Performance Photos by Kimberley Mead: VAMPYRESS by Chad Salvata, Vortex Repertory, September 22 - October 21, 2017
Performance photos by Kimberley Mead
For Halloween 2017, Ethos and The VORTEX proudly announce a new production of Vampyress. This Gothic opera is a tale of horror, mysticism, blood, and magic, created by Ethos composer and Artistic Director, Chad Salvata. Vampyress mpyressis based on the true story of Erzsebet Bathori, “The Bloody Countess”. Born in 16th-century Hungary, Bathori murdered hundreds of young women and bathed in their blood in order to sustain her youth and beauty, until finally being discovered and condemned. While often vilified for these horrific acts, she has also evolved some cult-like status over the centuries. Salvata’s embellishment of the final days of her notorious downfall produces a powerful and compelling work of mystical storytelling
“Vampyress seems much more about mood and Bathori's bloody desire, with Salvata's signature techno-beat providing a menacing bassline from which erupts atmospheric fountains of Eastern European and Middle Eastern melody . . .This is a world feeding on its own corruption”.
“Erzsebet bestrides this opera as Richard III does his Shakespearean tragedy, a tyrant mercilessly savaging all in her path to satisfy her own wicked whims, and Vogt gets that. Her porcelain skin glowing, she transforms her lovely features into a mask of viciousness, of monomania, and ultimately of madness. The final image of her, eyes wild, rivulets of blood streaming down her face and her naked body, leaves us where all good October tales do: awash in horror”.
--Robert Faires, Austin Chronicle, 2005 (Click to view full review)
Vampyress received accolades when it debuted at The VORTEX in 2005, including winning B. Iden Payne Awards for Outstanding Original Score (Chad Salvata), Outstanding Lead Actress (Melissa Vogt), and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Betsy McCann Bromley). Ethos and The VORTEX revived the production in 2010 to astound even more audiences. Now Ethos Artistic Director Chad Salvata and VORTEX Producing Artistic Director, Bonnie Cullum team up once again for an all-new production of Vampyress with stunning new costumes, immersive sets, dynamic lighting, and exquisite sound.
Melissa Vogt and Betsy McCann Bromley reprise their award-winning roles as Erzebet and her lover, Stephan. The all-woman cast also features Chelsea Manasseri, Hayley Armstrong, Eryn Gettys, Amanda Clifton, and Micah Gause.
Directed by Bonnie Cullum. Scenic Design by Ann Marie Gordon. Lighting Design by Jason Amato. Costume Design by Stephanie Dunbar and Chad Salvata. Sound Design by Roy Taylor. Prop and Blood Design by Helen Parish.
Vampyress is funded in part by Ethos, VORTEX Repertory Company, by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
Vampyress
by Chad Salvata
Ethos
September 22 - October 28, 2017
September 22- EXTENDED to October 28, 2017 8 pm
Thursdays-Sundays
Erzebet Bathori’s Bloody Ball -- Saturday, October 14. A Costume Party, Fundraiser, and bloody good time.
“Industry Night” Wednesday, October 18 8pm
Live-Streaming Friday. October 6th, 8pm CST howlround.com/tv
ASL-Interpreted Saturday, October 7th (Free to deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences)
VORTEX Connects Post Show Discussions TBA
The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd. Austin, TX 78722
Free Parking. Bus Route.
The Butterfly Bar @ The VORTEX opens nightly at 5pm with full bar, hand-crafted cocktails, and snacks.
Patrizi’s @ The VORTEX opens nightly at 5pm with delicious homemade Italian food.
Tickets: $35-$15
$35 Priority Seating
$25 General Admission
$15 Discount/Child/Artist/Student/Senior
Advance Reservations Recommended. Limited seating.
www.vortexrep.org or 512-478-5282
Radical Rush Free Tickets: Limited free tickets for each performance in the spirit of sustainability, accessibility, and the gift economy. Radical Rush tickets released at 7pm each night-in-person only.
2-for-1 admission Thursday and Sunday with donation of 2 cans for SafePlace
Warning: Nudity, Violence, Blood, and Thrills. For Mature Audiences.
