Post-show discussion

Post-show discussion

YOUNGSTOWN — Audience members who attend Saturday’s performance of “The Elephant Man” at Victorian Players Theater will have the opportunity to learn more about the strange malady that afflicted John Merrick in 1800s.

Cast and crew members will hold an informal discussion immediately following the performance. Also on hand will be Ed Port of Austintown, who is currently raising money for surgery to correct the effects of a facial tumor. Although Port does not suffer from the same ailment as Merrick, his insight into the condition will help audience members understand Merrick's circumstances, said J.E. Ballantyne. spokesman for the Youngstown Area Community Theatre Alliance, which is sponsoring the event.