Theatre Knoxville Downtown presents Bernard Pomerance’s 1977 The Elephant Man. Directed by Sarah Campbell and set during Victorian-era London and Belgium, The Elephant Man recounts the life of Joseph Merrick, a man known for his physical deformities the cause of which modern medicine still does not fully understand. Suffering from homelessness and poverty in Victorian England, Merrick found work in a human novelty exhibition—what, at the time, was called a “freak show”—eventually drawing the attention of Dr. Frederick Treves, who worked at the London Hospital across the street. Through his and Dr. Treves’s friendship, Merrick found a permanent home at London Hospital, read widely, and even entered into London high society, becoming friends with a notable London actress and Edward VII and Alexandra, The Prince and Princess of Wales. Joseph Merrick died in 1890 at the age of 27 from complications of his medical condition.
The action takes place against a stark, black and white set reminiscent of a Halloween haunted house: white panels smeared by hand and brush with black paint connotes a psychological attempt at escape. At stage right appears an opaque curtain; several characters make their entrance to the stage from behind this curtain, first backlit to display their silhouette before emerging from behind it. Lighting and music alone denote scene change; following the location along with the plot can become a little difficult due to the large amount of scene changes this play requires. The musical interludes feature minimalist renditions of popular songs that cheekily punctuate plot developments and emotional contexts, such as Radiohead’s “Creep,” Marilyn Manson’s “The Beautiful People,” and R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts.” This production also features period costuming by Sarah Campbell—think lots of frills and shabby drab Victorian gloom.
Shelby Frye is captivating as Merrick, using careful positioning of their body to connote Merrick’s belabored movements. Their shaved head is an appropriate touch that signals Merrick’s bodily difference while adhering to playwright Bernard Pomerance’s rule that no prosthetics be used. Casey Cain is an impassioned and compassionate Dr. Treves, who is also not exempt from the complex emotions and choices that an unsupportive medical society and the late-Victorian shifts in opinion about human novelty exhibitions had on his ability to provide care for Merrick. The rest of the actors in this production play double roles: Josh Bigwood portrays Francis Carr Gomm, the chairman of London Hospital, who was essential in negotiating Merrick’s life-long residence and care; he also plays a train conductor. Donna Shoun portrays London actress Mrs. Kendal, who forms a tortured, intimate relationship with Merrick, and Pinhead 2, another “human novelty.” Mike Johnston, Jr., plays the abusive Pinhead Manager and Lord John, while Dalton Davis as both Snork, one of the hospital’s attendants, and a London policeman, captures the fascinated revulsion that many had toward Merrick. Charlene Perkins portrays Miss Sandwich, a well-meaning nurse who attempts to treat Merrick but who is too shocked by his appearance; she also portrays Pinhead 1 alongside Shoun. Dio Tobin plays Ross, Merrick’s manager in the human novelty circuit who robs and abandons Merrick once police crack down on such displays; he also portrays Princess Alexandra who solidifies Merrick’s entrance into high society. Dave Wasil as Bishop Walsham convinces scientifically-minded Treves and Carr Gomm that Merrick is a true Christian and not using religion for social acceptance; he also plays a German count who visits Merrick along with the British Royalty and Mrs. Kendal.
The Elephant Man is nearing the end of its run, with two performances remaining on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, Nov. 3, at 3 pm. Tickets available at https://theatreknoxville.com/the-elephant-man/ or TKD’s box office at 800 South Central Street.
