“And supposing I don’t want to be saved? Supposing this—this freedom—is what I’ve always craved? You think your crosses and your wooden stakes are the answer? You are the monsters. You who would cut out a woman’s heart before you’d let it beat for itself.”

Reimagining the Count: Liz Lochhead’s Dracula - A Script Analysis

Liz Lochhead’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is widely considered one of the most influential theatrical reimaginings of the classic Gothic tale. Originally commissioned by the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh in 1985, this version has become a staple for literature students, theater practitioners, and fans of feminist retellings.

Many university libraries offer "Lochhead Dracula" through platforms like ProQuest or Drama Online.

A short poem, written in Scots, appears in the margin. It is not a direct quotation from Stoker; instead, it is Lochhead’s own composition, underscoring the encroaching darkness with a rhythmic, almost chant‑like quality. The poem reads:

The adaptation explores the strict, almost suffocating, Victorian gender roles of the 19th century and how they are violated by the vampire's presence.

The primary publisher of Lochhead’s dramatic works.

If you're interested in reading "Dracula" specifically, I recommend searching for Liz Lochhead's poetry collections online or checking out literary databases and archives. You might also want to explore her official website or social media profiles, as she may have shared her work or provided links to access it.

Her career began with poetry, with acclaimed collections like Memo for Spring (1972) and Dreaming Frankenstein (1984). However, it was her foray into drama in the 1980s that cemented her reputation. Plays such as Blood and Ice (1982) and the iconic Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off (1987) showcased her ability to reimagine history and literature with a fresh, often feminist lens. Her translation of Molière's Tartuffe into Scots further demonstrated her linguistic dexterity and commitment to making classic works resonate with a modern, Scottish audience.

For further research, you may also be interested in Lochhead's other plays, such as Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off and Blood and Ice .

Staking the Self: The Double Bind of Female Desire in Liz Lochhead’s Dracula (Page 33 as a Site of Subversion)

: The adaptation incorporates modern speech patterns, sharp wit, and innuendo, which help ground the gothic horror in a relatable reality.