
Outrage over lenient sentence for coach - sexual predator: 'Some girls were vomiting...'
New news comes from the world of women's football, and the scene is the Czech Republic. Petr Vlachovský, one of the more famous women's football coaches there, in September 2023.

Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Reports Widespread Predatory Behavior by Officers
A report by Northern Ireland's police ombudsman reveals that attempts by male police officers to exploit women for sexual gratification constitute almost a third of the most serious cases under investigation.
Kesha Slams White House, Donald Trump for Unauthorized Use of Song to “Make Light of War”
Kesha took to Instagram Stories to make her point clear: "Also, don't let this distract us from the fact that criminal predator Donald Trump appears in the files over a million times."

Detroit Red Wings strum a sweet tune in 4-2 win in Nashville
Detroit Red Wings score: Goalie John Gibson left after 1 period with an injury, but the Wings rallied for a 4-2 win over the Predators on Monday.

Europe's Market Ideology: Warning Against Predatory Capitalism
An article discusses Europe's unique adherence to market principles, cautioning against the dangers of predatory capitalism.

PASOK Seeks to Capitalize on Predator Scandal
Under scrutiny due to the Predator spyware scandal, PASOK aims to leverage the situation to advance its political agenda.

Stamkos: Predators Trying To 'Stay The Course' In Chase For Final Playoff Spot
Predators claw back into playoff race but falter at the finish line. Can they overcome recent heartbreak and secure a coveted spot?

Predators and Red Wings take the ice for non-conference matchup

Nashville Predators Fall To Stars In Overtime After Giving Up 2-0 Lead | Recap
Predators surrendered a two-goal lead as the Stars completed a comeback, sealing Nashville's fourth straight overtime loss with a controversial winning goal.

Trail Cameras Capture Rare Predator-Prey Interaction in National Park
Trail cameras in a national park have captured a 'first-of-its-kind' image of a predator making a meal of its prey, described as 'extremely significant' by experts.

Epstein case: Bill Clinton scrutinized over past relationship with sexual predator
Democrats hope that former President Bill Clinton's testimony on Friday sets a precedent that could pave the way for Donald Trump to appear before the congressional committee.

Predators' Steven Stamkos denies he'd waive no-move clause, wants to stay in Nashville
On Feb. 27, Steven Stamkos refuted a report that he'd be willing to waive his no-move clause and has no interest in trade from Nashville Predators.

Why Orcas Don't Kill Humans
An article explores the reasons why orcas, despite their predatory nature, do not typically kill humans, delving into their behavior and interactions with people.

Why Matthew Wood’s tying goal was 'biggest of the game' for Predators
Matthew Wood scored the "biggest goal of the game" for the Nashville Predators in a 4-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 26.

Connor Bedard & Tyler Bertuzzi Add To Goal Total But Blackhawks Fall To Predators 4-2
The Chicago Blackhawks were defeated by the Nashville Predators on Thursday night, despite goals from Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi.

O'Reilly scores late and Predators use 3 goals in the 3rd period to beat the Blackhawks 4-2
Ryan O'Reilly scored with 3:16 remaining and the Nashville Predators scored three times in the third period in a 4-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night in the teams’ first game…

Four Convicted in Greek Wiretapping Scandal
Four individuals have been convicted in Greece's 'Watergate' wiretapping scandal, which involved the surveillance of 87 people, including ministers and journalists, using Predator spyware.

Sciencetelexnewsbeast5d ago2 sources Mystery Surrounds Small Predatory Dinosaur's Size
Scientists are still speculating why the small predatory dinosaur Alnashetri, weighing only 70 decagrams, did not grow larger. It was previously thought that its ant-based diet might have been a limiting factor.

Politicsin-cyprusbalkan-insight5d ago2 sources Greek Court Finds Four Executives Guilty in Predator Spyware Case
First-instance ruling sentences four company executives to 126 years in jail for involvement in illegal wiretapping using Predator spyware – and refers the case file to prosecution for further investigation into other suspects.

Greek Spyware Scandal: Court Convicts Predator Creators, Officials Resign
Four individuals accused in the Greek Predator spyware scandal have received suspended eight-year sentences. The scandal, which involved data manipulation and surveillance of political elites, led to a no-confidence vote against the government and resignations of high-ranking officials.

