Longfields-Davidson Heights delivered a heart-wrenching performance of Elephant/Man

Published May 31, 2025

Last updated May 31, 2025

11 minute read

Forrest Cook as Joseph Merrick, Suttida Khounsombat as Showman, and Anaiah Johnson, Ethan Russell-Stathatos, Kristin Chismark, Lisa Dubovitska, and Nolan Hollett as Crowd Members during Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s Cappies production of Elephant/Man, on April 26, 2025. Photo by Jackson Querry /StudentArticle content

Show #21
Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School
Elephant/Man
Director: Billy Poon
Student Co-Director: Angelita Lapenskie

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Kaitlyn Baker, Critic
St. Joseph High School

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In a world where physical appearance often dictates one’s worth, Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s performance of Elephant/Man challenged the mind to confront the harsh realities of discrimination and the profound humanity that lies beneath the surface.

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Elephant/Man is a dramatic play based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, a man in Victorian England who suffered from severe physical deformities. This performance explores themes of identity, humanity and the impact of discrimination. The play dives into Merrick’s life, showcasing his struggles and the compassion he receives from those around him, particularly from Dr.Frederick Treves, who seeks to understand and help him.

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The decision to have five different actors portray Joseph Merrick throughout the play was a powerful artistic choice. This allowed for the pervasive nature of discrimination and highlighted how it can affect individuals in various ways. Each actor (Vee Herbert, Forrest Cook, Jura Oudhoff, Riley Auger, and Nolan Hollett) brought their unique interpretation to the role, showcasing the multifaceted nature of Merrick’s identity and the societal perceptions that shaped his life. This creative decision emphasized that discrimination is not just limited to one individual but is a broader societal issue.

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Forrest Cook as Joseph Merrick and Cooper Groves, Riley Auger, Nolan Hollett, Amelia Liptak, and Julia Asada Butcher as Crowd Members during Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s Cappies production of Elephant/Man, on April 26, 2025. Photo by Jackson Querry /StudentArticle content

Alex Walker’s portrayal of Dr. Frederick Treves was a standout performance. Walker effectively captured Treves’ compassion when navigating the complexities of Merrick’s care as he evolves from a semi-paternalistic figure to one who grapples with his own moral dilemmas. These moral dilemmas working to reveal the tension between Dr. Frederick’s professional ambitions and genuine compassion for Joseph.

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Alex Walker’s commanding stage presence and chemistry with those portraying Merrick, enhanced the plays emotional resonance. Ultimately, Walker’s performance transformed Treves into a deeply thought-provoking character, making his journey of growth greatly impactful.

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The lighting design in the production was notably striking, using colour to symbolize the emotional journey of Merrick’s experiences. The use of red lighting effectively represented the nightmares and torment that Merrick was continuously trapped within, creating an eerie atmosphere that successfully conveyed his suffering. In contrast, blue lighting was used to signify moments of peace within dreams, providing a powerful juxtaposition to the darker elements of his life. This use of colour within the lighting provides an insight into the thought process of Merrick’s character as he fights his way through discrimination.

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In conclusion, Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s performance of Elephant/Man greatly showed the complexities of discrimination through the powerful story of Joseph Merrick. The cast should be extremely proud of the play they put on.

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Kurtis Murphy, Critic
Philemon Wright High School

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Thick, dark smoke billowed through the air as Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School delivered a heart-wrenching performance of Elephant/Man. The production told the poignant story of Joseph Merrick, a Victorian man known for his extreme facial deformities, as he navigates a cruel and discriminatory world in search of love and comfort after the death of his mother.

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Riley Auger delivered a powerful portrayal of Merrick 4, embodying the character with phenomenal depth. Auger’s voice was strong and consistent, capturing Merrick’s sentiments with emotionally charged belts that echoed with tears and raw feelings. Moving gracefully across the stage, Auger seamlessly blended dynamic body movements with expressive dance, showcasing a natural fluidity in performance. Transitioning from the ensemble to the lead role midway through the play, Auger’s ability to convey strong emotions through a range of facial expressions and determined body language was truly outstanding.

