TheatreWorks presents The Elephant Man

by Sophia M. Papadopoulos

The true life story of a remarkable man Imagine a life where you are born with a life-threatening, debilitating deformity that takes over your whole body. Imagine your own body being a personal prison in which your only escape is death. Now picture trying to live in a world where you are considered a "freak," and any person that crosses your path gets a glimpse of the hell you have to endure for the remainder of your life. This may sound like the story of a gory character found in a horror film, but this was the life of Joseph Carey Merrick.

Joseph Carey Merrick. Source: www.Wikipedia.org

The Elephant Man is the biographical story of Joseph Merrick, a grotesquely deformed man whose physical plague was monetarily compensated by him becoming a circus sideshow attraction. Born on August 5, 1862, during the Victorian period, Joseph struggled with physical agony as well as emotional and mental anguish, through the condition that enveloped his entire being. During his time, his illness was more readily known as Elephantiasis; however, in 1986, through DNA sampling from Joseph's hair and bones, it was found that he really suffered from the condition known as Proteus Syndrome. Proteus Syndrome is named after the Greek god Proteus, who had the ability to shift shape. This condition effects tissue and is caused sporadically rather than through hereditary genes. Because of his condition, Joseph's bones protruded from his body, the texture of his skin was that of cauliflower, his left arm was massively bigger than the right, and his face was so distorted that "normal" facial features were difficult to detect. Amongst all this, Joseph still fought to physically survive in a world that did not take kindly to differences.

Aldo Billingslea stars in THE ELEPHANT MAN. Photo by David Allen

The heroic life story of Joseph Merrick has been told since the late 1970’s and has touched the hearts of many theatre goers. TheatreWorks, the nationally-acclaimed theatre of Silicon Valley, has once again brought the story of Joseph Merrick to life, and in its 38th season, presents Bernard Pomerance’s Tony Award-winning drama. The performance was very well put together with an extraordinary cast and crew who made the stage and Merrick come alive. Aldo Billingslea who played the title role gave a touching performance. Not only did he eloquently perform as Joseph Merrick, he also morphed his body to give the illusion that his torso, face, and legs were distorted, as Merrick's once were. No make-up was used in this production so not to detract from the focus of the story. As the performance progressed, so did the evident morals that this story set out to convey. People in society have always been ostracized based on their disintegration from the social norm. Those of different religious backgrounds, ethnicities, class, and physical appearance and/or disability have always been second class citizens. Like Merrick, there are people in the world who struggle to be accepted as they are, but the harsh reality is that people still carry with them the judgment and fear that blinds them from seeing how amazing a person can be, if only he/she is given the chance. Religion was interestingly integrated in the production; Merrick was portrayed as a religious man, as he recited many passages from the Bible. It seems that people who endure physical challenges tend to believe in a higher being. Since they are not widely accepted by others, they confide and find comfort in God their Creator. These people grow close to Him because He gives them hope, even though He tests their faith through their physical difficulties. As these people struggle with their fate in life, they gain more courage, and even though people who undergo challenges always ask the never-ending question of why, they gain comfort by knowing that God put them on earth for a greater purpose. Although they may suffer in life, it will not be in vain, as the crippled and meek shall receive God's kingdom.

Treves (Jason Kuykendall) give a lecture on "elephant man" John Merrick (Aldo Billingslea). Photo by David Allen

During his life in London, it was very difficult for Merrick to be seen as a whole man and to be accepted as he was; that is until Dr. Frederick Treves stepped in as Joseph's caretaker and medical advocate. Jason Kuykendall, who marvelously took on the role of Dr. Treves, demonstrated how a little compassion can change the life of a person. While under the care of Dr. Treves, Joseph was introduced to London society. Dr. Treves wanted to demystify the fact that Merrick was an object of despair and pity, and instead, grant him the dignity that he deserved. While Merrick received medical care and shelter at the London Hospital, Dr. Treves replaced Joseph's rags and a sheet that he used to cover his face with proper Victorian men’s apparel. As Joseph started to gain popularity through Dr. Treves' study of his condition, the societal elite of the time became more and more fascinated by the former circus attraction. Princesses, bishops and even well-known actors visited him, and in doing so, they were able to see their own faults through him. Each visitor claimed that they shared certain characteristics with Merrick, but Merrick really allowed them to see their own scars within their souls. Merrick rarely left his hospital room, which was transformed into appropriate living quarters. The London hospital room became his home, which was the only place where he could be comfortable, without having to fight the frightened stares of on-lookers who did not understand his condition. He was also an intelligent man with a creative mind. He constructed the model for a church that was to be built near the hospital. It seems that God blesses everyone with a certain gift, so even though Joseph was born with a physical disability, God granted him the gift of creativity and made him an intelligent and gentle man.

