Dracula Returns to Derby

This is a participatory research project into cultural identity. Via novel research, partnership building and public engagement it aims to energise and cross-fertilise communities within Derby. It was here that Dracula made his first licensed appearance, on the stage of the Grand Theatre in 1924. When the curtain rose, Hamilton Deane's adaptation debuted Dracula in evening dress and opera cloak. The monstrous nosferatu of the novel was recast as an urbane and sophisticated figure. The show became wildly successful; it toured the country, and from the West End transferred to Broadway, where Bela Lugosi played the Count. This production was then adapted by Hollywood for the iconic 1931 film. Since then Dracula has manifested in diverse forms: books, cartoons, toys, video games and over 200 further films, from Blacula (1972) to children's favourite Hotel Transylvania (2012). Dracula is one of the most adapted characters in the world, destined to reappear in diverse cultures and forms, transcending gender and ethnic boundaries through his/her/its appeal. The home of this cultural journey is Derby.

This AHRC Curiosity research project is about the Draculas that exist beyond Bram Stoker's text. It uses the centenary to hold a series of events commemorating, exploring and understanding cultural adaptation, considering what Dracula has meant and can be made to mean. These events are guided and informed by a series of creative arts workshops designed to engage citizens in thinking through the modalities that Dracula mobilises. This vampire is an abuser, destroyer and sadist, yet also a source of comedy and a figure of love. Above all, Dracula is a creature of value, both a magnet for tourism and a mine for adaptation, and it is through shaping this value that the project seeks to rebrand the cultural identity of a city, in order, ultimately, to impact tourism. This is the challenge the project addresses, and its aim. Its objectives are to

engage communities in raising critical consciousness of Dracula and Derby through a programme of impactful participatory creative arts research;
stage cultural events to celebrate the first licensed adaptation in 1924. Each event allows the public to shape and influence Derby through Dracula;
through these mobilisations of Dracula contribute to the national conversation on equality, diversity and inclusion in horror;
analyse and document the project via scholarly and community publications.
There are eight community organisations involved, alongside a novel and unique alliance of public sector organisations (Derby City Council, city centre Business Improvement Districts), cultural providers (Derby Book Festival, Derby Museums, Derby Theatre, QUAD, Thrivemind Village and Writing East Midlands), and three universities where relevant expertise is housed (Bournemouth University, Sheffield Hallam University, and University of Derby). The project thus makes connections between community and cultural organisations, transforming local networks, strengthening the creative industries, supporting entrepreneurship and contributing to a thriving, energetic community. Through involving the people of Derby in the story of the many Draculas the project aims to establish the city as a destination for gothic tourism.