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A staged scene with a woman in maid attire and a man with papers

The Elephant Man: Unveiling Victorian Society and Characters

Corlew Karla

Penned by the esteemed author Bernard Pomerance and meticulously directed by June Eubanks, “The Elephant Man” graced the stage at Theater Wit from January 7 to February 6, 2011. The narrative induces profound introspection among the audience suggesting that appearances are deceptive and the true essence lies within.

The Storyline

The play unfolds in the heart of Victorian London, where Dr. Frederick Treves stumbles upon the unusual character of John Merrick in a spectacle for oddities. Intrigued by Merrick’s unusual physical appearance, Treves takes him under his wing, intending to delve deeper into Merrick’s distinctive deformity. Merrick’s intellectual prowess and eloquent speech soon take high society by storm. However, Merrick’s newfound popularity exacerbates his sense of alienation and frustration arising from his physical deformity. He is led to question whether he has merely substituted one spectacle of oddities for another. The production of “The Elephant Man” by BoHo lucidly depicts this captivating narrative with a unique physical staging that underscores the intrinsic and extrinsic layers of self that distinguish us from each other.

Creative Team Behind the Production

A staged scene with a woman in maid attire and a man with papers
  • Bishop How: Thad Anzur;
  • Ross: Zach Bloomfield;
  • Pinhead, Countess: Jill Connolly;
  • Mrs. Kendell, Nurse Sandwich: Cameron Feagin;
  • Carr Gomm: Michael Kingston;
  • Lord John: Michael Mercier;
  • Frederick Treves: Steve O’Connell;
  • Pinhead, Princess: Laura Rook;
  • Pinhead, Duchess: Stephanie Sullivan;
  • John Merrick: Mike Tepeli;
  • Behind the Curtain: The Producers and Designers.

The production wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated crew:

  • Scenic Design: Roger Wykes;
  • Lighting Design: Jared B. Moore;
  • Costume Design: Theresa Ham & Sarah Putnam;
  • Projection Design: Jill Vanc;
  • Composer/Sound Design: Joe Griffin;
  • Prop Design: Cassy Schillo;
  • Dialect Coach: Peter Robel;
  • Stage Manager: David Solotke;
  • Producer: Peter Blair.

Unique Insights into Victorian Society

“The Elephant Man” offers a riveting depiction of societal norms and prejudices that prevailed during the Victorian era. The audience is challenged to reflect upon the notions of normalcy and peculiarity as defined by societal conventions.

Conclusion

“The Elephant Man” is not merely a play about an individual’s struggle with physical deformity. It is a commentary on the society that fosters these struggles and the strength of the human spirit that navigates them. The layers of complexities are unraveled in this production, leaving audiences with a deep reflection of their notion of self and society.