Anchorage, AK – A new theater company, Undead Theater Co., is poised to make its debut this weekend with a strikingly unconventional production of the classic gothic novella, Carmilla. The company, founded by Jessica Faust, a veteran actor and artist, is bringing a fresh, multi-disciplinary approach to the 1872 story of a forbidden romance between two women.
Faust’s journey to founding Undead Theater Co. Began, fittingly, with immersion. As she described, the idea for the production solidified after she secluded herself in a cabin to re-read J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla. “When Jessica Faust emerged after locking herself away in a cabin and consuming the classic vampire novella Carmilla, she knew she needed to stage a play,” as reported by Alaska Public Media. This wasn’t simply a desire to restage a familiar tale. Faust, a long-time fan of horror and gothic fiction, envisioned a production that would fully embody the story’s atmosphere and themes.
What sets this adaptation apart is its ambitious integration of various artistic mediums. Faust, who has a background in theater, visual arts and writing, is combining shadow puppetry, dance, and what’s described as “ominous choirs” to create a truly immersive experience. Perhaps most strikingly, the production incorporates a “tranquilizer-induced drug trip” – a bold artistic choice intended to visually represent the psychological and emotional intensity of the gothic sapphic romance at the story’s core.
Here’s a particularly notable directorial debut for Faust, who, despite years of experience as an actor and producer, had never taken on the role of director before. However, she clearly felt prepared to bring her vision to life, drawing on her diverse skillset to craft a unique interpretation of Carmilla. The production is a testament to her ability to synthesize different artistic disciplines into a cohesive whole.
The choice of Carmilla itself is significant. Published decades before Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Le Fanu’s novella is considered a foundational work of vampire literature, and its exploration of female desire and same-sex attraction has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Undead Theater Co.’s adaptation leans into this aspect of the story, explicitly framing it as a “sapphic romance.” This focus aligns with a broader trend in contemporary adaptations of classic gothic texts, which often seek to reclaim and amplify marginalized narratives.
The production isn’t a solo effort. Faust emphasized the crucial role of the local theater community in bringing the show to fruition. “The show wouldn’t be possible without the help from the local theater community,” she stated, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins the project. This reliance on local talent speaks to a commitment to fostering artistic growth within the Anchorage area.
Performances of Carmilla are scheduled for at 7:00 PM and at 3:00 PM. A special ASL-interpreted performance will also be held on at 7:00 PM. All performances will take place at Grant Hall on the campus of Alaska Pacific University (APU).
For those interested in attending, tickets are available through Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carmilla-tickets-1669816950449?aff=oddtdtcreator). Further information about Undead Theater Co. Can be found on their website (https://www.undeadtheatre.org/), and Jessica Faust’s personal website and Instagram page (https://www.byjessicafaust.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/cryparty.designs) offer a glimpse into her artistic background and creative process.
Undead Theater Co.’s debut promises to be a captivating and unconventional theatrical experience. By blending classic literature with innovative staging techniques and a commitment to inclusivity, Faust and her company are establishing themselves as a force to watch in the Alaskan arts scene. The production’s bold artistic choices and focus on a historically underrepresented narrative suggest a willingness to push boundaries and challenge expectations – qualities that are sure to resonate with audiences seeking something beyond the ordinary.