Greek Court Rules on Predator Spyware Case
A Greek court has found four defendants guilty in the Predator spyware wiretapping case, a decision that politician Androulakis hailed as a vindication and a defeat for the 'parastate'.

Four Businessmen Convicted in Greek Predator Spyware Trial
Four businessmen representing companies have been found guilty in the Predator spyware trial in Athens, concerning telephone surveillance through the malicious software.

Column: Are The Nashville Predators Doing Enough For Their Prospects?
Talented prospects are flooding Nashville, but their development path raises critical questions about the Predators' future. Are they truly nurturing their rising stars?

Why Nashville Predators have increasing sense of urgency in return from Olympic break
The Nashville Predators return from Olympic break on Feb. 26 against the Blackhawks knowing they need every point possible to stay in the playoff race.

Blackhawks visit the Predators, try to end road losing streak

T. Rex Ran on Its Tiptoes ‘Like an 8-Ton Chicken’
New findings about the anatomy of the dinosaur age’s fiercest predator suggest it chased prey “like an oversized bird.”
Opinion: Trump Has Joined Putin and Xi, Not Restrained Them
An opinion piece argues that Donald Trump has not restrained leaders like Putin and Xi, but rather has aligned himself with them.

Father hunts down predator of 12-year-old daughter on Snapchat near Nice
A father near Nice, France, tracked down a 36-year-old man who had been exchanging inappropriate messages with his 12-year-old daughter on Snapchat, leading to the child attempting suicide.

Agricultural Traders' Registry Proposed in Philippines
A farm advocacy group in the Philippines is calling for local government units to mandate registration for agricultural traders to prevent predatory practices and ensure fair prices for farmers and fisherfolk.

UFC Cuts Sean Strickland's Mic After Controversial Comments
UFC cut Sean Strickland's microphone during a post-fight press conference after he accused an opponent's coach of being a 'predator'.

Finland Wins Olympic Bronze in Ice Hockey Against Slovakia
Nashville Predators players Juuse Saros and Erik Haula led Finland to a 6-1 victory over Slovakia, securing the bronze medal at the Olympics.

Karagandy Zoo Welcomes Rare Predators from Yerevan
The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world.
ASTANA — Three striped hyenas and two wild dogs have arrived at Karagandy Zoo. All the animals are young and are still acclimating to the new environment, Kazinform reported on Feb. 18. Striped hyenas have been listed in the IUCN Red List since 2008. They are the only hyena species found outside Africa. Two female…
The post Karagandy Zoo Welcomes Rare Predators from Yerevan appeared first on The Astana Times.

Skye Newman Discusses Vulnerable Background and Music Ahead of Brit Awards
British pop-soul singer Skye Newman, nominated for two Brit awards, discusses her vulnerable background and the themes of family strife and predatory men in her frank songs.

West Virginia sues Apple, accuses tech giant of letting iCloud become hub for child sexual abuse material
West Virginia becomes first state to sue Apple over allegations the tech giant allows predators to hide child abuse material in iCloud storage systems.

PoliticseconomistFox News13d ago2 sources ICE arrests alleged child sex offender released under Connecticut sanctuary laws
Federal officials criticized Connecticut's sanctuary policies after an alleged child predator was released despite an ICE detainer request in controversial case.

Review of Creatures in Predator: Badlands Streaming on Hulu and Disney+
A ranking of all eight creatures featured in 'Predator: Badlands,' which is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+, is presented.

Rare Predator Spotted in Unexpected Location
Officials are surprised after a rare predator was sighted in an unusual location, prompting efforts for direct confirmation.

PoliticsNYTcnbcThe Independent15d ago3 sources Epstein Scandal: Bannon's Ties and Podcaster Reactions to Bondi's Testimony
Texts indicate Steve Bannon maintained a seemingly chummy relationship with Jeffrey Epstein despite his alleged sex trafficking, while MAGA podcasters criticize Pam Bondi's testimony regarding the Epstein files.
Scientific Literature Faces Terminal Decline, Report Suggests
An article explores the concerning state of scientific literature, suggesting it may be in terminal decline due to issues like predatory publishing.

