BYU student puts a spin on production of 'The Elephant Man'

As part of their major, Theater Media Arts students can direct a short production of about 35 minutes, using volunteer actors and resources available from the BYU Department of Art.

Student Kim Hess Black chose to direct a production of "The Elephant Man," a book, movie and play based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, a man with extreme physical deformities.

Having first seen the show in high school, Black knew she always wanted to create her own production of the story.

It was a play that had me ask myself, who am I really? Black said. I really resonated with that.

But she also knew she wanted to put her own spin on the story.

I had the book You Are Special' by Max Lucado come to mind, she said.

In the book, the characters put dots or stars on each other, depending on the nature of their interaction.

The stars represent what others and ourselves think of what is good about us. And the dots represent what is bad or unworthy, actor Zoe Smith said. It's actually forced me to look at myself to ask what stars and dots do I have and what stars and dots do I put on other people.

In the show, as each character interacts with the Elephant Man, the audience sees him gradually lose dots and gain stars, symbolizing others beginning to see his inner self rather than just his deformities.

Later, he sheds all the stars and dots, representing the release of the worlds judgments and impressions.

The impressions you have about people are wrong, Black said. It doesn't matter if they're first impressions or 100th impressions, they're wrong because you don't see the whole person in that moment.

All the actors were volunteers helping Black with her class project, leaving the experience having learned valuable lessons.

"I think it's been an interesting exercise in finding value in the beliefs of others that I don't necessarily share," Tannor Olsen, volunteer actor, said.

I'm able to see the impact of what people's words and expressions and even thoughts have on others, Smith said.

After hours of rehearsal and dedication, the cast and crew brought together a story that challenges audiences to look past appearances.