'Joseph Merrick, better known as the Elephant Man, is cast out. He survived circus ‘freak shows’ and the revulsion of a gawking public for years until a young doctor offered him asylum at the London Hospital in 1879.
'So began a life of endless observation. But curiosity works both ways, and Merrick returned the horrified gaze of Victorian punters and nurses with wonder and optimism.
'This story has inspired multiple theatrical adaptations, novels and a film by David Lynch. Now the team behind Malthouse Theatre’s Picnic at Hanging Rock, director Matthew Lutton and playwright Tom Wright, reunite to create a poignant new work that uncovers empathy in a world that rejects difference.'
Source: Malthouse Theatre.
Additional Awards:
Nominations:
Best Male Actor in a Play (Daniel Monks), Helpmann Awards, 2018.
Writing Disability in Australia
Type of disability | Proteus syndrome (disputed). |
Type of character | Primary. |
Point of view | First person. |
Produced at the Malthouse Theatre, 4-27 August 2017.
Director: Matthew Lutton.
Cast: Paula Arundell, Julie Forsyth, Emma J Hawkins, Daniel Monks, and Sophie Ross.
Set and Costume Design: Marg Horwell.
Lighting Design: Paul Jackson.
Composition and Sound Design: Jethro Woodward.
For Matthew Lutton.