GNASH Predators Cup title goes to Game 2 after Conner Mazzoni lifts MBA to win
Here's how freshman Conner Mazzoni lifted MBA past Nolensville to force a winner takes all championship rematch for the GNASH Predators Cup.

Lightning trade rumor lands Steven Stamkos for high-powered reunion
Stamkos is on fire for the Predators.

Nursery Paedophile Vincent Chan Jailed, Families Blame Systemic Failings
Vincent Chan was sentenced to 18 years for molesting young children in a nursery, with families of the victims stating that systemic failings created an environment for the abuse.

Vigilante group brings convicted sex offender to police after sting operation
A vigilante group conducted a sting operation using fake social media accounts to expose potential child predators, leading to them bringing a convicted sex offender to a garda station.

Red Wings vs Predators Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's NHL Game
Today's Red Wings vs. Predators predictions and NHL picks. Lucas Raymond stays hot as a facilitator on Monday, March 2.

Predators Threaten Archipelago Birds Due to Harsh Winter Ice
A severe winter with extensive ice cover has allowed predators like foxes and raccoons dogs to move widely in the Finnish archipelago, posing a threat to nesting birds. A local conservation society is requesting observations of these animals.

Braća i sestra Cascio protiv ostavine Michaela Jacksona: ‘Bio je serijski predator‘
Braća i sestra Edward, Dominic, Marie-Nicole i Aldo Cascio tuže tvrtku i fondaciju koja upravlja ostavinom pokojnog Kralja popa.

Dallas Stars game notes: Bad words, Bastian the big shot, & tying a record in OT win vs Predators
The Dallas Stars overcame a 2-0 deficit in a 3-2 overtime win against the Nashville Predators at American Airlines Center on Saturday. Stars lines Scratches: Alex Petrovic, Kyle Capobianco, Roope...

The Predator’s New Story Is Just As Unique As Badlands
The newest Predator franchise story has released, and it's arguably just as unique and creative as 2025's Predator: Badlands movie.

Worlddh-les-sports20-minuten3d ago2 sources Israel Calls Operation "Roar of the Lion" – What's Behind It
Israel once again gives its military operation against Iran a symbolic name. As with last year's war, it involves a dangerous predator.

What Predators' Steven Stamkos said about NHL trade rumors
On Feb. 27, Steven Stamkos refuted a report that he'd be willing to waive his no-move clause. He has no interest in trade from Nashville Predators.

Politicsekathimeriniiefimeridain-cyprus4d ago3 sources Greek court convicts Predator spyware defendants, including Cyprus-linked businessman Tal Dilian
A Greek court has convicted four people over the illegal use of Predator spyware, in a case with direct links to the Cyprus surveillance scandal first exposed by Phileleftheros in 2022 and 2023. The defendants — Tal Dilian, the Cyprus-linked founder of the Intellexa Group; Sara Hamou, reportedly his second wife; Greek businessman Felix Bitzios; […]

Wildcats Increasingly Spotted in Agricultural Fields, Raising Concerns
Research by German scientists indicates that wildcats, typically forest predators, are increasingly appearing in agricultural fields, particularly during summer, raising concerns about potential risks.

Chicago Blackhawks let late lead slip away in 4-2 loss to Nashville Predators in rusty return from break
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It was 22 days since the Chicago Blackhawks played an NHL game. That changed Thursday night at Bridgestone Arena. The Hawks’ last game here against the Nashville Predators was a illness-plagued fiasco that saw the visitors win behind goaltender Drew Commesso’s first career NHL shutout. It wasn’t the flu that clouded the Western Conference matchup this time, but rather rust. ...

Child predator cleared for parole arrested after surprise warrant drops hours before prison release
Convicted California child molester David Funston was arrested on new charges just before his scheduled parole release this week, state officials confirmed.
O’Reilly scores late and Predators use 3 goals in the 3rd period to beat the Blackhawks 4-2 - AP News
O’Reilly scores late and Predators use 3 goals in the 3rd period to beat the Blackhawks 4-2 AP News

Four convicted over spyware scandal that shook Greece
In what became known as "Greece's Watergate", surveillance software called Predator was used to target 87 people.

