E220: Theater Gothic with Erin Craig
Summary
Agatha Andrews welcomes Aaron Craig to discuss his new upper YA novel, Our Strange Duet, a retelling of The Phantom of the Opera from Christine’s perspective. The conversation explores the gothic nature of theatrical spaces, comparing haunted theaters to classic gothic houses. They also review several books blending theater and horror, including The Woman in Black, The Prestige, and If We Were Villains, highlighting how stagecraft and performance amplify gothic themes.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Aaron Craig's new book 'Our Strange Duet'
Discussion of the book's physical design and cover art
History of Phantom adaptations and the appeal of the musical
Theaters as haunted houses and repositories of history
Decaying grandeur in found spaces and gothic settings
Book recommendation: The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
Gothic ballets: Giselle and the Vampires of the Ballet
Theater of Vampires and the TV series Interview with the Vampire
Book recommendation: The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
Book recommendation: The Red Sacrament by Sarah Hockley
Book recommendation: Come Knocking by Mike Bohnen
Book recommendation: Life She Haunts Me Still by Day
Book recommendation: The Prestige by Christopher Priest
Book recommendation: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Book recommendation: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The rising cost of live theater and music tickets
Book recommendation: Shadow Play by Joseph O'Connor
Closing remarks and congratulations
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