The Mystery of Irma Vep

The Mystery of Irma Vep is a play in three acts by Charles Ludlam (1943-1987).

The original text

The play is written for two actors who, between them, play eight characters of both sexes. It is a satire of several theatrical, literary and film genres, including Victorian melodrama, farce, the penny dreadful, Wuthering Heights and the Alfred Hitchcock film Rebecca (1940)[1]. The title is an anagram for the word "vampire" and is taken from the name of a character in the silent film serial Les Vampires (Louis Feuillade, 1915)[2]

First produced by Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company, opening off-off-Broadway in New York City's Greenwich Village in September 1984 and closing in April 1986.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

1993: Presented by NAPAC Drama directed by Greg King starring David Dennis in 1993. The production won the Durban Theatre Awards award for Best Production in 1994.

2000: Directed by Alan Swerdlow at the Rex Garner Theatre starring Malcolm Terrey. Set by Denis Hutchinson.

2007 Produced by KickstArt productions, designed and directed by Greg King, with Michael Gritten and Steven Stead. The piece enjoyed two successful seasons in 2007 at the Seabrooke's Theatre and at the Hilton Arts Festival.

2010: Produced at The Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest, running from 13 to 25 July. Once more designed and directed by Greg King, with Michael Gritten and Steven Stead.