reasons?

RENFIELDI am... I am not my own master in this matter... (Caught somewhere between tears and wild

laughter.) "There's a divinity that shapes our ends".

SEWARDI cannot discuss this with you Renfield, not tonight. Maxwell...

RENFIELDI beg you, Dr. Seward. Let me out of this house at once. You don't know with whom you treat.

By all you hold sacred take me out of this and save my soul!

SEWARDMaxwell!

RENFIELD(Calm now.) Don't you know that I am sane and earnest now? I am no lunatic in a mad fit but a

sane man fighting for his soul?

VAN HELSING(Entering.) Jack, we must leave now, ja?

RENFIELDDoctor!

SEWARD(Wavering.) Yes, I... Good night, Renfield. (He exits.)

60.

Page 65: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

RENFIELDMrs. Harker...!

MINAGood night, Mr. Renfield. I hope to see you again under more pleasant auspices.

RENFIELD(Touched by her kindness.) Goodbye, dear Mrs. Harker. I pray God I may never see your sweet

face again. May he bless and keep you.

Maxwell, Renfield and Mina exit.

SCENE 2

HARKER

Our little search party set forth. - It is a dread to me that Mina is involved in this business at all.

But it is due to her energy, brains and diligence that the story to date has been compiled in such a

way that every point tells. Now her work is done and I pray God she will be safe. We crossed

the heath, then kept to the shadow of the wall as we approached the house.

VAN HELSING

In the name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost, we enter.

Van Helsing, Seward, Arthur and Harker are now

kneeling in the entrance to Carfax Abbey. They carry

shuttered lanterns.

ARTHUR

My God. It looks as if the place hasn't been habited for years.

HARKER

Not by the living in any event.

VAN HELSING

My friends, we must guard ourselves. You have each the sacred image of Our Lord upon his

cross. With this we may hold the monster at bay. Now, an envelope for each. It is the

transubstantiated body of our Lord. Handle it with great reverence. You know this place,

Jonathan or at least have seen maps. Where do we begin?

SEWARD

Jonathan...?

61.

Page 66: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKER(Pulling himself together.) Look for a flight of stairs leading down to the underground chapel.

They begin to search an area of the stage. Mina enters

elsewhere isolated by light.

MINAI can't quite recall how I fell asleep last night. I remember hearing a distant gun-shot and what

sounded like loud and tumultuous praying from Mr. Renfield's room... (There is a swirl of

phosphorescent dust. Perhaps a dim projection of the wolf's eye.)

ARTHURMy God! What's that?

MINA...which must be somewhere very close to mine..

VAN HELSING

(Holding up the Host.) In the name of God the Father I command thee son of Satan reveal

thyself!

MINA

...and I remember hearing the sudden barking of dogs...

ARTHUR

There. There. Look! (Arthur fires at the image. The gunshot echoes hollowly leaving behind a

distant mocking laugh.)

SEWARD

It's gone. There's nothing.

MINA

...and then there was a silence over everything, silence so profound that I got up and looked out

the window. All was dark, the black shadows thrown by the moonlight full of silent mystery...

VAN HELSING

Something has left us. Do you feel?

MINA

...not a thing seemed to be stirring...

ARTHUR

Yes. Yes, I do.

62.

Page 67: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

MINA

...but all to be grim and fixed as death...

VAN HELSING

Curious.

MINA

...so that a thin streak of white mist, that crept with almost imperceptible slowness across the

heath towards the house seemed to have a sentience and vitality of its own...

SEWARD

(Shining his light off-stage.) Doctor! The stairs! Right over here.

Arthur, Harker and Van Helsing follow him off-stage.

Renfield enters on the opposite side of the stage from

Mina, he is reciting the Lord's Prayer under Mina's next

speech.

MINA

...The air was heavy and dank. The gas-light seemed to diminish until it was nothing but a tiny

red spark and as I watched, the spark seemed to divide and look upon me as if two glowing red

eyes...

Mina freezes. During the above, a mist begins to flow

down stage. Suddenly, Dracula rises up out of the mist,

spreads his cape out to its full extent, then lifts straight

into the air and hangs motionless some ten feet above

Mina and Renfield.

RENFIELD

Master... Master!

DRACULA

You will welcome me now to the house... I bring you life... eternal life...

RENFIELD

Life? You bring me a life?

DRACULA

I have sent you fat buzzing flies with steel and sapphire on their wings. And at night I brought

you the bloated moth with the death's head on his back. Let me enter.

63.

Page 68: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

RENFIELD

Master,I cannot.

DRACULA

Hundreds, thousands upon thousands of rats I will bring you and every one a life.

RENFIELD

The blood is the life.

DRACULA

(Overlapping.) The blood is the life... I bring you lives, bigger lives, filled with red blood; years

of life in every speck. I give you eternity...

RENFIELD

The blood is the life...

DRACULA

(Overlapping.) The blood is the life... welcome me... welcome me... open.

RENFIELD

Blood, Master, you promise me the sacrament of blood?

DRACULA

(Overlapping .) The sacrament of blood. Yea, lives will I give you and many more and greater

through countless ages, if you will fall down and worship me!

RENFIELD

(Falling to his knees.) Enter through me, Lord and Master.

Dracula looks sharply at Mina who turns to face him.

Blackout.

ARTHUR

(Entering in black, the only light from the lanterns) Quickly! This way, there's another passage!

Damn! There are no more boxes here. (Lights up.)

SEWARD

Thirty-three boxes. Seventeen missing!

HARKER

We've searched everywhere. They must be somewhere else.

64.

Page 69: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

So far our night has been eminently successful.

SEWARD

What?

VAN HELSING

No harm has come to our persons as I feared might be and we have ascertained how many boxes

are missing.

ARTHUR

But how are we going to find them.

HARKER

The same way we found these!

SEWARD

And how is that?

HARKER

All fifty boxes were shipped directly to Carfax. Correct?

VAN HELSING

Yes. You have shown us this.

HARKER

Seventeen have been taken elsewhere...

ARTHUR

We know that.

HARKER

He didn't carry them himself!

ARTHUR

Then who?

HARKER

Willard and Sons carted them here from Whitby. Willard or another freight company carted

seventeen away. And somewhere, there is an invoice, a bill of lading, or a workman who

remembers.

