In this episode I'm joined by a special panel: Dr Madeline Potter, Theadora Jean, and Dr Daniel Kasper, who all research into Gothic literature (specifically, Dracula!) We discuss how their interest in Dracula began, and the different academic (and side) projects they have worked on. We focus on the positive and negative aspects of adaptations, and the assumptions we have (perhaps incorrectly gained) about the Dracula figure. Discussions also include ideas of monstrosity and how this is not reflected in adaptations; ideas of cultural sensitivity, especially when considering the Romanian folklore and setting, and whether the novel can be considered feminist.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode features discussions around sexual assault/rape, and references to racism in literature.

About the panel: Madeline Potter is a postdoctoral fellow at Edge Hill University’s EHU19. She works on Irish Gothic literature and theology. Her first academic monograph, ‘Theological Monsters: Religion and Irish Gothic’ will be published by University of Wales Press, and she is currently editing a collection on vampires and theology.

Theadora Jean is a Gothic scholar and writer. She is currently studying for a Critical & Creative Writing PhD at the Royal Holloway, University of London, on the 'New Woman' in Dracula. Her own gothic tales are published under a pseudonym, T.S.J. Harling.

Daniel Kasper is an English Instructor at the University of Texas Arlington. He studies a wide range of Gothic texts including Dracula, with specific interests in feminist and biopolitical studies. He's been most recently published in Women’s Studies and Shirley Jackson: A Companion

For more information on our panel, check out the details below:

Thea's Twitter: @theadorajean / @tsjharling
Thea's writing portfolio: https://tsjharling.squarespace.com/
Listen with Audrey: https://www.listenwithaudrey.com/

Check out the panel's suggestions:

Sheridan Le Fanu: Carmilla; Uncle Silas
Bram Stoker: The Jewel of Seven Stars; The Lair of the White Worm
Midnight Mass - Netflix show
Florence Marryat: The Blood of the Vampire
Uriah Derick D'Arcy : The Black Vampyre: A Legend of St Domingo

Episode Credits:

Episode Writer, Editor and Producer: Emma Catan
Music: Burning Steaks (by Stationary Sign) - obtained via EpidemicSound

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