Olga Gerovasili Hails 'Historic Decision' in Predator Wiretapping Trial
Olga Gerovasili, Deputy Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament and SYRIZA MP, has called the verdict in the Predator wiretapping trial a 'historic decision,' citing 126 years of imprisonment and affirming the existence of judges.

Alexis Tsipras Calls for Accountability in Predator Spyware Trial
Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras commented sharply on the Predator spyware trial, noting the 126-year sentences for four defendants and demanding accountability for the true culprits behind the wiretapping.

Journalist Koukakis Comments on Predator Spyware Conviction
Journalist Thanasis Koukakis, one of the first victims targeted by the illegal Predator spyware, stated after the conviction that the ruling shows Greek citizens will not be defenseless against arbitrary actions.

Greek PASOK Leader Androulakis Welcomes Predator Spyware Convictions
PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis welcomed the convictions in the Predator spyware case, calling it a "justification" of his four-year struggle against the surveillance scandal.

Ravens' Intelligence and Cooperative Behavior with Predators
New research highlights the intelligence of ravens, noting their relatively large brains among birds and their skilled ability to analyze their surroundings and cooperate with predators.

Goalie Murray Reassigned From Nashville Predators to Milwaukee Admirals
Goalie Matt Murray has been reassigned from the Nashville Predators to their AHL affiliate team, the Milwaukee Admirals.

Animal clash on the Lithuanian-Belarusian border
Foxes preying on a white-tailed eagle's catch - such a scene was captured by Lithuanian border guard cameras near the border with Belarus. The mammals tried to distract the predatory bird and take its prey.

New Research Suggests T. Rex Moved Like an Eight-Ton Chicken
A recent study indicates that the predatory dinosaur T. rex moved differently than previously believed, suggesting a gait similar to an eight-ton chicken.

Upstart Holdings Inc. (UPST) Counters Unreliable and Predatory Credit Lines with Cash Line
Upstart Holdings Inc. (UPST) is launching a 'Cash Line' product designed to offer an alternative to unreliable and predatory credit lines.

Dan Trachtenberg's Future with Predator Franchise Confirmed
Director Dan Trachtenberg has confirmed his future involvement with the Predator franchise, clarifying plans after his first-look deal with Paramount had raised questions.

Jeffrey Epstein's global network and influence
An article details how sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein built a global network and used manipulation to gain access to the global elite, maintaining influence even after his 2008 conviction.

Phantom Predator: Texans Report Sightings of Cat Declared Extinct
Texans are reporting sightings of a mysterious cat, a species that was declared extinct since 1986, leading to speculation about a 'phantom predator'.

Growing Wolf Population Prompts France to Reconsider Livestock Protection Laws
France is preparing to ease restrictions on shooting wolves that attack livestock, a move the government attributes to the increasing spread of the predators and mounting pressure from farmers.

I'm Calling It Now, A New Alien Vs. Predator Will Happen Soon
The Alien Vs Predator movies may have been critically reviled but could a new crossover be on the horizon and ready to offer a smarter, scarier story?

Karagandy Zoo Welcomes Rare Predators from Yerevan
The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world.
ASTANA — Three striped hyenas and two wild dogs have arrived at Karagandy Zoo. All the animals are young and are still acclimating to the new environment, Kazinform reported on Feb. 18. Striped hyenas have been listed in the IUCN Red List since 2008. They are the only hyena species found outside Africa. Two female…
The post Karagandy Zoo Welcomes Rare Predators from Yerevan appeared first on The Astana Times.

TechnologyThe Guardianvarietydeadline+1Jakarta Post11d ago4 sources Roblox Sued by LA County Over Child Exploitation Concerns
Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, alleging that the popular online gaming platform facilitates child exploitation and makes children vulnerable to predators.

2010's Predators Hailed as Underrated in Franchise
The 2010 film 'Predators' is being re-evaluated as the most underrated movie in the Predator franchise, particularly for Walton Goggins' performance.

Angolan Journalist Targeted with Predator Spyware
A prominent Angolan journalist had his phone compromised by Predator spyware after clicking a malicious link in a WhatsApp message, allegedly from students.