65.

Page 70: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

Excellent, Jonathan. Tomorrow we start next leg of our journey. For tonight is enough done. But

I think we now say "check to the black king" in this chess game we play for human souls.

Lights change. Arthur exits. Seward and Van Helsing

move into the scene to come as does Renfield.

SCENE 3

Seward's Office.

HARKER

8, October. The house was silent when we got back last night save for a low moaning from the

patients quarters. I found Mina asleep, breathing so softly that I had to put my ear down to hear

it. We all slept past noon. Mina even later. I have made a list of every freight company in greater

London. We have split it in two. I am off to tackle the first half, Lord Godalming the second. Van

Helsing and Seward remain to keep watch on Carfax to make certain no more earth-boxes are

removed. They want to further interview the patient Renfield as well...

Lights up on Van Helsing, Seward and Renfield

SEWARD

Tell me Renfield, have you no more interest in flies?

RENFIELD

(Trying to control himself .) The fly, the fly, the fly dear sir, has one striking feature. It's wings

are typical of the aerial powers of the psychic faculties. The ancients did well when they

typified the soul as a butterfly.

VAN HELSING

Ah. The soul is what interests you?

RENFIELD

No. I want no souls. I have moved beyond needing souls! Life is all I want!... But, I am pretty

indifferent about it at present. You must get a new patient Doctor if you wish to study

Zoophagy.

SEWARD

You have moved beyond needing souls? Then, you command life? You are a god, now, I

suppose.

66.

Page 71: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

RENFIELDFar be it from me to arrogate to myself the attributes of the deity. If I may state my intellectual

position, I am somewhat of the station Enoch occupied spiritually.

VAN HELSINGAnd why Enoch?

RENFIELDBecause he walked with God.

VAN HELSING"The Devil hath power to assume a pleasing shape".

RENFIELDI know many things!... I care about little, however.

SEWARDSo, you don't want more lives and you don't want souls. Why not?

RENFIELDI don't want any souls! I couldn't use them if I had them! And doctor what is life, what is it after

all? I have friends, good friends.

SEWARDFriends, Renfield? What do you mean by that?

Mina enters.

VAN HELSINGAh. Our beautiful Wilhemina!

MINAGood afternoon, gentlemen. I wanted to retrieve my notes. I hope I'm not disturbing you.

VAN HELSINGNot at all, Madam Mina..

RENFIELDI want to go back to my room, Doctor Seward, now!

SEWARDIn a moment, Renfield.

67.

Page 72: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

RENFIELD(To Mina, sotto voce.) I don't care for pale people. I like them with lots of [blood] ... I told you

about the value of lives once, you didn't understand!

MINAI'll go back to my room. My presence seems to unsettle him.

SEWARDThat might be best. (Mina exits.)

RENFIELD(Beginning to cry.) I don't want any souls. I don't want any souls on my conscience! I can't stand

the pain. The weight of a big soul on me... Haven't I got enough guilt and pain to distract me now

without thinking about more souls!!! (He collapses in tears.)

SEWARD

He dreads the burden of a soul! A human soul! I hope we haven't made some terrible mistake.

VAN HELSING

No, John. I understand this man. (To Renfield) "Use every man after his desert, and who should

scape whipping?"

RENFIELD

Doctor, take me back to my room. I must think. I have to think. And try to pray. To pray. To

pray. Doctor, you have been very kind to me, a poor madman. Forgive me. Please, forgive me.

SEWARD

Of course, Renfield.

RENFIELD

(Exiting.) "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below; words without thoughts never to

heaven go."

SCENE 4

The Harker's room in Dr. Seward's sanitarium. Mina on

the bed.

HARKER

Mina, Mina... We've got him!

MINA

Got him? What do you mean?

68.

Page 73: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKER

Arthur just received this letter from Spaford and Kinney, Freighters. "As per your inquiry: six

large boxes carted from Carfax Abbey, to 347 Piccadilly, six also to 197 Chicksend St., Mile End,

new Town; five to Jamaica lane, Bermondsey- September 7 last, order made by foreign

nobleman, signed, your Lordship's humble servants, etc, etc." - Extraordinary the power of a

title, eh?

MINA

Oh, Jonathan, thank God!

HARKER

At last perhaps this awful nightmare is over.

MINA

Darling, it's wonderful to see you look so strong again.

HARKER

For months I was tortured with doubt and horrible half-dreams as if all my will had been drained

out of me. Sometimes even still, I... But now, just to know I am not mad...

MINA

Jonathan, let the others go against him.

HARKER

No. I'll never be free until I see him destroyed. I've got to join Van Helsing and the others

downstairs. Will you come?

MINA

No... Don't go!

HARKER

Really, I must.

MINA

Stay, for just a moment. Hold me. Just for a moment.

They embrace. He moves as if to kiss her. She pulls

away.

HARKER

What is it?

69.

Page 74: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

MINA

I don't know... I can't.

HARKER

Why?

MINA

(In tears.) I don't know. I don't know. Oh, please just hold me!

HARKER

Of course, darling. It's alright.

As Harker holds her we hear faint and disturbing music

as well as the sound of a heart beat. The moon begins to

pulse red, suggesting a heart pumping blood. The stage

covers with ground fog. A wolf howls. Harker and Mina

respond. They are both now in a trance.

DRACULA (V.O)

Rise Jonathan Harker... you are mine... My thoughts are your thoughts...

Harker crosses slowly away from the bed. Dracula rises

up through the fog - [via an elevator if possible] - he

turns to Harker and with a small motion of his hand

causes him to collapse to his knees staring dumbly and

horror-struck at the scene that follows... Dracula turns

towards Mina who sits mute and expectant. Renfield

enters.

RENFIELD

No, Master... please... don't take any more life from her.

DRACULA

Leave us.

RENFIELD

I want no souls on my conscience. Not her... Please, Master.

DRACULA

You have served my needs.

70.

Page 75: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

With a gesture Dracula causes Renfield's head to begin to

twist and with a second gesture snaps his neck. Renfield

collapses to the floor, dead.

MINAJonathan...

