The Dance of the Vampires: A Gothic Ballad With a Hint of Garlic. Adaptation by Tatyana Wilds from Dance of the Vampires, a Musical by Jim Steinman

Abstract

This Thesis explores scenography for Dance of the Vampires (Tanz der Vampire, in German), a two act modern musical. This musical is by an American rock composer Jim Steinman, a German book by Michael Kunze, and an English translation by David Ives. The musical is based on Roman Polanski's film The Fearless Vampire Killers that was produced in 1964. Dance of the Vampires is a bittersweet Gothic ballad about love, passion and an eternal longing for immortality. Scenography is realized through set, costumes, lighting and projection designs. All designs are in Romantic Gothic style. The set for the show is an open modern space that contains limited scenery that is supported by projections. Romanian Folk clothes, Polanski's movie, and the various production of Tanz der Vampire in Germany influenced the costume designs; Marc Chagall's paintings were a source for the color palette. Lighting for the show was inspired by modern rock operas and musicals.