Predators' Roman Josi, Juuse Saros to meet in Olympics quarterfinal round
Predators captain Roman Josi will face Juuse Saros when Switzerland plays Finland on Feb. 18 in one of four quarterfinal matchups at the Olympics.
Sexual violence dominates LSK poll campaigns
There is a dire need to rid the profession of sexual predators who take advantage of their...
Predators' Stamkos Could Be a Fit For Kings Following Fiala Injury
Los Angeles Kings star winger Kevin Fiala suffered a season-ending injury at the Olympics. Could Nashville Predators star winger Steven Stamkos be the Kings' major offensive acquisition before the NHL
Roblox Child Safety Warning Issued After Kidnapping Case
Authorities have issued a child safety warning regarding online platforms like Roblox and Snapchat after a Nebraska man allegedly used them for grooming and kidnapping. Parents are urged to be aware of online predatory risks.

Connecticut Man Surrenders After 'To Catch a Predator' Confrontation
A Connecticut man surrendered to authorities after being confronted by teens in a 'To Catch a Predator' style sting operation, according to a warrant.

Kesha Rips White House For Using Her Music, Says Trump Is 'Criminal Predator'
Kesha is ripping President Trump and the White House for using one of her songs in a social media post, she says, incites violence and threatens war. Here's the deal ...

What Nashville Predators said about missed tripping call in loss to Detroit
A missed tripping call in the second period led to a Red Wings goal, setting up 4-2 loss for the Predators. Here's what players said about the play.
Grab Accused of Charging Over 230% Interest on Loans to Philippine Bike Riders
Grab is reportedly charging Philippine bike riders exorbitant interest rates, exceeding 230%, for in-app loans, raising concerns about predatory lending practices.

Have Predators players watched 'Heated Rivalry'? Roman Josi on hockey TV craze
Have any Nashville Predators players watched "Heated Rivalry"? We asked team captain Roman Josi about the hit series.

Czech 'Pedophile Hunters' Inspired by Russian Neonazi Influencer
Czech 'pedophile hunters' were reportedly inspired by a Russian neonazi influencer known as 'Tesák,' who filmed and published attacks on alleged sexual predators, including homosexuals, under the guise of 'child protection.'

Politicsiefimeridanewsbeast2d ago2 sources Greek Political Developments: PASOK Leader on Predator Software Case
PASOK-KINAL president Nikos Androulakis commented on the Athens Single-Member Misdemeanor Court's decision regarding the Predator spyware case, calling for justice and meritocracy.

Robertson’s overtime goal caps Stars’ 3-2 comeback over Predators for 8th straight win
Jason Robertson scored 1:47 into overtime, lifting the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 comeback victory over the Nashville Predators on Saturday night for their eighth straight win.

As NHL trade deadline looms, Chicago Blackhawks veterans try not ‘to let the noise creep in’
DENVER — The Chicago Blackhawks returned to game action Thursday, falling to the Nashville Predators 4-2 after allowing three unanswered third-period goals.

Tal Dilian conviction reopens Cyprus Predator surveillance scandal
A Greek court has handed down what is being called the first-ever criminal conviction of commercial spyware company executives — and the fallout is heading towards Cyprus. Intellexa founder Tal Dilian, his wife Sara Hamou, and two Greek businessmen, Felix Bitzios and Yannis Lavanos, were found guilty this week on three counts: unlawful interference with […]

Penguins Have Predators Trade Target To Consider
The Penguins should consider making a push for this trade candidate on the Predators.

Roblox Faces Scrutiny Over Child Safety, Featured in New Documentary with Chris Hansen
The gaming platform Roblox is under renewed scrutiny regarding its child safety measures, becoming the subject of a new documentary featuring former 'To Catch a Predator' host Chris Hansen, amidst ongoing lawsuits.

Stars host the Predators after Johnston's 2-goal game

PASOK Prepares Parliamentary Inquiry and Debate on Wiretapping Scandal
Following the conviction of four individuals for Predator wiretapping, PASOK is preparing two parliamentary actions against the government: a Committee of Inquiry and a debate in Parliament.

Ryan O'Reilly Elevates Nashville Predators Past Blackhawks In 1st Game Since Olympic Break | Recap
O'Reilly nets a late winner, breaking the tie and propelling Nashville to a crucial victory in their first post-Olympic break clash.