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Alex Walker delivered a compelling performance as Frederick Treves, displaying miraculous emotional depth and a profound connection with Merrick. Walker’s portrayal beautifully highlighted the bond they shared, emphasizing the power of human interconnectedness through clear projection and expressive facial gestures. In one particular nightmare scene, Walker skillfully amplified Merrick’s emotions, illustrating the profound emptiness in Merrick’s heart that should have been filled with love and comfort.

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Jura Oudhoff as Joseph Merrick, Alex Walker as Frederick Treeves, Kristin Chismark and Elizabeth Trail as Crowd Members, and Riley Auger, Aysia Chu, Anaiah Johnson, and Claudia Smith as fairies during Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s Cappies production of Elephant/Man, on April 26, 2025. Photo by Jackson Querry /StudentArticle content

Kat Khounsombat delivered a mesmerizing performance as the villainous Showman, mirroring remarkable passion and skill. With impeccable projection and tone, Khounsombat’s emotion cut through, bringing to life the greed and cold-heartedness that defined the character. Meanwhile, Amelia Liptak beautifully portrayed Mrs. Kendal’s nurturing and affectionate nature, maintaining that warmth right up to the very end.

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The dynamic lighting, crafted by Cayenne Sutherland, Isabella Roy, Alastair Fleury, and Ella Poulsen, truly elevated the show. Using a sombre blue light, they symbolized the life Merrick always envisioned, while the red lighting exposed the raw emotions hidden within Merrick’s confined mind. The inclusion of smoke machines added depth to the scenes, vividly bringing both Merrick’s dreams and nightmares to life, all while creating an ominous atmosphere. The sets, coordinated by Xandra Kelly, Jackson Querry, Lila Graham, and Sadie Towle, were selected with great precision. Elegant bookshelves and 1880s-era furniture provided a period-accurate touch, and a versatile bed on wheels was ingeniously utilized, adapting seamlessly for different scenes, including its creative use as a train.

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Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School delivered a truly outstanding performance of Elephant/Man, brimming with incredible passion. The cast and crew adroitly brought to life an emotionally charged narrative that powerfully addressed the issue of discrimination against individuals, regardless of their admirable traits.

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Chiara Frangione, Lead Critic
St. Pius X High School

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Meet Joseph Merrick, unaccepted by social standards, the zoo animal, the spectacle, the monster. Overlooked for his gentle nature, tender heart, and charming disposition, castrated by humanity and pitied by the ones he loved, Joseph Merrick is still “never not himself.” Longfields-Davidson Secondary School’s moving performance of Elephant/Man explored the burden and ubiquity of discrimination, bringing into question what it means to be a better version of yourself.

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Elephant/Man, written by Del Martin, follows Joseph Merrick in his quest for love, acceptance, and dignity. Despite Merrick’s intelligence and charm, society fixates on his deformities, overlooking the inherent goodness within him. Eventually, Merrick is brought to a human zoo, where he is displayed as a show attraction. Just as he begins to lose hope, he meets the compassionate Dr. Frederick Treves, who takes him to a London hospital. Despite the doctor’s efforts, Merrick grapples with his harsh reality, feeling utterly lost and isolated. In his tearful reflection on life and the importance of being true to himself, Merrick lies limp as he approaches death, mirroring the same circumstances introduced at the beginning of the play.

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Riley Auger, playing the role of Merrick 4, delivered a heart-wrenching performance, using an anguished vocal tone to convey the depth of the character’s suffering. Auger’s seamless transitions between a soft to raw, nihilistic vocal tone portrayed the character’s afflictions. They emphasized physicality and mannerisms while limping around the stage which flawlessly emulated those of an old man fatigued with the pain of his existence. Additionally, Auger’s physical reaction of shock and terror upon discovering Merrick 5 dead provided a raw, relatable performance that added depth to the scene.

