The Elephant Song

By Nicolas Billon

An eminent psychiatrist has vanished from his office. The last person to have seen him is Michael, a troubled patient.

Dr. Greenberg, the hospital director, is determined to question Michael, ignoring the head nurse's cryptic warnings. Michael speaks of elephants and opera—with the occasional hint of murder and foul play. Fraught with mind games and verbal tugs-of-war, The Elephant Song is a cat-and-mouse game that will keep you guessing until its haunting conclusion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Playwrights Canada Press
• Release date: Apr 1, 2006
• ISBN: 9780369102676

Nicolas Billon

Nicolas Billon’s plays have been produced across Canada as well as New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo. His first play, The Elephant Song, was made into a feature film starring Bruce Greenwood, Xavier Dolan and Catherine Keener; his latest play, Butcher, is currently in development with Rhombus Media. Nic’s awards include the Governor General’s Award for Drama, the Writer’s Guild of Canada Screenwriting Award, the Canadian Screen Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, multiple NOW Magazine Audience Choice Awards and an Overall Excellence Award for Playwriting from the NYC Fringe.

Book preview

Lights up. Dr JAMES LAWRENCE’s office is sparsely furnished: a desk, a few chairs, and perhaps a supine couch. On a table, a ragged-looking Christmas tree with multi-coloured lights provides an air of surreal festivity.

GREENBERG enters, a cup of coffee in one hand and a bundle of files (including a purple one) in the other, which he puts down on the desk. He goes to the window and stares outside; a few seconds later, MISS PETERSON enters.

PETERSON: You found it.

GREENBERG: That’s a strange thing to say.

PETERSON: We don’t see you around here very often.

GREENBERG: Why would you? You usually run a tight ship down here.

PETERSON: Can I get you some coffee? (GREENBERG indicates his cup.) Any news?

GREENBERG: Not yet.

PETERSON: And you think Michael knows what happened?

GREENBERG: If he does, I’ll find out.

PETERSON: Right now?

GREENBERG: Yes.

PETERSON: You understand what you’re dealing with, don’t you?

GREENBERG: Miss Peterson, I am well aware of the type of—

PETERSON: He’s not like the others.

GREENBERG: I understand. But I’m not here to see him as a doctor.

PETERSON: Don’t underestimate him.

GREENBERG: I’ll come to my own conclusions, thank you.

PETERSON: He’ll play games with you.

GREENBERG: You don’t seem very fond of this patient, Miss Peterson.

PETERSON: I’m trying to help. That doesn’t mean that I don’t like him.

GREENBERG: I understand. (beat) Thank you.

PETERSON: I’ll be across the hall, if you have any questions. Extension 114. You have his file. Make sure you don’t—

GREENBERG: I know what purple means, thank you.

PETERSON: Shall I go get him?

GREENBERG: Please.

PETERSON: (turns to leave; stops) How much do you know about elephants?

GREENBERG: I beg your pardon?

PETERSON: He’ll be down in a moment. (exits)

GREENBERG settles in and is about to open the purple folder when his cell phone rings. He takes it out and checks the incoming number.

GREENBERG: Shit. (answers) Hi. ( … ) Yes, everything is fine. ( … ) No, I’m in Lawrence’s office. Still no news. ( … ) I have no idea. It shouldn’t be more than fifteen— ( … ) I know. ( … ) Yes, I know what day it is. Listen, I’m about to interview a patient— ( … ) Well what am I supposed to do? ( … ) I’m sorry, I have to go. ( … ) Love you too.

GREENBERG puts the phone back in his pocket. He is about to return to his work when we hear, off-stage, a song.

MICHAEL: (off-stage) " …onze éléphants, ça trompe énormément! "

PETERSON: (off-stage) Michael, please!

Enter MICHAEL and PETERSON.

GREENBERG: Hello Michael.

PETERSON: I’ll be across the hall.

GREENBERG: Thank you. (PETERSON exits.) I’m Dr Greenberg. Sit, please.

MICHAEL: You’re a