“The Blood Countess”: Featuring Vampires at the Victory
Words by Kristen Fogle
“The Blood Countess” is the newest creation to grace the stage at the Victory Theatre, an experience in and of itself, if you’ve never been. Plunged into the depths of Logan Heights, one of downtown's lesser restored areas, the colorful neighborhood is a bit rough, but strangely, holds the Victory. Falling apart, the Victory does possess slight charm, probably due to its odd history. In 1920 it was a movie theater, in the 1960s it became a church, and since 2011, it has been “restored” to theatrical glory by the “Center for the Amusing Arts”; soon, the space will become a coffee shop apparently...I hope when this takes place someone will spend the time and money to give the Victory the proper updating it needs to be truly “restored.”
But quirk it has, making it a great place to hold “The Blood Countess,” Danger House Productions’ newest show. Here is how the space and play align: A long hallway with old fixtures, low lighting, and outdated carpet lead you into the bowels (concessions and ticketing reside here) where there is a statue of the Blood Countess—not only used as fun lobby decor, but seen periodically on a projection screen/live camera feed in the theater. There are also several people binding their hands together with rope on a bench in the lobby—these souls will make their way from there and sit, behind a curtain for the most part, on stage during the duration of the show. Billed only as “onstage prisoners,” their claim to fame is sitting still for the entire 90 minute production (no intermission). The theater, which has an impressive 290 seats, has creaky rickety theater chairs that are falling apart (I mean the handles of the chair came off twice while I sat there), in rows that are just a few inches too close. The stage itself is large, black, and sparse, save for a DJ table stage left and a giant marble tub in the middle of the room (where did they find this piece??). There are water damaged walls, and the whole place has a funky scent, but it really is the place to stage a vampire tale. (Or a “Rocky Horror” production...just saying.)
The plot involves three exchange students who come to Transylvania to learn about the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory, whose true vampire tales they claim have been overshadowed by "he who must not be named"...Dracula. The trio decides to stage a rave in her castle, with help from the Minister of Culture, who is funding their endeavor if they provide educational info regarding Elizabeth's life. (Why, I’m not sure.) But, the three soon find themselves sucked inside the legendary story and even end up meeting the Blood Countess herself—who sets her life story straight...and wants to bathe in their blood of course.
The plot is silly and moves slowly in the beginning. Perhaps because it is opening night, people are stepping on each other's lines and accents aren't always quite where the need to be. Carla Navarro is the Blood Countess, an electric beauty who fits the bill and Tony Belville’s Minister is quite good...and his skill with the Romanian accent is enviable and the best on stage. Elisa Gonzalez (Dot Sainz) seems to be quite the actress; her role a bit minor in comparison to the others, but she is perhaps the best actor up there. The others give it their all though, plugging through their lines and telling Elizabeth's story with a commendable energy.
One thing I was hoping for in this production was even more blood. Yes, I know there are pails of it being poured into a bathtub, but with a campy storyline and some cheesiness abounding, I would love to see even more of it. In fact, the front row should be a splash zone. You will get wet...that's what I'd hoped.
Not to mention that blood is kind of what Danger House Productions thrives on. When the group began in 2009, it was created to explore the wonders of blacklight and blood in theatre. Since then, it has been their mission to appease the younger generation, who thrive on and expect instant gratification. To do this, in addition to blood and blacklight, Danger House tries to bring provocative, interactive, and visually evocative performances through campy humor, light and shadow puppets, and ear splitting screams. They boast a prestigious Patte Award for Sound Design in their first main stage production, “Dreams of the Witchhouse” by H.P. Lovecraft. They have also put on a collection of plays from Grand Guignol, “The Festival” by H.P. Lovecraft, “The Foot of the Mummy” by Theophile Gautier, and "Love Suicides at Amijima" by Chikamatsu Monzaemon.
Danger House's infesting brand of quirk might not be for every theatre go-er, but the “Countess” offers some interesting tidbits on a historical character and a chance to step into a space that (may be) new to many. While it's not always a seamless piece, it was a fun way to spend Valentine's eve…and where else in SD are you going to find vampire action this time of year???
Blood Countess
2/14-3/1
Victory Theatre
2558 Imperial Ave.
San Diego, CA 92102
619-663-5652
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