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Vee Herbert as Joseph Merrick and Nudhal Elancheran, Madelyn Long, Elizabeth Trail, Jura Oudhoff, Francisco Lago, and Claudia Smith as Crowd Members during Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s Cappies production of Elephant/Man, on April 26, 2025. Photo by Jackson Querry /StudentArticle content

The cast of Elephant/Man brought angularity as their movements infused the performance with heartache. All actors channelled despair and sadness into their bodies, providing an artistic representation of grief and pain. Kat Khounsombat beautifully portrayed an avaricious showman, exploiting Merrick’s vulnerability with a strong stage presence and sinister smile. Amelia Liptak, playing the role of Mrs. Kendal, used a warm tone to emulate Merrick’s caring friend while gazing upon him with kind eyes. Impressively, Merrick 5, played by Nolan Hollett, captured the body language of an older man similar to Auger’s portrayal while transitioning into new storylines with ease. Francisco Lago’s apathetic line delivery and daunting presence as the Paris Policeman highlighted humanity’s ignorance of Merrick’s struggle.

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In hues of blue, pink, and red, the tech crews’ intricate tapestry of colour and music enhanced the acting and depth of the play. The musical arrangements created by Oliver Vohl and Hasan Ahmed perfectly captured the tone and mood of each scene, seamlessly integrating a variety of orchestral instruments. Edited using music software, the collection of pieces highlighted the students’ proficiency with digital tools. The sound team expertly timed a multitude of sound cues, adding depth and dimension to the play. The lighting was carefully selected to set the tone for each scene, using red to represent anguish in Merrick’s nightmares, pink for his fantasies, and blue to emulate Merrick’s torment. Ominous fog special effects added a thick ambience and intense atmosphere to the scenes. The skirts sewn were intricately designed to allow for quick costume changes as the actors seamlessly transitioned into the role of Merrick.

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Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s poignant portrayal of Elephant/Man invoked reflection on uniqueness and authenticity, shedding light on the societal destructiveness of superficiality and discrimination.

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Josh Neubauer, CriticSt. Pius X High School Photo by Maria Vartanova /Canada Capital CappiesArticle content

In a world where appearances often define worth, Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School brought unforgettable humanity to the stage with Elephant/Man. Through stunning performances, evocative visuals, and eye-catching costumes and makeup, the production told John Merrick’s story with compassion, clarity, and lasting impact.

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Elephant/Man, based on the real life of Joseph Merrick, follows a severely deformed man in Victorian England who, after years of exploitation, finds unexpected kindness through Dr. Frederick Treves. As Merrick searches for acceptance in a society obsessed with appearances, the story explores themes of humanity, compassion, and judgement.

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Bringing John Merrick to life with astonishing depth and care, Riley Auger delivered a breathtaking performance. Every movement and word revealed both Merrick’s physical pain and emotional resilience. Auger’s delivery of every line struck with unforgettable power. The performance balanced vulnerability and strength, allowing Merrick’s spirit to shine through in a portrayal both raw and respectful.

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Riley Auger as Joseph Merrick, Kristin Chismark and Elizabeth Trail as Crowd Members, and Jura Oudhoff as a Fairy during Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s Cappies production of Elephant/Man, on April 26, 2025. Photo by Jackson Querry /StudentArticle content

Meanwhile, Alex Walker crafted a compelling portrayal of Dr. Frederick Treves, displaying the character’s transformation from scientific observer to conflicted protector with remarkable nuance. Treves’ emotional conflict grew steadily, showing a man torn between professional ambition and personal guilt. A breakdown during the second act revealed the heavy cost of treating Merrick as both patient and spectacle, adding weight to the production’s central moral questions.

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The costumes and makeup by Masquerade Makeup Masters added authenticity and emotional depth to the world of the play. Victorian-era costumes reflected the rigid class divisions and societal expectations surrounding Merrick. The makeup work enhanced the look of each character and made the atmosphere all the more realistic.