DRACULASilence. A sound and I shall dash his brains out before your eyes. (He approaches her. She

shudders.) It is not the first time your flesh has welcomed me. (He forces her down across the

bed, drawing her blood in to him with great shudders of his back. He rises up.) And so, you like

the others would play your brains against mine. You help these men to hunt me. They shall

know before long what it is to cross my path. While they played wits against me I took you.

You, their best beloved one, are now to me flesh of my flesh; blood of my blood; kin of my kin;

my bountiful wine-press for awhile. Later on, you shall be my companion and my helper for all

time. And I shall give them to you each - one by one - to fill your need. You have aided them.

Now you shall come to my call. When my brain says "come" to you; you shall cross land or sea

to do my bidding; and to that end this!

Dracula opens his shirt and draws a sharp fingernail

across a vein in his breast. Blood spews forth. He takes

Mina's head in his hand and draws her to his breast. She

makes small sounds of protest and tries to struggle

briefly; then gives herself increasingly fully to him as the

lights go to black.

SCENE 5

As lights come up, we see Mina collapsed across the bed.

Harker and the twisted body of Renfield on the floor. Off-

stage loud knocking.

SEWARD

Mina!... Jonathan!

ARTHUR

It's locked. It won't budge.

VAN HELSING

Break it down.

71.

Page 76: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARDWhat?

VAN HELSINGBreak it down, I say!

Van Helsing, Seward and Arthur burst in. They stand for

a moment unable to move.

VAN HELSING (CONT'D)Oh My God! My God forgive me, what have I done?

SEWARDQuickly, Doctor. You see to Mina. (Racing to Jonathan,Van Helsing and Arthur go to Mina.)

He's been drugged; or in some sort of trance. Jonathan! Jonathan! Is she alive?

VAN HELSINGHe has been to her.

SEWARDJonathan! Come on, man. Wake up.

HARKERWhat's happening... Seward, tell me... (Seeing Mina.) MINA! Oh my God. My God! Help her!

MINA(Weakly) Jonathan...

HARKEROh, thank God... Van Helsing, save her. It cannot have gone too far yet. Guard her while I look

for him!

MINANo! No, Jonathan. Don't go! Don't leave me. Stay with these friends who will watch over you.

VAN HELSINGDo not fear, dearest Wilhemina. We are here. You will both be safe now. We must be calm and

take counsel together.

MINA(She discovers the blood smeared across he face. Sobbing.) Ahhh! Ahhh! What...? What have

I...? (Speaking the words with great difficulty.) Unclean ... unclean... unclean...

72.

Page 77: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKERNo, No. Not you. Never you. May God judge me and punish me if ever I believe you to be so.

ARTHUR(Having discovered Renfield.) Jack.

SEWARDWhat is it?

ARTHUROver here.

SEWARD(Going to him.) His neck is broken.

VAN HELSING(To himself.) "Now cracks a noble heart..."

ARTHURWhat was he doing here?

SEWARDHe didn't want a soul on his conscience.

VAN HELSING(A realization.) Mijn God... He opened the house to the nosferatu...

SEWARDThat's impossible...

VAN HELISNG(Lashing out.) I don't mean he opened a door! He opened his mind!... No, you are right Jack! A

door into his mind opens and the nosferatu has invaded. But maybe that means one can journey

both ways through this door?! Gentlemen! We have much work to do. But first we have a

painful task at home. Madam Mina...?

MINAYes, Professor.

VAN HELSINGMy poor dear Wilhemina, later I may ask permission to hypnotize you, but for now... please tell

us exactly what happened.

73.

Page 78: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKERVan Helsing...

VAN HELSINGIf God wills we are to deliver our loving friend from endless night then one of our few small

weapons is our knowledge. I am sorry.

MINAHold my hand, darling... (Taking a deep breath) Jonathan and I were talking here. You gentlemen

were downstairs. At once there was a heaviness in the air which made my flesh crawl. I felt as if

a wet mist was enveloping me and a thousand cold fingers touched my body.. (She continues her

story softly as Arthur steps out of the scene.)

ARTHURAs she was telling her terrible story, so like that of my dear Lucy, the eastern sky began to

quicken. She clasped her husband's hand tightly throughout...[Harker was still and quiet ... but

over his face, as the awful narrative continued, came a grey look... which deepened in the morning

light... the eyes stood darkly out against the ghastly pall....]

VAN HELSING

(Overlapping, where Arthur's speech is in brackets.) Oh God! God! What have I done? My

stupid Dutchman's vanity has now caused poor Renfield's death... Oh God, let not Satan have

this dear young woman as well...

HARKER

As I must do something or go mad, I write this diary...

VAN HELSING

Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa [Mea Maxima Culpa....Peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere; mea

culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa...]

HARKER

(Overlapping where Van Helsing's speech is in brackets.) ...I write at every chance for I must not

stop to think. Mina told me, with tears running down her cheeks, that it is in trouble and trial

that our faith is tested...[that we must keep on trusting]...

VAN HELSING

(Overlapping.) I ask an answer Lord!

HARKER

... and that God will aid us in the end...[The end. God will aid us in the end... God will aid

us...God will aid us ... God will aid us...]

74.

Page 79: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARD

(Overlapping.) Renfield's death weighs heavily upon me. He gave us every imaginable

opportunity to save him - and Mrs. Harker as well - from this hideous fate. Yet my mind simply

would not make the leap from this mundane - blindered - rationality...

HARKER

God help us...

SEWARD

I fear deeply this monster...

ARTHUR

...God help us...

SEWARD

cannot be defeated by [such as we.]

ARTHUR

(Overlapping.) Of this I am sure:

SEWARD

God help us.

ARTHUR

...the sun rises to-day on no more miserable house in all the great round of its daily course. God

help us.

VAN HELSING

Not an answer. Only silence. Has the time come, Oh Lord - as foretold - when the Evil One must

walk the earth?

MINA

(Pulling them all back into the scene.) You must make me a full partner now in all you do! There

is nothing can give me more pain than I suffer. Whatever happens can only bring me hope.

VAN HELSING

Dear Madam Mina, it is good you are not afraid.

MINA

Not for myself. For my mind is made up.

75.

Page 80: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSINGTo what?

MINAIf I find in myself - and I shall watch closely - any sign of harm to those that I love, I shall take

my life.

HARKERNo.

