The premiere of the theatrical performance of “The Elephant Man” by Bernard Pomerance, is presented at the Nicosia International Festival 2025, in collaboration with Satiriko Theatre and Audere Productions, directed by Andreas Kyriakou. The performance will take place on Friday, 21 November 2025, at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre (20:30).
This is the true story of John Merrick, a severely deformed man who lived in Victorian London in 1880 and became a symbol of human dignity. His story inspired writers, scientists, and artists alike, and has been adapted for both stage and cinema in profoundly emotional ways.
This day’s Merrick
This production attempts to offer a bold, contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic play, bringing timeless questions of acceptance, diversity, normalcy, and compassion to the forefront.
Rather than serving as a historical re-enactment, the performance functions as a modern day allegory: the doctors resemble influencers, while the attendees of the “freakshow” he was forced to perform in, are today’s social media era spectators. The set and costume design adopt an aesthetic of “contradictory time,” blending Victorian and modern elements. Merrick’s physical deformity is suggested through the direction, the body and the lighting, rather than realistic tools. The narration unfolds in plurality, with actors shifting between roles and narrative functions. It is a contemporary stage reading of an emblematic work, which brings timeless questions of normalcy, marginalisation and collective responsibility into the current day.
The directorial approach of Andreas Kyriakou does not confine itself to realistic depictions; instead, the deformity of the hero is implied through light, movement and embodied physicality, enhancing empathy without resorting to pity. He adopts a bold and exploratory theatrical language, grounded in physicality, role-shifting and the fragmentation of the narration, strengthening empathy and offering accessibility on multiple levels.
“The Elephant Man” by Dimitris Potamitis
There have been few times in the history of Cypriot theatre when this particular work has been presented. In 2012, it was presented by Theatro ENA, while the first show dates back to 1980, when a pioneering, for his time, director and actor Dimitris Potamitis, with the Theatre of Research, presented it in Cyprus and Greece. It was an emblematic production. Potamitis portrayed Merrick by giving his body a subtle tilt, without, however, disfiguring his face. Αiming to depict the image of Merrick’s soul, which was pure and spotless. Potamitis made the right choice regarding the appearance of the character. Exactly as he was “seen” by Dr Treves, who took him under his protection. He was astonished by Merrick’s brilliant mind, his unwavering faith, and his yearning for acceptance, love and romance. Deep down, deep down… the Elephant Man was in no way different from the ordinary, everyday person… Potamitis managed to win over the commercial theatres of his time, made audiences love Merrick, and added him to the defining roles of his theatrical career.
Satiriko Theatre
At the heart of Satiriko Theatre’s creative pursuit lies the human being in all their contradictions: citizen and private individual, victim and accomplice, tragic and light-hearted. Each year, the theatre stages productions that address diverse audiences, regardless of age, education, or cultural background, with the aim of bringing people closer to the art of theatre. It invests equally in contemporary works, iconic theatrical texts, as well as productions with an entertaining character.
Credits
Director: Andreas Kyriacou
Translation/ adaptation: Frixos Masouras
Set design: Eleni Ioannou
Costume design: Sofia Mavromichalis
Music: Constantinos Evangelidis
Lighting design: George Lazoglou
Cast: Christodoulos Martas, Vasilis Michail, Penny Finiri, Polyxeni Savva, Eleni Zanti, Andreas Georgiou, Georgia Nicolaou, George Lizos, Maria Chara Trousa
Duration: 120΄
Age group: Suitable for all ages
Tickets:
Available online via more.com:
http://bit.ly/4grNxB8 and the Nicosia Municipal Theatre box office (Monday - Friday 10:00-13:00).
Ticket prices:
VIP: €16/ €18
ZONE A: €14/ €16
ZONE B: €12/ €14
ZONE C: €10/ €12
ZONE D: €8/ €10
Reduced tickets are valid for: Children, students, soldiers, pensioners, large families, actors, unemployed, people with disabilities (free) with presentation of relevant ID.
Information: 22797979 (Monday - Friday 10:00-13:00) &
http://bit.ly/3VjZ0ZG
Festival identity
Organisers: Nicosia Municipality, Nicosia For Art
Festival sponsors: OPAP Cyprus, ALTIA, more.com, Cyprus Public Transport
Supporters: Travelhouse, UCLan Cyprus, WINECORE, Gate Twenty Two Boutique Hotel, Classic Hotel Nicosia
Media sponsors: DIAS Publishing & SIGMA TV, LOVE FM 100.7, and “KATHIMERINΙ” newspaper