Elephant Man
An old Indian proverb observes, “Only an elephant can bear an elephant’s load.” In Bernard Pomerance’s Tony award-winning play based on the life of Joseph Merrick -- otherwise known as “the elephant man” -- the load he must bear is man’s cruelty, a weight that would crush others, but could never crush Merrick’s triumphant spirit.
The Andak Stage Company’s eleventh production directed by John DeMita is simply terrific. DeMita’s delightful incorporation of live music performed by a young Harry Potter-ish violinist (Max Quill), a juggling routine, and even a small dog creates an effective and charming mood within the intimate space.
Using the space artfully is a challenge, but a projected synopsis between each scene allows for necessary transitions and displays pictures of Merrick’s severe deformity that leaves a vivid and disturbing impression and works as an illusionary sort of costume. Daniel Reichert as Merrick only must subtly suggests his affliction, relying on the lasting image in our minds to complete the disfigurement.
Set in the late 19th century, the play is an engrossing but uplifting account of the tragic figure of Joseph Merrick. Abandoned by his mother at the age of three, Merrick struggled with hard labor in a workhouse where daily beatings leaves him with a limp among his other deformities. Relegated to little more than a sideshow freak by his swindling manager, Ross, played by the accomplished Brian George, a visiting physician, Frederick Treves (Andrew Matthews) pays to see “the elephant man” privately and later displays Merrick in a lecture on the gross deformities that were, and still are today a mystery.
After one of his sideshow appearances incites a beating by police, Ross betrays Merrick by stealing his money and puts him on a train headed for London. Upon his arrival, a mob ensues when confronted with Merrick’s appearance. Treves intervenes when Merrick begs for his help, and safely secures him at the London Hospital for an indefinite stay that becomes Merrick’s home and sanctuary.
Friendship between the men develops, as Treves discovers that Merrick is “curious and compassionate” with a childlike innocence unmarred by a lifetime of rejection. In an attempt to draw Merrick out, Treves invites women to come to the hospital and entertain him with conversation. The first few cannot hide their repulsion, but an actress of well repute, Mrs. Kendal, tenderly portrayed by Abby Craden, ably masks her initial impression and forms a bittersweet attachment that over time blooms into a heartbreaking unrequited love affair, cut short when Treves catches them in a momentary indiscretion.
Over time, Merrick takes quiet pleasure in reading poetry and plays, and spends a considerable time musing philosophically with Treves and the nobility that come to visit regularly. However, his deformities still occasionally draw unwanted attention, and when two hospital attendants are caught gawking at him, they are dismissed immediately. Merrick’s thoughtful nature causes him to worry more for the fate of the two men and their families. When Treves states that this dismissive action is merciful and just for Merrick’s sake, Merrick replies, “If your mercy is so cruel what do you have for justice?”
As Treves tries to teach Merrick that rules are made for everyone’s own good, particularly for Merrick in his vulnerable state, Merrick teaches Treves and those who visit him far more about enduring faith and optimism in the face of so much physical adversity.
The cast is pure joy and appear as if lifted from the pages of a Dickens novel with lovely costumes by Kim DeShazo. Brian George and Andrew Matthews deliver exceptional turns, and Abby Craden finds compelling moments of strength delivered with a feminine sensibility suitable to the times. In the demanding role of Merrick, Daniel Reichert is spellbinding. Reichert finds a surprising range with his voice and physicality, but mightily assumes the character from within, revealing Merrick’s sensitivity and childlike wonder with an intelligent authority.
Although few will ever experience the hardships Joseph Merrick, “the elephant man” endured, his story and this play is a testament to carry our personal burdens with grace and dignity.
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Theater: New Place Studio Theatre, 10950 Peach Grove St., North Hollywood 9160
Web Site: http://www.andak.org/
Tickets: (866) 811 4111
Dates: Through June 21, 2009