'The Elephant Man' opens at ProArts
Joseph Merrick’s story continues to fascinate audiences
Many years ago, my father attended the original Broadway production of “The Elephant Man,” and shortly thereafter, made sure that I witnessed the ABC televised version and the 1980 David Lynch film. Perhaps like Esmeralda in MAPA Live!’s recent “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” my child brain did not see John Merrick as “an animal,” but, because of his words, not only as “a human being,” but also an extremely intelligent and saintly being.
Though based on Sir Frederick Treves’ book, “The Elephant Man And Other Reminiscences,” Bernard Pomerance’s multi-awardwinning play, “The Elephant
Man,” which will be presented by ProArts Playhouse in Kihei beginning Sept. 22, has several historical inaccuracies such as that the reallife Joseph Merrick is referred to as John Merrick.
In contrast with the film, the play does not require prosthetic makeup. Instead, as the performance begins, the actor portraying Merrick
(Ricky Jones) morphs his body while his physical disabilities are described through narration, leaving the audience to imagine his massive deformities.
Merrick is a freak show performer living in a state bordering on squalor whose life is forever changed when Treves (Francis
Tau‘a) agrees to care for him. During a trip to London last month, Jones had the rare opportunity to view the permanent exhibition at the Royal London Hospital which houses Merrick’s skeleton, hood and his exquisitely crafted model of the hospital that he called “home.”
Merrick died at age 27, but his contribution towards how society looks upon the mentally and physically challenged is immeasurable.
I asked Jones about visiting the exhibit.
“It was great to see the actual skeleton. I was surprised at how tiny he was — just 5 feet 2 inches or 5 feet 3 inches (tall). I was able to see the bone growths that were the cause of his deformities. He had hip dysplasia when he was young that was unrelated to his condition, which was the reason he had to walk with a cane, and I got to see the exact placement of the joint that was affected,” Jones shared.
“There were also several pieces of mail on display and those exact words made their way into the script. It’s all presented in chronological order so I got a good look into the entire era,” continued Jones.
“There were mentions of Jack the Ripper, which was happening at the same time, and after the time period captured in the play, there was a great deal about Treve’s career. He went on to become the Prince of Wales’ personal physician and successfully performed an appendectomy just prior to his (the Prince’s) coronation as Edward VII in 1902.”
Jones was also taken by Merrick’s original head gear which hid his shocking appearance when amongst the general public.
“It looks hot and confining, which surprised me because it’s much different in the movie,” said Jones.
I asked director Sally SeftonJohnston what inspired her to direct the play.
“I have been inspired to direct this show for the past 30 years. This man, Joseph Merrick, has haunted me since I first encountered him in the Philip Anglim touring production. He is a man who requires that we adjust ourselves to seeing the beauty and dignity of the man behind the deformity,” she said. “These days there are many here in the U.S. who reject anyone who is different. Spending time in the company of Joseph Merrick, we know without question that his humanity is the same as ours.”
I asked her if she thought the intimacy of the ProArts Playhouse
would enhance “The Elephant Man.”
“This play deals with the theme of distancing oneself from humans that are a deviation from what we consider normal. But ProArts doesn’t allow us to have a safe distance. We are so close to all of the characters in this space that their story and physical presence is right in front of us, in our breathing space. We can’t look away, and for this reason this venue is perfect for this play.”
Sefton-Johnston also shared that the first national tour, which she attended while studying for her master’s degree in directing, made a lasting impression.
“I was so deeply moved by the true story of this brave, battered man that I was unable to even talk about the play for several months,” she said. “I left the theater that night with Joseph Merrick nesting in my heart and I knew that one day, I wanted to bring his story to the stage.
“I have been grateful to dig into some of the truth about Merrick’s story and Ricky has been very thorough in his research into all aspects of Merrick’s life,” she continued. “It has enriched his performance immensely.”
Jones and I discussed past acting interpretations by Anglim, David Bowie and John Hurt.
“I’ve only seen snippets of other stage productions which portrayed Merrick almost as if a child, which was not the case in real life. The script is not an entirely accurate version, but where the script allows, I wanted to make him the real person he was and not one-dimensional,” explained Jones. “My goal is to bring out a human so the audience can see themselves in him.”
I asked if he could share an example.
“In the Bowie version, when he first meets the actress Madge Kendal (portrayed by Hoku
Pavao Jones in the ProArts version), there is a childish wonderment. I chose to portray a realistic approach to the first woman that didn’t scream and run away upon seeing him,” shared Jones. “There is a desire to connect and have a conversation with her. I would like the audience to see a real friendship and what that could have become under different circumstances.”
Sefton-Johnston singled out the same scene.
“I believe the moment when Merrick explains why he thinks Romeo doesn’t love Juliet is my favorite. We watch Mrs. Kendal change her attitude towards him on the spot. His wisdom not only surprises her, but allows for her to admire him for his insight. It is played to perfection by Hoku,” she said.
“When viewing this play, we are aware that the longer the people in London know Merrick, the more human he becomes,” continues Sefton-Johnston. “We know that Merrick doesn’t change, but rather the society evolves. That finally allows him to be more than a curiosity. Because of that he teaches us about our tendency to reject those who don’t fit our standard of normal or beautiful.”
Merrick frequently signed his letters with this adaptation of the poem “False Greatness” by 17thcentury poet Isaac Watts. “‘Tis true, my form is something odd/ But blaming me, is blaming God,/ Could I create myself anew/I would not fail in pleasing you/If I could reach from pole to pole/Or grasp the ocean with a span/I would be measured by the soul/ The mind’s the standard of the man.”
