A performance of Vampyress presented by Ethos

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The VORTEX in Austin, Texas presented a performance of Vampyress livestreamed on the global, commons-based peer-produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv Friday 6 October at 9 p.m. EDT (New York) / 8 p.m. CDT (Chicago) / 6 p.m. PDT (Los Angeles).

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Vampyress is 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 to sustain her youth and beauty, until finally being discovered and condemned. 

For Halloween 2017, Ethos and The VORTEX proudly announced 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 is 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 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 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, and Eryn Gettys, Amanda Clifton, and Micah Gause.

Directed by Bonnie Cullum. Scenic Design by Ann Marie Gordon. Lighting Design by Jason Amato. Sound Design by Roy Taylor. Costume Design by Stephanie Dunbar and Chad Salvata. Prop and Blood Design by Helen Parish. Choreography by Sandie Donzica. Makeup Design by Amelia Turner. Stage Management by Tamara L. Farley.

Vampyress was 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.

About HowlRound TV
HowlRound TV is a global, commons-based peer produced, open access livestreaming and video archive project stewarded by the nonprofit HowlRound. HowlRound TV is a free and shared resource for live conversations and performances relevant to the world's performing arts and cultural fields. Its mission is to break geographic isolation, promote resource sharing, and to develop our knowledge commons collectively. Participate in a community of peer organizations revolutionizing the flow of information, knowledge, and access in our field by becoming a producer and co-producing with us. Learn more by going to our participate page. For any other queries, email [email protected], or call Vijay Mathew at +1 917.686.3185 Signal/WhatsApp. View the video archive of past events.