Mrs. Kendal (Rebecca Dines) comforts "elephant man" John Merrick (Aldo Billingslea). Photo by David Allen

Trapped by his physical appearance, Merrick only dreamed of being loved by a woman, until Mrs. Kendal, a friend of Dr. Treves became a regular guest. Mrs. Kendal, brilliantly portrayed by Rebecca Dines, was the only woman that was not taken aback by Joseph's appearance. They quickly became friends and during her visits, they would discuss a vast array of topics. One day Joseph discloses to Mrs. Kendal that he had never seen a woman in her natural state. Mrs. Kendal, a free spirit, tells Joseph to close his eyes. When he opens them he sees Mrs. Kendal exposing her chest. Mrs. Kendal downplays the importance of her body until Joseph remarks, "That is the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen in my life." Their relationship never became physical, but just the glimpse of a woman fulfilled Joseph's curiosity of the opposite sex, knowing that no woman would ever be with him. Unfortunately at that moment, Dr. Treves walks in on the so-called "indecency" and Mrs. Kendal is never welcomed back. An obvious parallel is clearly acknowledged with the story of The Elephant Man and that of The Phantom of the Opera. Both men were plagued by physical deformity and were forced to hide from the world; one, in a lair behind an opera house and the other in a hospital room. Yet both men possessed great talent and understood the world through a deeper intelligence. They also shared the need to be accepted and loved, but instead they experienced how cruel human nature can be towards its own kind.

Treves (Jason Kuykendall) helps "elephant man" John Merrick (Aldo Billingslea). Photo by David Allen

A wonderful performance by the whole cast, TheatreWorks’ production of The Elephant Man was done in a manner which not only focused on the physical deformity and emotional pain of the main character, but brought a vast array of life's morals and lessons to light. Religion, acceptance, love, pain, intelligence, tolerance and facing ones own internal imperfections were readily understood. Brilliantly directed by Robert Kelley, and skillfully written for the stage by Bernard Pomerance, this production allowed the audience to place themselves in the shoes of someone who suffered greatly in his life, but through his suffering taught others the importance of tolerance and understanding for people’s differences, no matter what they may be. A true teacher of tolerance and compassion, Joseph Merrick’s life will continue to profoundly touch generations to come. **Sophia M. Papadopoulos and Lifted Magazine would like to thank Ms. Erica Lewis-Finein for the accommodations. For more information on upcoming performances please visit www.TheatreWorks.org. DID YOU KNOW?

• The Elephant Man debuted on Broadway in 1979 and ran until 1981. The play also won the Tony Award, an Obie, and the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Play.
• The title role was originally played by Philip Anglim and later played by David Bowie.
• In each production, no make-up was worn; instead, the actor changed his physical posture so as not to take away from the story.
• The Elephant Man was made into a film in 1980, which was directed by David Lynch, and starred John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, and Anne Bancroft. Make-up was used in the film version which was so convincing that the Motion Picture Academy created a new category for Best Make-Up for the Oscars.
• TheatreWorks production of The Elephant Man first ran in 1985, which since has received many accolades for its depth and brilliance.
The Elephant Man was described as “a giant of a play” by the New York Post and dubbed one of the epic creations of contemporary theatre.
• Early biographies of Merrick inaccurately give his first name as John, an error repeated in many later versions, including the 1980 film The Elephant Man. This error arose and propagated because most of the early works which mentioned the Elephant Man (including Ashley Montagu's The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity and Frederick Drimmer's Very Special People) all took their information from the memoirs of Sir Frederick Treves, written many years after his first-hand experience with Merrick.
• In the mid-1980s, singer Michael Jackson allegedly attempted to purchase Merrick's remains from the London Hospital Medical College. A press release on May 29, 1987, from Jackson's manager, Frank DiLeo, stated that the singer "has a high degree of respect for the memory of Merrick. He has read and studied all material about the Elephant Man, and has visited the hospital in London twice to view Merrick's remains. His fascination with the historical significance increased with each visit, along with hopes to add them to his collection of rare and unusual memorabilia at his California compound." He went on to claim that Jackson had no intentions to exploit the remains for profit and only wished to treat them as art or antiques. Michael Jackson's offer of US $1 million was turned down. He later went on to extensively deny that he had tried to obtain the Elephant Man's bones.
• TheatreWorks has been awarded 57 Bay Area Drama-Logue Awards, 117 Bay Area Critics Circle Awards, and 331 Bay Area Critics Circle Nominations for artistic excellence.
• TheatreWorks has nearly 10,000 subscribers and over 100,000 patrons per year.
• TheatreWorks has captured a national reputation for artistic innovation and integrity, often presenting Bay Area theatre-goers with their first look at acclaimed musicals, comedies, and dramas, directed by award-winning local and guest directors, and performed by professional actors cast from across the country.