VAN HELSINGYou would not kill yourself?

MINAI would.

HARKERMy God, Mina!

VAN HELSINGYou must not die. Until the other - who has fouled your sweet life - is true dead, you must not

die!

MINAYou mean I must endure this horror to whatever end it leads me?

VAN HELSINGMy child there are men here who would give their own lives to save you. Mock not their love.

MINAWhat have I done? What have I done to deserve this?

VAN HELSINGYou must fight Death himself though he come to you in pain or joy. On your living soul I charge

you!

Mina nods in tearful acquiescence.

VAN HELSING (CONT’D)Your courage Madam Mina - will give us strength to do what is next.

ARTHURAnd what is that?

76.

Page 81: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSINGThe sun that rose on our sorrow this morning guards us in its course. And so we have this day to

hunt out all his lairs, sterilize them and drive him to bay.

HARKERI can't leave Mina.

VAN HELSINGWe need you Jonathan. We have four houses to search, many earth boxes to destroy and only a

few hours in which to do so. Madam Mina shall be quite safe here during the daylight and we

shall return well before sunset. I myself, will prepare your chamber by the placing of holy things

which we know he respect.

MINA

It's alright Jonathan.

VAN HELSING

Now. Let me guard yourself. On your forehead I touch this Sacred Body of our Lord... In the

name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy...

As he places the wafer against her forehead Mina

screams and pulls back covering her face with her hands.

Van Helsing drops the wafer which bursts into flame.

Mina lowers her hands. There is an intense red mark on

her forehead.

HARKER

Mina, darling, what is it?

SEWARD

It's burned her!

MINA

Oh God! Oh God! Must I bear this...?

VAN HELSING

It may be you have to bear that mark until God Himself see fit but surely as we live He shall lift

that scar. I have great doubt before that God has abandoned us to this evil thing but now in this

oh so painful sign I see His power. Our power against the vampire.

77.

Page 82: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKER(Stepping out.) To one thing I have made up my mind; if we find that Mina must become

nosferatu; she shall not go into that unknown and terrible land alone.

SCENE 6

Carfax Abbey. An earth box.

SEWARDWe entered Carfax without trouble and found all things the same as on the first occasion.

ARTHURIt is hard to believe that amongst so prosaic surroundings of neglect and dust and decay there was

any ground for such horrible fear as we already knew.

The others pry the lid off the box as Van Helsing speaks.

VAN HELSINGNow friends, we sterilize this earth, so sacred of holy memories, that he has brought from a far

distant land for such fell use. He has chosen this earth because it has been holy. Thus we defeat

him with his own weapon, for we make it more Holy still. "In the Name of the Father, the Son,

and the Holy Ghost... I consecrate this sacred ground with the body of our Lord Jesus Christ and

do hereby proclaim him that has despoiled this earth by his unholy presence to be now and ever

after Anathema! Lord have mercy."

SEWARD/ HARKER/ ARTHUR

Christ have Mercy.

VAN HELSING

Lord have Mercy.

Lights change. Music. Van Helsing continues to repeat the

words of the exorcism under the following scene and to

break the host into the box as Seward, Harker, and

Arthur speak. When the litany reaches the point of the

response "Christ have Mercy" Arthur, Seward and

Harker make the liturgical response as indicated. The

sequence should be tightly orchestrated both physically

and aurally.

SEWARD

One by one we treated in the same way each of the great boxes and left them as we had found

them to all appearance.

78.

Page 83: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

Thirty three boxes in the old Chapel at Carfax...

SEWARD

Five, in a corner of the cellar in a seemingly abandoned house, Jamaica Lane, Bermondsey.

HARKER

The stench of corruption in each seemed to grow more foul and began to attach itself our

clothing...

VAN HELSING

...Lord have mercy...

SEWARD/ARTHUR/HARKER

Christ have mercy...

VAN HELSING

Lord have mercy... In the name of the Father, the Son...

SEWARD

The odor almost a living thing... a parasite...

ARTHUR

The air became thick with dust...

SEWARD

Motes swirling in the fading sunlight...

HARKER

Filtered through rotting curtains...

ARTHUR

In the attic of an ancient granary, Mile End, New Town...

SEWARD

Six more boxes... the earth almost corpulent...

ARTHUR

Each box.... the lid is prised off...

HARKER

...the nails shriek...

79.

Page 84: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

....the body tenses...

VAN HELSING

Lord have mercy...

SEWARD/ARTHUR/HARKER

Christ have mercy...

VAN HELSING

Lord have mercy... In the name of the Father, the Son....

HARKER

What ancient terror lies within.

SEWARD

The air is heavy and still...

ARTHUR

Every box releases a foul presence...

SEWARD

The day has become an obscene race to the four corners of London...

HARKER

In which the sun is both ally and curse.

ARTHUR

Finally...

SEWARD

Picadilly...

ARTHUR

A narrow, cobble-stoned courtyard...

HARKER

A short flight of steps...

SEWARD

Lord Godalming forces the door...

80.

Page 85: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSINGLord have mercy...

SEWARD/ARTHUR/HARKERChrist have mercy...

VAN HELSINGLord have mercy... In the Name of the Father, the Son...

HARKERThe house grim and silent...

ARTHURMore boxes...

SEWARDFouled earth...

HARKERFour boxes!...Four!...There must be six!

ARTHURThe sweet, nauseating scent of fresh blood here...

SEWARDThe sun hangs low and ominous upon the horizon...

ARTHURA back room...

HARKERBolted...

SEWARDThe door splinters...

VAN HELSING"Lord have mercy..."

SEWARD, HARKER, ARTHUR"Christ have Mercy"

81.

Page 86: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

A woman stands up suddenly in a corner and screams -

caught in the light of the opening door. She is in rags and

deathly pale. Her scream turns to hysterical sobs.

HARKERMy God! It's the woman he was following. I told you... He's had her here for weeks!

SEWARD(Approaching her.) It's alright child, it's alright.

TARTNo. No... Stay away... No more...

SEWARDThe marks on the throat; just the same as the others...

ARTHURHe keeps her here?

VAN HELSINGAn obscene, bloated cat playing with a crippled mouse...

HARKERThere's only one box in here. There are only five. In the whole house only five!

