Latest news with #JosephMerrick
Ottawa Citizen
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Ottawa Citizen
Longfields-Davidson Heights delivered a heart-wrenching performance of Elephant/Man
Article content Show #21 Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School Elephant/Man Director: Billy Poon Student Co-Director: Angelita Lapenskie Article content Article content Kaitlyn Baker, Critic St. Joseph High School In a world where physical appearance often dictates one's worth, Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School's performance of Elephant/Man challenged the mind to confront the harsh realities of discrimination and the profound humanity that lies beneath the surface. Article content Article content Elephant/Man is a dramatic play based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, a man in Victorian England who suffered from severe physical deformities. This performance explores themes of identity, humanity and the impact of discrimination. The play dives into Merrick's life, showcasing his struggles and the compassion he receives from those around him, particularly from Treves, who seeks to understand and help him. Article content The decision to have five different actors portray Joseph Merrick throughout the play was a powerful artistic choice. This allowed for the pervasive nature of discrimination and highlighted how it can affect individuals in various ways. Each actor (Vee Herbert, Forrest Cook, Jura Oudhoff, Riley Auger, and Nolan Hollett) brought their unique interpretation to the role, showcasing the multifaceted nature of Merrick's identity and the societal perceptions that shaped his life. This creative decision emphasized that discrimination is not just limited to one individual but is a broader societal issue. Article content Article content Article content Article content Alex Walker's commanding stage presence and chemistry with those portraying Merrick, enhanced the plays emotional resonance. Ultimately, Walker's performance transformed Treves into a deeply thought-provoking character, making his journey of growth greatly impactful. Article content The lighting design in the production was notably striking, using colour to symbolize the emotional journey of Merrick's experiences. The use of red lighting effectively represented the nightmares and torment that Merrick was continuously trapped within, creating an eerie atmosphere that successfully conveyed his suffering. In contrast, blue lighting was used to signify moments of peace within dreams, providing a powerful juxtaposition to the darker elements of his life. This use of colour within the lighting provides an insight into the thought process of Merrick's character as he fights his way through discrimination.
See - Sada Elbalad
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Elephant Man Joseph Merrick Biopic in Works with Jack Huston Attached to Direct
Jack Huston, known for his acting work in Boardwalk Empire and American Hustle, has been tapped to direct a biopic centered on Joseph Merrick, the deformed Victorian-era artist known as The Elephant Man. Phoenix Pictures is backing the movie, titled "Joseph Merrick", which will be produced by Kate Cohen, Mike Medavoy and David Dobkin. Huston will also produce. Production is looking to begin later this year. Merrick was an object of fascination during his life, and his story resonated beyond his lifetime. He was a man who was incredibly deformed and was used as a circus freak while a teenager before becoming an object of curiosity in London society as well as scientific circles, but he was also an artist whose work broke beyond the limits of his sometimes confined life. David Lynch directed an Oscar-nominated biopic that starred John Hurt in 1980, titled "The Elephant Man". Merrick also appeared in countless books, shows, plays, and even an opera. According to the producers, the biopic will offer a fresh and deeply emotional perspective on Merrick's remarkable life, illuminating the untold story behind the legend. Nick Yarborough wrote the script. 'I've long been fascinated by the life of Joseph Merrick — marked by unimaginable adversity, yet defined by his profound kindness, perseverance and strength,' said Huston in a statement. 'His journey is a testament to what we are capable of when we choose love and compassion over cruelty and indifference. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to explore the lesser-known parts of Joseph's astonishing life, and I'm honored to have the chance to collaborate with such a passionate and dedicated team.' The project will look at Merrick's final months, and, according to the producers, explore his transformative journey and the unexpected, life-altering relationships he forms along the way. As Merrick discovers moments of true connection and humanity, the film will shine a light on the profound, often overlooked aspects of his experience, challenging what audiences think they know about his life and legacy. Medavoy added, 'This project has been a labor of love for all of us, and we've been relentless in our search for the right filmmaker to bring Joseph Merrick's story to life. From the moment I saw Jack Huston's Day of the Fight, I knew he was the perfect choice to tell the story. Among the many things that have excited me is that the way Jack sees this story reminds me of Milos Forman when we made One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. I couldn't be more thrilled about the poetry, wit, and feeling of human empathy that he will bring to this.' Huston, who also starred in "Fargo" (season four) and "House of Gucci", will next be seen in the upcoming series "Spider-Noir" with Nicolas Cage. He made his directorial debut with "Day of the Fight", a boxing drama he also wrote and on which he was a producer. The movie premiered at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival and went on to win numerous awards for Huston throughout its festival run.