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Lighting by the Gobosapiens lighting team provided further emotional layering. Harsh, sterile lighting early in the story emphasized the coldness and isolation Merrick faced. As moments of friendship and dignity entered Merrick’s life, shifts toward blissful, softer lighting mirrored this evolution beautifully. The lighting work enhanced the storytelling without distracting from the performances.

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Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s production of Elephant/Man stood as a moving, thoughtful exploration of what it means to seek connection and compassion in an unforgiving world. Through masterful performances, detailed design, and a clear emotional vision, this production honored John Merrick’s story with immense heart and unforgettable power.

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Veronica Petty, Critic
St. Pius X High School

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The cast and crew of Longfield-Davidson Heights Secondary School presented Elephant/Man in an unforgettable production which showcased compassion, cruelty and humanity. The show brought the tragic yet inspiring story of Joseph Merrick to life through striking performances, thoughtful staging, and a clear emotional core.

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Set during Victorian era England, the story follows Joseph Merrick, a man who suffers from severe deformity. He is ruthlessly discriminated against and mistreated at any job he manages to get, until Dr. Frederick Treves rescues him from his mistreatment. Through Merrick’s unexpected acceptance, the play forces viewers to reevaluate their understanding of how dignity and beauty present themselves in today’s society.

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Sophie Poirier as Princess, Amelia Liptak as Mrs. Kendal, Riley Auger as Joseph Merrick, Alex Walker as Frederick Treeves, and Suttida Khounsombat as Showman during Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s Cappies production of Elephant/Man, on April 26, 2025. Photo by Jackson Querry /StudentArticle content

The production was led by Riley Auger who performed as Merrick 4 and delivered a heart-wrenching, transformative performance. Through physicality, voice and expression, without prosthetics or heavy makeup, Auger portrayed Merrick’s condition in a way that was both haunting and deeply human. Standing by the side of Merrick was Alex Walker as Dr.Treves, putting on a compelling performance of a man who struggles between scientific curiosity and genuine compassion. The emotional bond between the actors made the production’s heavy themes powerful and impactful.

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The supporting cast enhanced the story through their performances, especially the Princess played by Sophie Poirier, who brought warmth and humour and the malicious and vengeful Showman, played by Kat Khounsombat. Each performance felt intentional and contributed to the world of the play.

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Behind the scenes, the stage crew put on the technical elements with great attention to detail. The subtle lighting colour shifts guided the audience’s focus and transported them into the intended mood, while the minimal yet very dynamic sets kept attention focused on the actors while insinuating multiple locations and periods with ease. Costuming and makeup was accurate to the period while emphasizing the difference between characters and their socioeconomic status, adding a strong sense of realism.

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Longfield-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s Elephant/Man gave more than just a performance – it was a look into the dynamic exploration of the empathy and resilience that resides within us all. With their delicate storytelling and emotional commitment to every role, the cast and crew brought to life a timeless story and left every heart filled with the reminder of the strength it takes to see and truly accept one another, despite our differences.

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Nolan Hollett as Joseph Merrick and Alex Walker as Frederick Treeves during Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School’s Cappies production of Elephant/Man, on April 26, 2025. Photo by Jackson Querry /StudentArticle content

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About the reviews:

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The Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School production was reviewed by 30 critics representing 8 schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Sabrina Kayed of Hillcrest High School and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Rebecca Rich of St. Mark High School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers.

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Next review: Almonte and District High School’s production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: High School Edition.

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About the Cappies:

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The Citizen and 23 high schools are participating in the Cappies, a Washington, D.C.based program that uses high school critics to review high school theatre. The program is a unique partnership between the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Two schools from other boards in the region and two private schools have also joined. The Cappies season culminates with an awards Gala in June graciously hosted by the National Arts Centre. Follow Canada’s Capital Cappies on Instagram @OttawaCappies.

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