SEWARDThirty three at Carfax...

ARTHURSix at Mile end; five Jamaica Lane.

HARKERAnd now only five here.

ARTHURYou've searched the entire house?

HARKEREverywhere. It's simply not here.

SEWARDWe've miscounted.

82.

Page 87: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSINGNo.

HARKERMy God! Mina... I must get back to Mina.

VAN HELSING

No. Wait.

HARKER

But, it's almost sunset...

VAN HELSING

No Jonathan. Mina is not in danger. Not now. Think! We have safe-guarded her with all things

holy. He cannot there go.

HARKER

He's defeated all our precautions before.

VAN HELSING

Not now. Not tonight. He will find her guarded. He will sneer at our efforts as unworthy of his

might. He has great patience. He will think he can return to her at another time when we have

relaxed our guard. And there is someone else can serve his needs tonight.

SEWARD

This one?

VAN HELSING

Yes, this poor creature.

HARKER

I have no choice but to trust you Van Helsing, but by God if anything should happen to Mina....

VAN HELSING

Her only hope is now we destroy this monster.

ARTHUR

The light through the shuttered windows died like a guttering candle. Van Helsing allowed no

lamp. We took positions. Seward cared for the poor accursed woman that huddled like a fearful

animal in the corner. Harker sat tense and motionless. Forty eight hours ago he was a youthful,

energetic man of purpose. Tonight he is a drawn haggard old man with hollow burning eyes and

grief written across his face.

83.

Page 88: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARD

For many hours Van Helsing spoke in soft words about matters that seemed utterly

inconsequential to the awful task at hand: his Amsterdam garden filled with so many varieties of

tulips; the years as a seminarian; his travels through Europe as a young man; and later, gentle

stories of his wife whose early death had left him so alone. It was only after he had drawn quiet I

realized his beneficent purpose in occupying our minds and filling the terrible silence that now

pervaded the house.

Music. The woman begins to moan softly.

VAN HELSING

Shhhh. Now he comes. To your places.

They hide. The lights dim. A low mist begins to form. The

shadows move, take form. Dracula stands before us. The

woman staggers towards him, wanting him. Sensing other

presences he throws her to the floor. Van Helsing steps

out, holding a cross.

DRACULA

Van Helsing!

He hisses and backs away. Harker, Seward and Arthur

step out blocking his path.

VAN HELSING

So we finally meet, Count Dracula..I have awaited this moment.

DRACULA

The great Van Helsing!

VAN HELSING

You know of me.

DRACULA

Who does not know of Van Helsing? In my native land I study your treatises upon metaphysics

for many years. I know much of you.

VAN HELSING

And I of you - Vlad Tepes!

84.

Page 89: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

DRACULAAh. You are very wise, Van Helsing, for a man who has not yet lived even one lifetime. Do you

think you can destroy me with these weak symbols of your dead god held in hands that tremble

with mortal fear?

VAN HELSINGA symbol of goodness and truth held by righteous men who, yes, tremble with fear of so great

evil but swerve not from their purpose.

DRACULAYou think to cross with me. Me. Who has lived centuries!

HARKERYour centuries have reached their end.

SEWARDYour earth boxes are destroyed and we shall hold you here until the day has robbed you of your

powers.

DRACULAAh... How clever... the weak, watery light of the sun... How confident it makes you feel. But the

night belongs to me, Doctor. To me! (With a gesture a mist grows around Harker, Seward and

Arthur which puts them into a trance. Only Van Helsing is unaffected.)

VAN HELSING

Jonathan!... Arthur!... For God's sake resist!

DRACULA

Now, Van Helsing..You of the strong will. You of all are a mind to match with me. You perhaps

are one who understands.

VAN HELSING

I understand you all too well.

DRACULA

Then you know, philosopher, there is no good. There is no evil. There is only life and the

absence of life. And death may be as life...

VAN HELSING

I know evil when I see it.

DRACULA

Is the wolf of the forest who preys upon the fawn evil?

85.

Page 90: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

Ordog! I believe you know the word of your native tongue meaning Satan!

DRACULA

You are weak. As weak as that god you think you serve. I thought you were one who knew. But

you will serve me, all the same. Come to me. Come...You shall obey... (Van Helsing weakens.

He staggers a step forward.) Yesss. You took your first step towards me many years ago when

you left your order, priest... (Van Helsing drops the cross to his side.) Since that moment you

have sought none but me... complete your journey...You are mine... (Van Helsing has almost

reached him. Dracula reaches out towards him.)

VAN HELSING

AHHHHH! (With an enormous effort Van Helsing raises the cross into the vampire's face. The

vampire snarls and pulls back. With difficulty, Van Helsing speaks.) Credo in unum Deum!... Et

in unum Dominum Jesum CHRISTUM!. (On "Christum" Dracula grabs the cross which bursts

into flames.)

DRACULA

AHHHHH! (With inarticulate rage Dracula pulls back covering his face. Arthur, Seward, and

Harker break out of the trance.) You fools! You think to baffle me! You know nothing. You

have taken from me one I loved. One who loved me. My bride. You! Your's was the hand!

(Pointing to Arthur.) I gave her life for eternity! And you robbed her of it. Robbed her from me.

HARKER

Vile...obscene....!

DRACULA

Mr. Harker... Harker, Jonathan...

HARKER

I should have destroyed you the moment I saw you.

DRACULA

...How simple your mind is Mr. Harker. There are many roads in the forest; many mysteries of

which you shall never taste. Have you not taught these children anything Van Helsing? The

simple truth known to the ancients? That man may become god.

VAN HELSING

Christ have mercy on your soul.

86.

Page 91: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

DRACULAI owe a debt of gratitude to you, Harker, Jonathan. Had you not returned from my native land, I

might never have received that so bountiful gift you have bestowed upon me, the sweet taste of

the flesh of your wife.

HARKERNo.

VAN HELSING(Warning.) Jonathan...

DRACULADid you know she has tasted of me also? She shall serve me well. I shall place her above the rest.

HARKERNoooo! (He rushes at Dracula.)

VAN HELSINGNo, Jonathan!

