Premier Dancer Javier Torres talks about playing one of literature's most sinister characters as Northern Ballet resurrects Dracula exclusively at the West Yorkshire Playhouse from 5 - 13 September 2014.
Is this the first time you’ve played Dracula?
This is the first time I’ve performed in Northern Ballet’s Dracula. I did Dracula when I was performing in Miami, but it was a totally different version and every Company wants something different from their production.
How will you prepare to play such an iconic character as Dracula?
I think getting into character will be quite difficult for Dracula as it is such a different character to play and I really haven’t decided yet how I will do it. I will sit down and talk to David (Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director David Nixon) and discuss what he wants with his ballet and his character and then I’ll go away and prepare myself to do it.
Will you read the Bram Stoker novel to help you prepare to play Dracula?
I know it’s really bad but I don’t like to read the book or watch the film of the ballets I’m doing! I read the book and watched the film of The Great Gatsby after I’d performed it! I prefer to build my own character, so I can but my own stamp on the person I’m playing: it’s like having a blank slate. For me, it doesn’t make sense to take the characterisation from someone else such as through a film. I like to start afresh and build my own version of the character in my own style.
What do you think will be the main challenges of embodying Dracula?
My biggest challenge will be that he’s not a normal man, he’s not human. I don’t like the idea of bats, vampires, drinking blood or the supernatural world, so I will have to change my whole attitude towards this and try to embody this person who I’m not. I will have to pour myself into playing a person that is not even human. Parts of the ballet are really clever and the second pas de deux with Mina is really beautiful. I also love how wonderful the music is, but Dracula is a totally different creature to me so I’m going to have to come totally out of myself to play. It will be fun, but it’s really dark, so it will be hard.
How does the costume help with characterisation?
You look disgusting with a white face, fangs and a wig! I haven’t tried it all on yet, so I don’t know how I will look as Dracula yet. When I see myself in the mirror as Dracula, that’s when I will really become him, although mentally I will have prepared myself, which is easier the more experienced you are.
How is it to dance in Dracula’s cape and fangs?
I haven’t tried the fangs yet, but they snap on around your teeth and fix on with a special glue. I have rehearsed in the cape already though and it’s very hot and heavy! I think it’s around 10kg or more. You have to turn, jump, partner people and lift men and women all with the cape on, which is like having someone else hanging on your back so you’re having to work double. It looks amazing though.
Why do you think the story of Dracula is still so popular?
I’m not very sure about this, because I don’t like the supernatural world and vampires, so to me it seems very strange. I think people are just fascinated by weird and unusual things, so Dracula definitely fits the bill. The story also has a human value though because Dracula is trying to find somebody to love as well, so in a way it is a love story and I think this is one of the things that really appeals to its fans.
On Friday 12 September 2014 there's a free to ticket holders post-show 30-minute talk about the Company and the production, delivered by a member of the Artistic Team.