You have never seen elephants like the ones playing at the New Victory Theater in Times Square. These life-size puppets of mother and baby elephant are as ephemeral as the fabrics they are made of, as strong as their massive bodies suggest and as anthropomorphic as the human legs that propel them. In short, these stunningly constructed elephants elicit our most tender feelings.
The new production “Elephant” at New Victory Theater was created by 2 companies: The Dodgy Clutch from the UK and The Market Theatre from Johannesburg, South Africa. Their dynamic collaboration results in a lively 75 minute show of energetic dancing, rhythmic singing and powerful storytelling.
An African chief is exuberant as he reaches the gates of heaven, anxious to gain entry for what he believes was a judiciously lived life. When he is denied access, he turns to his elders to ask them why he has been left outside. They entreat him to revisit his life. As we flash back with him and the devil as his companion, we see the fiercely competitive relationship that he developed with his brother. As a young boy, the Chief-to-be was jealous of his brother’s ability to communicate with the elephants. The Chief-to-be also incorrectly suspects his brother of philandering with his wife. To spite his brother and also to make himself known as a “man”, the prospective Chief takes up his gun and kills one of the elephants that his brother treasures. The mother elephant dies and the baby elephant is orphaned. The young Chief feels no remorse. The ghost of the Chief however does, and repents this horrific act. With this newfound penance, the mother elephant is raised from the dead and is reunited with her baby. The story is a simple one, yet compellingly told by the two dancers as brothers, the cast of elders, the devil and the Chief. The voice of the chief has a warm tone and the elders are powerful in their combined chorus of expressing the joys and pain of his life. The Devil is appropriately portrayed as slick and convincing. The dancing is exciting to watch as is the percussionist who moves among his instruments onstage. The lighting and costumes are vibrant and serve to illustrate the changes in both mood and time.
The elephants, however steal the show with their billowing flesh and vulnerability. They are magical to watch.
Although the storyline can be upsetting for children, it is treated in a sensitive way. This performance is recommended for ages 7 years and up and I would be sure that your child can handle the subject matter, regardless of age. The adults in the audience were particularily appreciative of such a compelling and sophisticated production that affected both them and their children in a positive way. I have never heard an audience clap so enthusiastically at the New Vic, and some gave a standing ovation. It was a memorable production and worth rushing to get tickets to before it leaves after May 2nd.
New Victory Theater
209 West 42nd Street
(between Seventh and Eighth Avenues)
New York, NY 10036
Tel: (646) 223-3010
Fax: (646) 562-2200
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