The woman flings herself on Van Helsing, tears the cross

from his hand. Dracula throws Harker into Seward,

knocking both to the floor. Arthur charges Dracula and

drives a knife into his chest. Dracula hurls him away,

withdraws the knife and discards it disdainfully. Van

Helsing throws the woman off him violently. She strikes

her head against the floor in her fall.

DRACULAYou Fools! Pitiful fools! You think you have left me without a place to rest; but I have more.

Search as you will. You shall never find me. I shall sleep in my earth-box for centuries for my

revenge has just begun. The women that you love are mine already and through them you and

others shall yet be mine; my creatures to do my bidding; to be my jackals when I wish to feed.

Hear my prophecy!

He leaps off the wall.

ARTHUR

He has escaped us!

HARKER

Oh God! All is lost. Mina is lost.

87.

Page 92: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

No, Jonathan. Notwithstanding his brave words he fears us; of this I am sure. Let us return to

Madam Mina. All we can do here now is done. But we need not despair. There is but one more

earth box and we shall find it. All may yet be well.

SEWARD

Professor. This poor creature is dead. Must we...?

VAN HELSING

Yes. You must free her from his unholy claim.

Seward places the stake over her heart and raises the

hammer. Lights black out quickly and come up sharply on

Mina asleep in a chair, elsewhere. Simultaneously, we

hear the over amplified echoing sound of the hammer

being slammed down as Mina awakens with a terrifying

scream. Harker and Arthur cross to her. Van Helsing

exits.

SCENE 7

HARKER

Mina!

ARTHUR

Mrs. Harker?

HARKER

Are you alright?

MINA

Find the Professor, please, I want to see him at once.

ARTHUR

Why?

MINA

Please, just bring him immediately. (Arthur exits. Seward carries off the lifeless body of the tart.)

Jonathan, I want you to think of something through this dreadful time. I know you must destroy

him. But do not let this be a work of hate.

88.

Page 93: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKERMay God give him into my hand just for long enough, I will send his soul for ever to the deepest

pit of hell!

MINANo! In the name of God, don't say such things. Perhaps, someday, I too may need such pity; and

someone like you may deny it to me! If God grant you the opportunity you must destroy him

with all the more pity for his centuries of suffering.

HARKERHow can you possibly speak of his suffering?

MINA

I know, Jonathan, I know it only too well! I sometimes feel now as if an old, old corner of my

brain is growing like a cancer. I know things, now, my darling. I know many ancient things. You

must be very careful of me.

VAN HELSING

(Entering with Arthur and Seward.) Mrs. Harker. You have called for me, ja?

MINA

I want you to hypnotize me! Do it now. Before the dawn. This is a time I feel I can speak freely.

Be quick for the time is short.

SEWARD

Looking fixedly at her, Van Helsing did not speak. He began to swing his pocket watch slowly

back and forth before her eyes. For several minutes there was silence. Mina sat rigid. The rest of

us dared not breath.

VAN HELSING

Where are you?

MINA

(Speaking in a voice not quite her own. A deeper, raspy. Almost reptilian sound. - a wireless

microphone and echo/repetition effect if available.) I do not know. Sleep has no place it can call

its own.

VAN HELSING

What do you see?

MINA

Nothing. It is all darkness.

89.

Page 94: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

What do you hear?

MINA

Water. Waves.

VAN HELSING

You are on a ship!

MINA

Yes. A ship.

VAN HELSING

What else do you hear.

MINA

Yeees. A Shiiiip.

VAN HELSING

What else do you hear!

MINA

Feet. Footsteps. Men overhead. A large chain dragged across...

ARTHUR

The anchor?

VAN HELSING

Yes. What are you doing?

MINA

I am still. Oh, so, still. Still as to death... (Awakening with a start.)

VAN HELSING

God be thanked! Madam Mina, I cannot guess at what strength it take to pull yourself through

his mind like that. But he has made great mistake now.

SEWARD

But, was that a ship? Where?

VAN HELSING

He has taken his last earth box on board a ship and leaves the land!

90.

Page 95: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

I'll have inquiries made on every wharf in London.

MINA

Jonathan, Doctor Van Helsing, I must ask of you two things.

HARKER

What?

MINA

First that you will take me with you in pursuit of him.

SEWARD

No, Mrs. Harker.

HARKER

Mina!

MINA

(Overriding him.) You must! I am changing! You must hypnotize me when it is useful to you.

You must watch me carefully and when you are convinced that I am lost, you will kill me so that

I am dead in the flesh. Then you will drive a stake through my heart. You will make me this

promise!! (There is a slight pause as the men indicate their acquiescence.) You, my dear friends,

could free my soul even today as you did Lucy's, but I give up here the certainty of eternal peace

and go out into the dark to face perhaps the foulest thing the world may hold - because I know -

that this thing of darkness, shall indeed sleep for centuries only to return to people the world

with a race of creatures whose path lies not through life, but through death.

VAN HELSING

My dear Mrs. Harker. It is only your strength and goodness we wish to serve.

MINA

I have one more request. I want you to read the Burial Service over me. Now.

HARKER

No, Mina, death is far away...

MINA

I am deeper in death at this moment than if the weight of a grave lay upon me. Read it now. We

may all be here in freedom for the last time. Read it. (She hands him the Missal.)

91.

Page 96: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKER"I am the resurrection and the life saith the Lord: He that believeth in me though he were dead,

yet shall he live; and whosever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die." "The Lord is my

Shepherd...

The following psalm continues under Scene 8, Mina and

Jonathan continuing when the others are speaking.

HARKER, SEWARD, VAN HELSING,

ARTHUR, MINA

... I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still

waters. He restoreth my soul... (Two workmen enter, Arthur crosses to them) and brings me forth

in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the

shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me; thou hast anointed my head

with oil and my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my

life..."

SCENE 8

WORKMAN

(After "green pastures.") A Russian, the "Czarina Catherine" is the only ship bound for the

Black Sea. Cargo for... (checking papers) Constantinople, Sevastopol... here it is, Varna.

WORKMAN 2

She left the Thames a week ago wrapped in the thickest fog I've ever seen.

ARTHUR

A week ago?

WORKMAN

A week ago, that's right, sir.

WORKMAN 2

Crew was spooked by somethin' if you ask me.

The workmen leave. Arthur crosses to Seward.

