"This opera tells the story of the Elephant Man from his own perspective, rather than from the doctor's as did the famous David Lynch movie starring John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins," said Minnesota Opera artistic director Dale Johnson. "I think this is highly appropriate, because ultimately, it is the story of a beautiful soul. It's the characters on the outside that distort that reality, seeing only his disease."
According to Johnson, director and choreographer Doug Varone's staging relies on "movement rather than disfiguring makeup to portray this spirit."
The cast includes David Walker in the title role and Christopher Schaldenbrand as Frederick Treves, the doctor who befriended Merrick, as well as members of Varone's dance troupe.
The production team also includes assistant director Peter Kozma, set designer Christine Jones, costume designer James Schuette, lighting designer Jane Cox, and wig and makeup artist Tom Watson. Antony Walker, the co-director of Australia's Pinchgut Opera, is the conductor.
Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man runs though May 21 at the Ordway Center in St. Paul.