The Elephant Man
The Adelaide Rep
Written by Bernard Pomerance
Directed by Megan Dansie
Winner! 1979 Tony® Award for Best Play The Elephant Man is based on the life of John (Joseph) 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 has become the star freak attraction in traveling side shows. 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 favourite of the aristocracy and literati only to be denied his ultimate dream, to become a man like any other.
Roles Available
FREDERICK TREVES mid to late 30’s – a surgeon and teacher.
JOHN MERRICK mid 20’s. – the Elephant Man. The actor playing this role must possess above-average movement skills and be able to perform a physically and vocally demanding role. No prosthetics or makeup are used.
CARR GOMM – 50’s administrator of the London Hospital ROSS 20’s to 40’s – Manager of 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 late 30’s to 40’s – an actress The actor playing this role must be comfortable with partial, modest nudity DUCHESS COUNTESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA LORD JOHN NURSE, MISS SANDWICH
Needed – diverse cast of at least 6 men and 2 women. . The actors playing Treves and Merrick only play those parts. All other actors will play multiple roles. All ethnicities welcome to audition. British accents required. Those with expertise in movement/ physical theatre are especially encouraged to audition, but those skills not essential for all parts.
Actors auditioning for the role of Merrick are required to prepare a short modern monologue.
Rehearsals
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7 pm – 10 pm, Sundays 1pm-5pm commencing mid-January 2016
Performances
Thurs 14 April – Sat 16 April 2016 at 8 pm Wed 20 April – Sat 23 April 2016 at 8 pm Matinee Sat 23 April 2016 at 2 pm
Venue
The Arts Theatre, 53 Angas Street Adelaide
Auditions
Saturday 25 July 2015 by appointment
Venue: The Arts Theatre, 53 Angas Street Adelaide
More Information and Bookings: Sue Wylie via 0439 868 199 or 8244 0638 or susanjwylie@bigpond.com