The Elephant Man
By Bernard Pomerance

Directed by Kenneth Risch

"The hauntingly true story of an extraordinary man who inspired others to search their souls, look beyond their limitations, and dare to dream."

October 11-13 and 17-19, 2002

Disclaimer: The Elephant Man contains partial nudity and is, therefore, not suitable for children.

The Elephant Man won the Antoinette Perry (Tony) Award, Obie Award, Drama Desk Award, and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for "Best Play of 1979". An award-winning film adaptation stars Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt. A revival of the play is currently running on Broadway.

The Story: The Elephant Man is based on the life of Joseph (John) Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A horribly deformed young man, who has been a freak attraction in traveling sideshows, he is found abandoned and helpless and is admitted for observation to Whitechapel, a prestigious London hospital. Under the care of a famous young doctor, Frederick Treves, who educates him and introduces him to London society, Merrick changes from a sensational object of pity to the urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati. While his belief that he can become a man like any other is a dream never to be realized, he inspires those who spend time with him to question the nature of their own "deformities"-internal deformities and those imposed by a codified Victorian society.

Production Stills
(click for large images)