ARTHUR

The cargo manifest lists Varna, but...

92.

Page 97: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

SEWARDIt will take her two weeks, at least. We can travel overland in five days.

ARTHURBut how do you know he's going to Varna, Jack?

VAN HELSINGHe is returning to his native soil.

ARTHURHow can you know that? He could be going anywhere? He shipped fifty earth boxes to England.

He could have shipped hundreds more to any port from Marseilles to Sevastopol.

VAN HELSING

We will know. Mrs. Harker will know.

ARTHUR

And if she should fail us?

VAN HELSING

She will not.

ARTHUR

But if she does?

VAN HELSING

She will not fail us!!

Van Helsing turns away in awful contemplation of the

thought.

SEWARD

We left Charing Cross in the morning. Reached Paris that same night.

ARTHUR

Secured berths on the Orient Express.

VAN HELSING

Munich.

He crosses to rejoin Harker and Mina who now sit side

by side as if on a train seat. Arthur and Seward will

follow.

93.

Page 98: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

Vienna.

SEWARD

Budapest.

MINA

(Completing the psalm solus)"...And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

HARKER

Crossing the Danube I am shaken with horrid memories of a journey I never thought to retrace.

We hear the sound of a train and the lights flicker

suggesting movement. Behind the scrim we see Dracula,

motionless, arms crossed.

DRACULA (V.O)

Blood of my blood... flesh of my flesh...

VAN HELSING

The lethargy grows upon Mrs. Harker.

DRACULA

Come to me... come...

ARTHUR

She sleeps fitfully during the day. Sits silently at the window through the night.

HARKER

Her reflection a ghastly pale in the flickering window of the railway carriage.

DRACULA

Blood of my blood...

SEWARD

At sunrise and sunset she becomes wakeful and alert. It is then Van Helsing tries to hypnotize

her.

VAN HELSING

Mrs. Harker, what do you see?

94.

Page 99: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

DRACULAFlesh of my flesh... come to me... come...

MINA(In the hypnotic voice.) Nothingness. All is dark. Peaceful and still...

SEWARDThere has been a slight change in cranial size.

MINA... Peaceful as death...

Dracula laughs lightly under his breath - Mina echoes

him. Lights fade on Dracula.

SEWARD

Wounds of the throat refuse to heal. Perceptible lengthening of the incisors.

MINA

...Peaceful as death... as death... death ...

She fades into unconsciousness.

VAN HELSING

Mrs. Harker? What do you see? Mrs. Harker!

HARKER

Van Helsing? What's happening?

ARTHUR

We're losing her ...

VAN HELSING

No! Where are you? Where are you?!

HARKER

Van Helsing! For God's sake! Mina....

Harker attempts to hold Mina to him.

VAN HELSING

He has closed his mind to her. He leaves her to sink into ever-lasting darkness.

95.

Page 100: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

HARKER

Oh My God... Oh My God... Oh My God...

A silence. No sound but that of the train.

MINA

...uhh... uhh... Uhhh! (With a massive effort of will.) ...Others... others... I know them...

SEWARD

Others?

VAN HELSING

Others? Mrs. Harker? Tell me. Please try to tell me.

MINA

...uhh... uhhh! Sisters... I know them... sisters... centuries I have known them...

SEWARD

Sisters?

VAN HELSING

That terrible baptism of blood he gives her makes her mind free to go many places! She now

share his blood with them. Madam Mina.... let your thoughts sink back to the ancient ones.

MINA

Uhhh...uhhhhh....uhhhh....(A hollow echoing laugh proceeds from Mina's throat.)

HARKER

It's them. (Behind the scrim we dimly see the three "brides")

BRIDES AND MINA

Sister... Sister... blood... sister... blood of the Master... sister... the Master is at hand...

HARKER

(After "Sister...sister".) My God, it's them.

VAN HELSING

Quiet! Through the others, Mina. Pull your thoughts through the others to the Master.

BRIDES AND MINA

Blood of the Master...The master is at hand... sister... sister... sister... the Master is at hand... the

Master is at hand...

96.

Page 101: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSING

Where are you? Where is the master?

MINA

Galatsi...

ARTHUR

Galatz? It's two hundred miles up the coast from Varna! We'll never catch up to him.

MINA

Water... nearby... land... The Master is at hand...

SEWARD

Water? Back at sea?

VAN HELSING

Not at sea!. "The master is at hand." But water?

MINA

(With an enormous effort.) Bistritza.!!!

She collapses in harker's arms.

HARKER

The Bistritza river? It's navigable right up to the mouth of the Borgo Pass! He's travelling by the

river.

VAN HELSING

Arthur, how many hours to Bucharest?

ARTHUR

About two, I think.

VAN HELSING

We will leave the train there. Travel by carriage or horseback; on foot if it must be.

They collect equipment and winter coats and "make

camp" through the following.

SEWARD

Lord Godalming purchased weapons and equipment as well as a team and carriage to take us to

the Borgo. No driver could be found for the task. We drove ourselves.

97.

Page 102: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

There was such a heaviness in the air we remained silent for most of the journey.

HARKER

The country became wilder by the hour. The great spurs of the Carpathians gathering round us

and towering in front.

SEWARD

Far off we hear the howling of wolves. An early snow brings them down from the hills.

VAN HELSING

I fear deeply for Mrs. Harker. She will not take food. She speaks only in trance now. God grant

her another passing of the sun and we shall free her from this horror.

SEWARD

We reached the Borgo Pass at sunset. Made our camp. And waited.

They gather in an area of rocks around a small

smouldering fire. A wolf howls. Answered by several

more. Arthur and Seward keep nervous watch. Mina sits

rigidly next to the fire listening expectantly to the night

sounds and chanting quietly to herself.

ARTHUR

Jack! Look. (The horses neigh in fear.)

SEWARD

What's the matter with the horses?

ARTHUR

No. Look there in the clearing.

SEWARD

Wolves?

ARTHUR

A pack. They're moving closer. My God, listen to them.(We faintly hear a low snarling growl.)

HARKER

Professor...

98.

Page 103: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSINGWhat is it?

HARKERA pack of wolves.

VAN HELSINGHe is nearby. (Mina has started to rise, walking away from the fire.)

HARKER(Stopping her.) Mina, no, for God's sake!

