The Elephant Man
By: Bernard Pomerance
Directed by: Jeffrey Schmidt
Produced by: Theatre Three
As a caregiver, I related to this play on a personal level. We've received plenty of awkward stares in public and asked pretty uncomfortable questions from strangers. We've struggled for acceptance, understanding and a sense of normalcy. We've accepted this lifestyle, but still struggle to "fit in" to this world that is designed and geared toward the average person.
We want to believe that we've come a long way from the Victorian-era shunning of "freaks" from society, but we still have so much room to grow. I wish we could live in a society that is more accepting of the differences we come across. Elephant Man reflects our own humanity and lack thereof through the eyes of one, John Merrick, who suffered greatly and strived mightily to be accepted as a real man, rather than treated like an incoherent beast.
John Merrick, played by the sensational Drew Wall, suffers from a disorder that we know today as Proteus Syndrome. From what I understand, he is the first person to be recorded with this condition. This syndrome causes the skin and bones of a person's body to deform and worsen over time, but, like most disorders, it looks different for each person, with some similarities. Wall's performance is skillfully thorough and well constructed. Watching him transform in and out of this character's disability is artistically mesmerizing. Initially, I pondered why Director Jeffrey Schmidt didn't cast an actor with an existing disability. But, transformation is a clear theme in this script, as it appears in many forms throughout the play. The ensemble of actors who do a great deal of transforming in and out of multiple characters include Cindee Mayfield, Shawn Gann, Mindamora Rocha, Karen Raehpour, Gerald Taylor II, and understudy Kally Duncan. Each actor's shift in character is seamless and well-framed, as if you are genuinely seeing a new face with each character he/she plays.
In addition to these characters, we have Dr. Fredrick Treves, who undergoes an internal metamorphosis. Taylor Harris plays Treves, the renowned physician who personally cares for Merrick, by allowing him to live in the London Hospital, under his care and supervision. Harris gives an eminent performance of Treves that is strikingly sincere and humanly honest. As Merrick's caregiver, friend, and guardian, I felt an immediate, overwhelming connection. Naturally, I would. But, if I'd had no experience in the field of caregiving whatsoever, I trust my connection would not have been much less. Harris is transparent with his character, as if we could read the words going through his mind and the emotions generating in his spirit.
Costumes add dimension to each actor's physicality and characterization. For example, a tattered gray costume both hides and adds to Merrick's character upon his first introduction. We feel that he has much to be ashamed of behind his disguise. As the show progresses, we see more of Merrick's flesh in situations where he is under the microscope, so to speak, through scientific observation.
The design of the stage has a tone of it's own, one that mourns in despair. A color scheme of harsh gray, stoic metal frames and reflective cellophane gives a cold, bitter feeling of discomfort and unease, preparing us for a story that is not wholesome or warm, but authentic and reflective; calling for a transformation of thought.
Elephant Man is a production that I have waited my entire life to see. I'm ecstatic to have had the opportunity to experience it. If you see nothing else this season, see this! You will be encouraged to exercise your empathy and be transformed in your thinking. Ticket information can be found on the Theatre Three website.
Audience Rating: R for nudity
Accessible Seating: Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not available
Hearing Devices: May be available upon request
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Y'all Enjoy!
Natalie Shaw
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