Politicscyprus-mailjerusalem-post4d ago2 sources Former IDF Officer Sentenced in Greek Spyware Case
Tal Dilian, a former IDF intelligence officer, and his partner, Sara Aleksandra Fayssal Hamou, have been sentenced to prison in Greece for illegal surveillance using spyware, targeting government officials and journalists.

Victim Reacts to Parole of Convicted Child Predator in California
A victim of a convicted serial child predator expressed fears for others after the California parole board approved his release, rejecting his apology.

Four Convicted in Greece's Predator Spyware Scandal
Four individuals have been convicted in Greece over the 'Predator' spyware scandal, which involved surveillance software used to target 87 people in what was dubbed 'Greece's Watergate'.

Trading Steven Stamkos is complicated for the Predators
Nashville would have to thread the needle here.

Greek Opposition Demands Answers on Predator Spyware Scandal
The Greek opposition is demanding answers from the government and Prime Minister Mitsotakis regarding the alleged common center between the National Intelligence Service (EYP) and Predator spyware, following an prosecutor's statement.

Four Found Guilty in Greek Predator Spyware Trial
Four individuals have been found guilty in the Predator spyware trial in Greece, receiving lengthy prison sentences for serial crimes of wiretapping, a verdict seen as a blow to the Mitsotakis government.

Decision Expected in Predator Spyware Trial in Greece
A decision is expected today from the Single-Member Misdemeanor Court regarding the Predator spyware case, involving four representatives of companies implicated in the illegal wiretapping scandal.

Child predator dubbed 'monster parents fear most' cleared for release through California parole program
California child molester once called "the monster parents fear most" cleared for release under elderly parole program despite widespread community opposition.

Epstein Files Lead to Resignations and Scrutiny for Prominent Figures
The release of Jeffrey Epstein files has led to Larry Summers resigning as a Harvard professor and Nobel winner Richard Axel quitting Columbia University, while Bill Gates addressed his past interactions with Epstein.

Sabres Should Consider Targeting Predators Defender
The Sabres have an interesting potential trade target in this Predators defenseman.

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16" OLED RTX 5070 Ti Gaming Laptop Drops to $1,550
A slimmer, more portable laptop that doesn't skimp on gaming prowess.

Donald Trump's 'Cancel Culture' and Attacks on First Amendment Rights
Former President Donald Trump is accused of a new 'cancel culture,' targeting journalists, political opponents, and Fed officials in what is described as an assault on First Amendment rights.

Predator: Badlands Sequel Could Break Franchise Trend
A potential sequel to 'Predator: Badlands' is discussed, noting that if it gets another installment, it would introduce a unique element not seen in previous Predator films.

Great White Sharks' Behavior After Orca Attacks
New research indicates that great white sharks do not always flee an area after an attack by orcas, challenging previous assumptions about their response to these predators.

Finns Finish With Fury: Four-Goal Third Secures Olympic Bronze
Team Finland erased the sting from Friday night's loss to Team Canada in the Olympic semifinals and responded with a dominant effort to claim bronze on Saturday in Milan.

5 thoroughly redacted cartoons about Pam Bondi protecting predators
Artists take on the real victim, types of protection, and more

SportBBCYahoo10d ago2 sources Hughes Family Aims for Olympic Hockey Medals
Quinn and Jack Hughes are poised to become the first Olympic medalists in their family's storied hockey lineage.

Canadiens Consider Three Trade Targets from Predators
The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly evaluating three potential trade targets from the Nashville Predators.

Culturedeadlinescreen-rant13d ago2 sources Predator: Badlands Achieves Strong Premiere on Hulu
Dan Trachtenberg's 'Predator: Badlands' has become Hulu's top film premiere since 'Prey,' garnering nearly 9 million worldwide views.

