Raphael Peter Engel, also known by his screen name Zandor Vorkov, has had a multifaceted career that has spanned over five decades. In his early days, Engel was instrumental in organizing the Unity in Diversity event in Asheville, NC, which brought together members from four cultural groups to celebrate the sacredness of all life.
Engel's passion for improvisational theater led him to co-found the Asheville Playback Theatre, a member of an international consortium, which has been thriving for nearly 50 years. Throughout his career, he has managed, performed, and taught in various educational settings across the American South, including prisons and festivals.
One of his most notable achievements is his 20-year run with his company, during which he conceived and produced a global performance on kindness, and collaborated with the United Nations on human rights issues. Engel has also hosted and emceed numerous diverse events aimed at uplifting the human spirit.
In addition to his work in theater and education, Engel has also made a mark in the film industry. Under his screen name Zandor Vorkov, he starred as a memorable Count Dracula in the low-budget cult classic horror film Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971). The iconic character has recently re-emerged in Engel's life, inspiring him to co-write a new story and create an outline for a film adaptation.
The new story and outline, according to Engel, offer an outside-the-box look at the iconic figure he portrayed over 50 years ago. When asked about his future plans, Engel expressed his excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead, hinting at new and innovative projects on the horizon.
