The Elephant Man at Prime Stage Theatre

Set in 19th Century Victorian England, the play tells the true story of John Merrick, treated first as a fairground freak. As a carnival attraction, Merrick is known only as 'The Elephant Man'. Riots are started because of his deformed body. Eventually, Merrick is discovered by a young doctor, Treves. Treves provides him with a home in the London Hospital where Merrick is cared for well but also used for fund-raising.

During a meeting, Treves discovers that Merrick can talk and is educated. John Merrick reveals that he has had this strange disease since he was 14 which benign tumors grow all over his body, face and hands, in which he must sleep sitting up or he will die from suffocation. "I believe my mother was frightened by an elephant when she was carrying me.

Treves attempts to introduce Merrick to London society and brings him over to meet with his wife who hides her shock at Merrick's appearance. Soon, local newspapers run articles on Merrick. One is read by actress Mrs. Kendal who visits Merrick, tells him about her life in the theater and gives him a copy of Shakespeare's plays. Merrick questions the logic of Romeo and Juliet, which shows his amazing intelligence. But he becomes perplexed at the Victorian values.

We find that Merrick is an artist. With his one beautiful, working hand, he works on an amazing replica model of St. Phillip's church, which he can see from the window of his hospital room. "I believe my head is so big because it's filled with dreams."

One evening, Merrick's former boss (Bytes) at the carnival kidnaps Merrick and takes him to France. Severely neglected and very ill, Merrick is once more put on display as the Elephant Man. Bytes' son tells his father that he cannot take seeing him humiliate a human being. That night, Bytes' son, with the help of other carnival freaks, assists Merrick's escape to England.

Reunited with Treves, Merrick visits the theater with Treves and his wife where Mrs. Kendal has her performance dedicated to him.

Now back in England, what will happen to John Merrick?

What other dreams does he have?

What can we learn from Merrick?

You will find the answers in the production.

A feature of the play is how John Merrick is portrayed. He is portrayed by a young adult actor without makeup or any things added to him. The goal is for the audience to see the soul of John Merrick and not the body.

Performances at The New Hazlett Theater

Authors

• Bernard Pomerance

Tony Awards and Nominations for The Elephant Man