OnBook Theatre in association with Park Theatre presents the UK Premiere of The Elephant Song by Nicolas Billon. The play is directed by Jason Moore. It runs from Wed 18 January 2023 – Sat 11 February 2023.
“See that closet? He’s in there. All wrapped up so he doesn’t smell too much.”
A sudden disappearance of a psychiatrist from a mental health unit raises questions. Michael, a young patient from the hospital, is a suspect in his disappearance. Determined to question Michael, Dr. Greenberg, the hospital director, ignores the head nurse’s cryptic warnings.
Michael talks about Opera and elephants with Greenberg. He tells him his mother was a famous opera singer who was distant and uncaring. He describes the circumstances of his forced stay in the hospital, hinting to inappropriate doctor-patient relationships which involved him and his supervising doctor, including a bizarre relationship with the head nurse.
In a tumultuous power struggle with Greenberg, Michael attempts to get the truth for his potential freedom, with disastrous consequences. Between the mind games and verbal tugs-of-war, The Elephant Song is a cat-and-mouse game that will keep you guessing until the end.
The Artiscape spoke with director Jason Moore about the upcoming production.
Why did you decide to direct the Elephant Song?
Moore: My partner, Ian Nicholas, is a fan of the play and brought it to my attention as he knows I like to direct plays about human relationships.
I think that human nature is fascinating. Just when you think you know what people are capable of, they turn around and surprise and shock you all over again.
The Elephant Song is a perfect example of how the human mind can turn tables on you. You may think you know where someone’s story is going to lead, but you really can’t assume anything. That’s the kind of play that I find thrilling to direct.
What are the challenges in directing a psychological thriller?
Moore: When directing a psychological thriller, it’s important to build and maintain a certain level of tension. But you have to take your time with it, let the audience discover the characters and become invested in their stories.
Then you pull the rug out from under them. Keep them on their toes. This play allows for that because there’s no interval that interrupts the action. Also, the action takes place in real time, which keeps the audience slightly on edge.
There’s no ‘passage of time’ with changing sets, costumes, or special effects. A bare bone setting in real time, in thrust and with a fly on the wall perspective can come with its own set of issues. But Nicolas Billon’s text is the key.
The characters are well constructed and perfectly flawed, and the audience will relate to these three characters. The dialogue is smart, gripping and holds your attention right to the very end. But of course, you’ll have to come to the theatre and see that for yourself.
Why was Park Theatre your choice of venue?
Moore: Park Theatre has a stellar reputation for hosting new works along with modern classics. Its audiences are varied with a broad demographic range because there’s always something for everyone.
We also like the modern, intimate space and we knew The Elephant Song needed a space that provides a thrust stage so the audience can feel they’re in the room with the characters. Park was our first and top choice and we are truly blessed to be there.
What do you think an audience will enjoy from the Elephant Song?
Moore: Since this is the play’s UK premiere, London audiences will experience The Elephant Song on stage for the very first time, which is always exciting. We want to shine a light on this thought-provoking play that will surprise audiences with its smart, snappy dialogue and a twist at the end that will shock some and disturb many.
What are you looking forward to about this upcoming production?
Moore: Well, working at Park for one thing, which is a real treat for us. We also have a cast of three wonderful actors who we cherry picked for these roles. Also meeting and working with playwright Nicolas Billon has been very special.
We have an open line of communication with Nicolas which is helpful and creative when working on the play. We had the privilege of producing Joe Penhall’s “Landscape with Weapon” recently and Ian and I were grateful he took time to meet, talk and come and see the play.
Having a direct relationship with the playwright adds such a depth of clarity for any producer/director.
Park Theatre
