The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana will host dramatic readings of Vivienne, a gothic vampire tale with a twist, at Hempstead Hall on Tuesday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m. The three-person play is based on Hollis Thompson's gothic vampire novel of the same title. Thompson is the artistic director of the Biblical Drama Institute in the Texarkana area and an English faculty member at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, where he teaches composition and literature. His main interests include Biblical literature, medieval literature, and superheroes. Hollis’ writing has been published in scholarly journals and he is also an award-winning playwright. He is currently working on an academic book about the intersection of Biblical studies and superhero culture.
While the set and cast will be minimalist in nature, the story of Vivienne is made larger than life when actors Audrey Mohon, Kaitlyn Higginbotham, and Sherri Waters-Clem perform it on stage. The tale contains a brave heroine and a sympathetic villain over the backdrop of medieval France’s countryside. The genre is fully seated in the gothic horror aesthetic but contains uplifting twists throughout.
Author Hollis Thompson uses vampirism as a metaphor for spiritual pain and abuse, and his story explores expressions of trauma and the reactions from our loved ones. The actors take on the heavy task of portraying Thompson’s story of abuse, isolation, faith, compassion, and eventual redemption with the utmost determination. They are sure to give a great performance.
Audrey Mohon plays the heroine, Alida. She holds an English degree from Texas A&M University-Texarkana and has acted in many of the university’s audio dramas. She frequently performs in stage productions of downtown Texarkana's 1923 Banana Club. Kaitlyn Higginbotham portrays the titular vampire, Vivienne. In addition to acting, she designed the book's cover and frequently performs concerts at the Banana Club.
Sherri Waters-Clem portrays the maid/storyteller Johanna. She has directed and acted in many films, musicals, and operas, including Fiddler on the Roof and the film Where the Red Fern Grows 2. She is also a minister in the United Methodist Church.
Mason Higginbotham, drama teacher at New Boston High School and husband of Kaitlyn, designed the set.
Dr. Brian Billings, creator of musicals such as Bernie Wolf and the upcoming La Befana, composed the show’s incidental music.
Given the mild gore of the story and scenes describing past physical and mental abuse, this story is not appropriate for all ages. However, the text has undergone multiple sensitivity readings to ensure that it uses only descriptors necessary to portray the themes Thompson intended to convey. The performance does not include any graphic re-enactments of abuse on stage, but audience members are still encouraged to examine any potential triggers before attending. Use the contact information below if you need more details.
For more information, contact Hollis Thompson at [email protected] or 870-722-8238.