Gives Me Chills

Last night I had the privilege to attend the BYU mainstage production of "The Elephant Man."
Originally, my motivation for going to this production was purely academic, although the concept of did mildly intrigue me.

But I will ever be glad I went.

This production - based on a true story - was extraordinary. Not only was the concept deep and moving, but attention to detail was at its utmost and in a word, exquisite. It had the capability not to simply be a performance with the goal to entertain. Instead, it allowed an audience to be absorbed in the production to the point where we were no longer removed from it. In a sense we became a part of it.

 A good script cannot be good without capable actors and actresses, so allow me a moment to comment on the sheer talent of the entire cast involved. They amazed me. One actor in particular stood out, for he played the role of the "Elephant Man" or "Joseph." This character deals with major physical disfigurements and distortions, and the way the actor embraced that in his characterization was remarkable. We as an audience had no doubts of his believability.

The craftsmanship of this show was beautiful as well. Although the nature of the "Elephant Man's" disfigurement caused others to be repulsed by him to the point that he was labelled a freak of nature, in reality it was he who was the figure of beauty, in the way he saw the world and those around him. The perception of others was clouded by their outlook on the physical, and their inability to truly understand those around them. I continue to be amazed at the precision artistic choices made in this play lent to that idea. Its beauty rendered me to tears and caused me to wish to have a greater understanding of the beauty around me.

I dare not say more, except to say that if you  are at BYU and have a chance to watch this show before it closes on November 12, do so! It is well worth it, several times over.

In fact...

It may be that it was the best production I have, and ever may see, during my days on this campus.

(all images were found at http://www.byuarts.com/calendar/eventdescription_v2.php?eventid=54)