The Friends University Theatre Department will present the “The Elephant Man” by Bernard Pomerance on March 12-14, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on March 14 in the Cornerstone Studio Theatre in the Riney Fine Arts Center.
The dramatic story depicts the short life of Joseph Merrick, who lived in Victorian London and was known for his extreme physical deformities. Discovered by Dr. Frederick Treves of the London Hospital, he was rescued from a traveling circus where he was put on display to earn a living wage. With donated support from the English public, Merrick was able to live out his days in a private room in the hospital and was introduced to many dignitaries and socialites in his day, while the hospital staff studied his diseases. Much to the amazement of many at the time, he was quite intelligent, articulate, loved the arts, and later gained acceptance within the English culture.
The script received the 1979 Tony Award for Best Broadway Play, and will feature a student cast of 10 directed by Kurt Priebe, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Media Studies in Fine Arts.
Tickets are $11 for adults, and $9 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased online at friends.edu/finearts, or by calling the Fine Arts Box Office at 316-295-5677.
For more information on this event or other Fine Arts events, please contact the Fine Arts Box Office at 316-295-5677 or finearts@friends.edu.
Friends University offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs for traditional students and working adults. Rooted both in the liberal arts tradition and the Christian intellectual tradition, students learn inside and outside the classroom. Friends University is a regional university with national programs and an international presence.