ARTHURShall I take a shot at them? (Raising his pistol.)

VAN HELSINGIt will do no good. I fear the wolves are not the true danger. Jack, take part of the host, crumple it

in a circle on the ground. Encircle the five of us.

SEWARDArthur, get back towards the fire...

VAN HELSING(As he begins to make the circle) Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis. Agnus Dei

qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi: dona nobis pacem.

ARTHUR(Overlapping.) They're not moving in anymore. They've stopped. (A distant sound of women's

laughter. Harker moves towards it as if drawn.)

HARKERNo. Oh my God. Oh God. No. (He drops to his knees.)

VAN HELSINGArthur, bring Jonathan into the circle.

ARTHURWhy? What's that sound?

VAN HELSINGDO AS I SAY! GET INTO THE CIRCLE NOW!

99.

Page 104: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

THE BRIDES(Appearing out of the gloom and repeating in a seductive chant.) Sister... Sister ... come to us...

blood sister... Blood of the Master... the blood is the life... sister, sister... (Mina begins to stumble

towards them. Van Helsing stops her.)

VAN HELSINGNo. Do not go. Here you will be safe!...

MINA

(Struggling forward.) Let me go!

VAN HELSING

Complete the circle, Jack. For God's sake complete the circle! MINA! Oh dear Mina! Stop now.

I fear for you!

MINA

Fear for me! You fool. There is none safer in all the world from them than I!

She bolts towards the brides. Seward has just completed

the circle. She stops abruptly as if receiving an electric

shock as smoke erupts from the ground. She screams and

stumbles back. The Brides echo her scream, pull back

and disappear into the darkness..

SEWARD

The hideous night faded into a gray and heavy dawn. Van Helsing was unable to wake Mrs.

Harker. The change in her is unmistakable. She will not withstand another night. Harker is a shell

of his former self. He will not survive her loss.

ARTHUR

We passed the day in a cleft of rock under the looming presence of Castle Dracula. Our position

gave us a clear view of its only access. The wind whips violently down through the pass. The

Carpathian Winter is coming.

SEWARD

Van Helsing broods silently. It is cold as death.

ARTHUR

Almost at sunset...

SEWARD

Arthur...Coming around the bend.

100.

Page 105: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

ARTHUR

Peasants?

SEWARD

Only three I think.

ARTHUR

Pulling a cart...

SEWARD

Professor!...Harker...!

ARTHUR

With a box on it! One of his boxes. The last!

HARKER

It's him... Now... only chance...

VAN HELSING

Wait until they are close, then you will shoot to kill. (They hide and wait nervously. As the

wagon comes into view.)

PEASANT LEADER

Halt. Ein feuer. (The other two peasants block the wheels of the cart as the leader inspects the

ashes.) Die auslander haben sich ein feuer hier gemacht.

HARKER

NOW!

Harker picks up a shovel and charges screaming madly.

The leader pulls a pistol; shoots and wounds Harker.

ARTHUR

Harker, no!

A melee ensues in which shots are exchanged, but the bulk

of the fighting is hand to hand. The fight is quick and

savage. Mina remains semi-conscious. Two of the

peasants are killed, the third runs off.

101.

Page 106: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

VAN HELSINGNow. Quickly, there is little time. The sun is setting. (Seward pries at the lid of the box with a

crowbar. Arthur helps.)

SEWARDJonathan, the mallet and stake! (Harker races to get them. Mina grabs him attempting to stop

him.)

VAN HELSINGNow! Harker. For God's sake hurry. The sun! (Arthur takes the stake and mallet from Harker

and returns to the box..)

SEWARDIt's almost gone. The sun is almost gone!

Seward finally pulls off the lid of the box revealing

Dracula, arms crossed, eyes closed. A brief moment.

Suddenly the eyes open and his right arm shoots out

taking Arthur by the throat and throws him off . Mina

rises.

SEWARD (CONT'D)Oh My God! Arthur!

VAN HELSING(Racing towards the cart.) Now Jack, now, now, now. (Seward holds the stake over Dracula's

heart. Van Helsing raises the mallet.)

MINANOOO! (She races at Van Helsing and pulls him off. Dracula and Seward struggle over the

stake.)

VAN HELSINGJonathan! Help me. Help me.

Harker pulls Mina off Van Helsing. Seward and Van

Helsing get the stake back in position. Van Helsing slams

the mallet down. A horrific shriek from Dracula He

clutches at the stake. Blood spurts from his chest as Van

Helsing strikes the second blow and Mina screams in

agony responding to the blow physically herself. Van

Helsing strikes the third blow. The great earth box fills

with smoke obscuring Dracula.

102.

Page 107: BRAM STOKER'S DRACULAevents.centenarystageco.org/files/2018-2019/SCRIPT Dracula - 2012 (1).pdfBram Stoker's DRACULA CAST 1. Abraham Van Helsing 2. Jonathan Harker 3. Dr. John Seward

Van Helsing and Seward step back. The smoke clears.

There is nothing in the box but earth. A moment.

SEWARD

Arthur. My God, Arthur. (Seward and Van Helsing cross to Arthur.)

ARTHUR

(Leaning against a rock) No. There is nothing for me now. Look... Look... God is merciful...

The last rays of the sun reflect off the clouds casting a

beam of light upon the scene. Van Helsing moves to Mina,

kneels and touches her forehead.

MINA

Is it gone?

VAN HELSING

Yes.

SEWARD

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost...

Seward gently closes Arthur's eyes. Harker and Mina

embrace as deep tears overtake the both of them. Van

Helsing walks downstage center.

VAN HELSING

A year to the day after the destruction of this ancient nosferatu, on the anniversary of the death

of our good and brave friend Arthur Holmwood, Mina Murray Harker gave birth to a son, Arthur

Lucas Harker in whose bright eye we daily see the truth of God's mercy. These papers have now

lain for many years in a safe-box at the Bank of England. I ask no one to accept these yellowing

pages as fact. I offer no proof. I ask none to believe. You have only my word before God - and

the knowledge in the ancient part of your own brain - that what I have told is complete and utter

truth.

MUSIC

PROJECTION OF THE WOLF'S EYE

LIGHTS FADE TO BLACK

103.


Recommended