ProArts Playhouse in Kihei presents the multi-award winning play “The Elephant Man” from Sept. 22 through Oct. 8. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays (no performance Oct. 1). Tickets are $26. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 463-6550 or visit www.proartsmaui.com.
This week
Primo Beer and Island Air present comedian Augie T’s statewide tour “Laugh Da Island Way.” Augie T’s Maui appearance is a benefit for Maui OnStage Youth Theater.
Performance is 8 p.m. Friday at the Historic Iao Theater in Wailuku. General admission tickets are $20, with limited $25 VIP tickets, which include a complimentary Augie T DVD. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 242-6969 or order online at www.mauion stage.com.
These are Maui Scene’s minireviews, excerpts of wire service reviews and previews that are provided by studios and other sources.
OPENS TONIGHT
“MOTHER” R, 2:01. Drama, horror, mystery. Maui Mall Megaplex
A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem and Ed Harris.
“THE HEART OF MAN” PG13, 1:40. Documentary. Maui Mall Megaplex.
The Heart of Man is a timeless tale of a father's relentless pursuit of his son -- interwoven with interviews of top thought-leaders on brokenness, identity and shame. Starring Justin Torrence, Serena Karnagy and Robert Fleet.
OPENS FRIDAY
“AMERICAN ASSASSIN” R, 1:51. Action, thriller. Kaahumanu 6.
A story centered on counterterrorism agent Mitch Rapp. Starring Dylan O'Brien, Michael Keaton and Sanaa Lathan.
SPECIAL SCREENING
“E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL” (1982) PG, 1:55. Special. Screenings are at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday at Maui Mall Megaplex.
A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world. Starring Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore and Peter Coyote.
“SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN” (1982) G, 1:43. Comedy, musical, romance. Screening is at 10 a.m. at Kaahumanu 6.
A silent film production company and cast make a difficult transition to sound. Starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds.
STILL PLAYING
“ANNABELLE: CREATION” R, 1:49. Horror, mystery,
thriller. Maui Mall Megaplex.
Several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker’s pos- sessed creation, Annabelle. Starring Stephanie Sigman, Miranda Otto and Lulu Wilson.
“BIRTH OF THE DRAGON” Rating, 1:43. Action, biography, drama. Maui Mall Megaplex. Ends today at Kaahumanu 6.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s San Francisco, “Birth of the Dragon” is a modern take on the classic movies that Bruce Lee was known for. It takes its inspiration from the epic and still controversial showdown between an up-andcoming Bruce Lee and kung fu master Wong Jack Man – a battle that gave birth to a legend. Starring Billy Magnussen, Yu Xia and Philip Ng.
“DUNKIRK” PG-13, 1:46. Action, drama, history. Maui Mall Megaplex.
Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II. Starring Fionn Whitehead, Damien Bonnard and Aneurin Barnard.
“GIRLS TRIP” R, 2:02. Comedy. Maui Mall Megaplex.
When four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there’s enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make the Big Easy blush. Starring Regina Hall, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith.
“HOME AGAIN” PG-13, 1:37. Comedy, drama, romance. Kaahumanu 6.
Life for a single mom in Los Angeles takes an unexpected turn when she allows three young guys to move in with her. Starring Nat Wolff, Reese Witherspoon and Lake Bell.
“IT” R, 2:15. Drama, horror. Kaahumanu 6 and Lahaina Wharf Cinema.
A group of bullied kids band together when a monster, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children. Starring Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher and Finn Wolfhard.
“LEAP!” PG, 1:29. Animation, adventure, comedy. Maui Mall Megaplex.
An orphan girl dreams of becoming a ballerina and flees her rural Brittany for Paris, where she passes for someone else and accedes to the position of pupil at the Grand Opera house. Starring Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan and Carly Rae Jepsen.
“LOGAN LUCKY” PG-13, 1:59. Comedy. Lahaina Wharf Cinema. Ends today at Kaahumanu 6.
Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy (Channing Tatum) and Clyde Logan (Adam Driver) set out to execute an elaborate robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver and Seth MacFarlane.
“THE EMOJI MOVIE” PG, 1:26. Animation, adventure, comedy. Maui Mall Megaplex.
Gene, a multi-expressional emoji, sets out on a journey to become a normal emoji. Starring T.J. Miller, James Corden and Anna Faris.
“THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD” R, 1:58. Action, comedy. Lahaina Wharf Cinema and Maui Mall Megaplex.
The world’s top bodyguard gets a new client, a hit man who must testify at the International Court of Justice. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial on time. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and Gary Oldman.
“TULIP FEVER” R, 1:47. Drama, romance. Ends today at Kaahumanu 6.
An artist falls for a young married woman while he’s commissioned to paint her portrait during the Tulip mania of 17th century Amsterdam. Starring Alicia Vikander, Dane DeHaan and Jack O’Connell.
“WIND RIVER” R, 1:47. Action, crime, mystery. Kaahumanu 6.
An FBI agent teams with a town’s veteran game tracker to investigate a murder that occurred on a Native American reservation. Starring Kelsey Asbille, Jeremy Renner and Julia Jones.
Movie listings reflect showings that are made available by theaters at press time. Films are subject to change and may be released after publication. For up-to-date movies and showtimes, visit www. fandango.com.