CultureBBCThe Guardiantimes-uk13d ago3 sources Bloody brilliant or toothless? Cynthia Erivo’s Dracula – reviews roundup
The Wicked star plays all 23 characters in a hi-tech London staging of Bram Stoker’s novel by Kip Williams. Here’s a bite-sized look at the critics’ verdicts
Dracula, the Ur-vampire and ultimate outsider of the literary canon, is played by Cynthia Erivo, along with every other character, in this deliciously wicked tale of the blood-sucking count. Except it’s not deliciously wicked in adapter-director Kip Williams’ stage reinvention. Williams has proven himself a Midas-touched spinner of old stories to new. His one-woman version of The Picture of Dorian Gray was deliriously original. His take on Jean Genet’s The Maids was punk inspired. What has happened here?
Arifa Akbar, the Guardian
As in the Australian director’s hit adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray (immaculately interpreted by the Succession star Sarah Snook), the stage is sometimes so crowded with camera operators and stage crew that it’s not always easy to see Erivo. The shallow rake in the stalls makes this theatre a less than ideal setting for Marg Horwell’s handsome scenic design: I spent at least half the evening watching the action on the large screen hanging overhead. Yet it becomes a hallucinatory experience all the same.
Erivo dons wigs and skirts and recalibrates her voice to play Harker’s fiancee Mina and her friend Lucy; then spectacles to play psychiatrist Dr Seward and comic Saruman tresses for a guttural Van Helsing. It’s to her credit, and Williams’, that one sometimes loses track of which character is being broadcast live and which is recorded. The integration is mostly seamless. Personifications of Irish and American characters are knowingly ridiculous, but Dracula always had a vein of camp.
It’s refreshing to see Erivo get to own her queerness on stage, licking her lips lasciviously as a lace-decked Lucy who’s in sexual thrall to an androgynous Dracula – or strutting confidently in a masculine vest with silver chains (a welcome escape from her feminine get-ups in Wicked). She unleashes her ethereal voice to haunting, vulpine effect in the final scenes, where she finally gets to embody Dracula’s power on a bare stage, unobscured by tech and crowds.
The multi-faceted approach speaks to the way that Stoker cut between first-person perspectives using a document-sharing and epistolary form. Equally, Williams’ boundary-breaking artistic toolkit brings out the thematic heart of the matter; it emphasises the way in which the predatory count stokes fears but also embodies deep-rooted desires.
Erivo seems ill at ease with the material. There’s a hesitancy about her performance, as if she were wrong-footed by the technology that surrounds her. A scattering of arch, self-conscious moments and sly humour are part of the deal in Williams’ interpretation, but nothing feels truly felt and, as she switches between characters, the individual voices are not always properly differentiated. The overall effect is slightly ramshackle, sluggish and, in the end, frustratingly short on dash and drama.
Erivo’s range is remarkable – alternately placid, pert, prowling and predatory. A Tony award-winning star of musical theatre in The Color Purple, she despatches one melancholy torch song by Clemence Williams with wistful nonchalance. Otherwise, her athletic efforts are magnified by a filmic soundtrack encompassing Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Chopin, Björk and even a bit of electro-trance music. For truly this is a mind-bogglingly complex show, which goes beyond the kitchen sink in its attempts to create an audio-visual hallucination.
The effects, with Craig Wilkinson as video designer, are impressive: a vampire flying by, Dracula crawling down the wall. The camera operators, wig providers, stage managers and props assistants are all assiduous and wonderfully efficient. Marg Horwell’s design is effectively flexible, Nick Schlieper’s lighting and the sound design by Jessica Dunn suitably dramatic, though Clemence Williams’ score becomes increasingly over-emphatic.
Despite stumbling over the odd line, Erivo is charismatic, game, and essentially does her best as a cog in Williams’ elaborate machine. But if you agree to tie your big comeback to a very specific directorial vision, there’s not much even a superstar actor can do if that vision is faulty.
Continue reading...

Predators' Josi and Saros to Face Off in Olympics Quarterfinal
Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi will play against teammate Juuse Saros when Switzerland takes on Finland in an Olympic quarterfinal match on February 18.

Path to gold set for Predators' Roman Josi, Juuse Saros, Filip Forsberg at Olympics
Roman Josi, Juuse Saros, Filip Forsberg, and Erik Haula continue their quest for gold at the Olympics. Here's when all four Predators will play next.

Officials Warn of Wild Predators Encroaching on US Neighborhoods
Authorities are issuing warnings as wild predators are increasingly moving into residential areas across the United States, prompting concerns for public safety and wildlife management.