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The Elephant Man is a play by Bernard Pomerance. It premiered at the Hampstead Theatre in London on 7 November 1977. It later played in repertory at the National Theatre in London. It ran Off-Broadway from 14 January to 18 March 1979, at The Theatre at St. View elephant man.pdf from WRITING 101 at New York University. The Elephant Man Bernard Pomerance April 19, 1979 Eugene ONeill, John Arden, politically weighted views of American History(such as. John Merrick (Age in play: mid 20’s) Merrick suffers from Proteus Syndrome, which has resulted in large, bulbous growths growing from his skull. Trying to explain his nickname, ‘‘The Elephant Man,’’ he tells Treves that his mother was quite beautiful, but was kicked by an elephant when she was pregnant. Created Date: 4:55:13 PM.
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Full Length Play, Drama / 6m, 2f
John Merrick is a horribly deformed young man – victim of rare skin and bone diseases. Seen as a freak by society, his life changes when young physician Frederick Treves agrees to care for him.
Read more +The Elephant Man
by Bernard Pomerance
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Cast Size
Duration
120 minutes (2 hours)Subgenre
Accolades
Tony, From BroadwaySuggested Use
- Cutting Approved for Competition
- UIL Approved
- Competition or audition material
Target Audience
- Adult
Additional Info
The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A horribly deformed young man – victim of rare skin and bone diseases – he becomes the star freak attraction in traveling sideshows. Found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to London’s prestigious Whitechapel Hospital. Under the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati, only to be denied his ultimate dream – to become a man like any other.
Read more +Accolades
- WINNER! 1979 Tony® Award, Best Play
WINNER! 2015 Drama Desk Award, Best Revival of a Play
NOMINEE! Four 2015 Tony® Awards, including Best Revival of a Play
NOMINEE! 2015 Drama League Award, Best Revival of a Play
NOMINEE! Five 2015 Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Revival of a Play
Reviews
'Pomerance's tale showcases the triumph of a very human spirit, personified by the sensitive, almost saintly Merrick.' –Associated Press, Read More
'It is nevertheless a spectacular delivery system for bravura performances.' – Vulture, Read More
![Elephant Man Play Script Pdf Elephant Man Play Script Pdf](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124820189/326236459.jpg)
RELATED ARTICLES ON BREAKING CHARACTER:
Mammoth and Moving: THE ELEPHANT MAN on Broadway
by Ben Coleman
January 5, 2015
by Ben Coleman
January 5, 2015
Considerations
Performing Groups
- College Theatre / Student
- Community Theatre
- Dinner Theatre
- Professional Theatre
- Shoestring Budget
- Large Stage
- Blackbox / Second Stage /Fringe Groups
License details
- Minimum Fee: $125 per performance
- Mandatory Music/Media Fee: $15 per performance
Production
Details
- Time Period: 19th Century
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Setting: 1884-1890. London. One scene is in Belgium.
- Features / Contains: Period Costumes
Music
- Musical Style: N/A (Not a musical)
- Vocal Demands: N/A (Not a musical)
- Chorus Size: N/A (Not a musical)
FREDERICK TREVES - a surgeon and teacher
CARR GOMM - administrator of the London Hospital
ROSS - Manager of the Elephant Man
JOHN MERRICK - the Elephant Man
THREE PINHEADS - three women freaks whose heads are pointed
BELGIAN POLICEMEN
LONDON POLICEMAN
MAN - at a fairground in Brussels
CONDUCTOR - of Ostend-London boat train
BISHOP WALSHAM HOW
PORTER - at the London Hospital
SNORK - also a porter
MRS. KENDAL - an actress
DUCHESS
COUNTESS
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA
LORD JOHN
NURSE, MISS SANDWICH
See all +CARR GOMM - administrator of the London Hospital
ROSS - Manager of the Elephant Man
JOHN MERRICK - the Elephant Man
THREE PINHEADS - three women freaks whose heads are pointed
BELGIAN POLICEMEN
LONDON POLICEMAN
MAN - at a fairground in Brussels
CONDUCTOR - of Ostend-London boat train
BISHOP WALSHAM HOW
PORTER - at the London Hospital
SNORK - also a porter
MRS. KENDAL - an actress
DUCHESS
COUNTESS
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA
LORD JOHN
NURSE, MISS SANDWICH
Cast Attributes
- Reduced casting (Doubling Possible)
- Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)
Casting Notes
No one with any history of back trouble should attempt the part of Merrick as contorted. Anyone playing the part of Merrick should be advised to consult a physician about the problems of sustaining any unnatural or twisted position.
Resources
Rehearsal Resources
Music Material Rental Packages
Full Package
Scripts
![The elephant man play script pdf The elephant man play script pdf](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124820189/822239175.jpg)
More
The Elephant Man was produced on Broadway at The Booth Theatre, on April 22, 1979.
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