Nosferatu. The word alone is enough to send a chill down the spine.
It is a name that has come to represent all things vampiric and originated from the 1921 German expressionist silent film that brought Bram Stoker’s Dracula to life.
It was an illegal adaptation of the story but was hailed as a masterpiece of atmospheric suspense, free from the cliched interpretations that followed.
And now Huddersfield-based Proper Job Theatre Company has devised its own version of Nosferatu, using the poetry of acclaimed Barnsley writer Ian McMillan and an original score by musical director Rod Beale to create a lyrical and arty production.
Currently on tour and appearing at the Lawrence Batley Theatre on, Wednesday, October 21, the show promises sufficient thrills and scariness to be given a 12-plus age guide.
It is, says Chloe Whitehead, company director: “Quite dream-like in a way. And quite arty – we are taking a few more risks – but because the story is one that we are all familiar with, it makes what might be seen as overly-cultural into something that is accessible.”
Proper Job, this year celebrating its 30th anniversary, has built its reputation with highly imaginative contemporary theatre.
As Chloe explains: “We try and use a story that people know and recognise and then push the boundaries a bit. But because they know the story the audience is not entirely out of their comfort zone.”
Nosferatu (the word is thought to be derived from an archaic Slavonic or Romanian word associated with vampires) tells the familiar tale of the vampire Dracula being brought to Whitby in his coffin on board a ship.
It features three actor/musicians and a cellist/singer.
The set design comprises a boat and the action takes place as the sailors with their unknown cargo wait for the sun to rise.
For much of the performance the light levels are low, which has been quite a challenge for the company.
Proper Job also brought a professional magician on board in order to create the illusions and trickery that give the show its atmospheric impact.
“We’re using lights and mirrors to trick the audience into saying ‘did I see something there or didn’t I?” said Chloe.
It is a production that features some of the company’s most experienced performers and artists.
The artistic director is James Beale (brother of Rod), who has been with Proper Job for the past 14 years, and one of the company’s previous directors, Rick Ferguson, is returning to take a stage role.
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Proper Job is also working with McMillan on another performance piece, Grimm’s Fairy Feast, which will be produced for Christmas. It is an adaption of the famous Grimm brothers’ stories.
Nosferatu is touring until Halloween, October 31, when the show’s finale can be seen at the Square Chapel Centre for the Arts in Halifax.
The LBT show starts at 7.30pm.
For tickets (from £7 to £14) visit www.thelbt.org.uk or call 01484 430528.
For those who can’t wait, Nosferatu can be seen tomorrow evening at The Civic in Barnsley (www.barnsleycivic.co.uk) and for Square Chapel tickets visit www.squarechapel.co.uk or call 01422 349422.
