Merrick's Prosthetics

While Merrick’s physical deformities were certainly extraordinary, the way in which the sensitive man that inhabits that body is revealed is just as fascinating. Director Divis opts to portray Merrick’s condition only with physical contortion by abstaining from striking prosthetics and make-up, despite that the technology would be readily available. Divis’ decision keeps his play in parallel with that of Pomerance, as he too chose to have his play performed without prosthetics. Notably, during scene 1 of the play, we are introduced to the actor playing Merrick with blown-up slides of real photographs of Joseph Merrick placed beside him (with his physical deformities). These examples illuminate the obvious elephant in the room (no pun intended).