The Elephant Man at PACT Theatre

The Elephant Man at PACT Theatre

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Posted 2018-08-24 by Mila Woodfollow

Wed 22 Aug 2018 - Sat 25 Aug 2018



We've often heard that beauty comes from within but in reality, we are drawn to people whose physical attributes are pleasant to our eyes. In contrast, we ignore people who do not meet our judgement as being beautiful or handsome. In some cases, they are treated with contempt and some cruelly brand them as "freaks".

Nevertheless, some has fortunately escaped the cruel taunt of the society through the advancement of medical technology. But what about those who were born before the advancement had come to fruition?

Most of us have heard the story of Joseph Carey Merrick, who was also known as John Merrick . Born in 1862, John was afflicted by a condition in which a mutant gene caused the growth of the body to misaligned.



His condition induced unfathomable and noticeable disfigurement and he was shunned by society. It was said that Merrick met a showman who displayed and branded him as the "Elephant Man" for the sole purpose of monetary gain. Merrick was then been rescued from the circus by a surgeon named Frederick Treves who took him to London's distinguished Whitechapel Hospital to be examined.

He was allowed to live in one of the rooms in the hospital. Merrick astonishingly became a celebrity in London's society. He died in 1890, at a young age of 32.

His life story has been featured in books, film and on the stage. To this day, Merrick's life is still remembered. As a tribute to this tenacious, highly-spirited individual, PACT Theatre is proudly showcasing the play The Elephant Man. The theatre has been supporting Australia's budding artists since 1964. PACT was built on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. Thereby, bestowing the utmost respect to Australia's First People and Elders, from the past, present and to the future.

The play is directed by Debbie Smith, whose accolades include directing over 25 full-length plays. Smith's idea to use a thrust stage was brilliant. It theatrically captivated the audience including myself and my partner in the circus atmospheric way.



Jack Berry played the formidable John Merrick. His portrayal was quite laborious. How contoured his body in such a way that you and I, even for a minute, would find extremely difficult. Jack's enviable credits include The Sky Diver and The Scarecrow. Winner of the Best Film @ Sydney Indie Film Festival.

The rest of the cast was equally impressive.



The dialogue was poetic in a prose kind of way. It was dramatically emoted and made me want to be a part of the scene.



The venue was sparsely decorated and was brought to life through the amazing talent of the actors and actresses.

The play had churned a tinge of sadness within me and augmenting my empathy to others whose looks are not acceptable in mainstream society. Perhaps, you will realise that the girl or a guy across the floor possesses an enchanting inner beauty within.

Book now

WHEN
Friday 24 August 2018 7:30 PM
Saturday 25 August 2018 7:30 PM - 13 SEATS LEFT

WHERE

107 Railway Parade, Erskineville NSW 2043
Phone 02 9550 2744
Email pact(at)pact(dot)net(dot)au
National Relay Service ask for PACT on 02 9550 2744

Get to PACT...
By train: Erskineville Train (250m), Newtown Train (900m) and Macdonaldtown Train (1km)

By bus: 355 Bus Stop (250m); Newtown (900m): Erskineville Road Taxi Stand (300m)

By car: Railway Parade has unlimited free parking.
The closest accessible train station is Newtown (15 mins)

Credit to Chris Dunn for the photography.

#art
#cheap
#community_theatre
#erskineville
#exhibitions
#film_reviews
#near_sydney
#august
!date 22/08/2018 -- 25/08/2018
%wnsydney
126690 - 2023-06-13 03:29:51

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