An electric-guitar wielding narrator, dressed in black leather, declares: “The word normal was invented in the 19th century… not how things are, but how they should be.” Joseph Merrick’s father drunkenly informs his son that he does not fit this “age of sameness”.
Merrick (1862-1890) endured a rare, debilitating physical condition that severely restricted the movement of both his legs and one arm. It also affected the shape of his head, limiting his facial expressions and ability to speak. Unable to work, and not prepared to accept a life in the workhouse, Merrick became a sideshow attraction, billed as the Elephant Man. During his final four years, he was provided with refuge at the London hospital.
