The play Equus was written 40 years ago by Peter Shaffer and was inspired by a true life crime involving a 17 year old that blinded six horses in a small town near Suffolk. The term “equus” is the Latin word for horse.
Actor’s Express is presenting Equus in its intimate space and brings this story to life with some dramatic set design. The horses are captured in masterful head dress worn by the actors.
The story can be intense at times, but as it moves along quickly. In it, the disturbed young man Alan Strang (Kyle Brumley) has been taken in by the authorities and the court magistrate Heather Salomon (Kathleen Wattis) recommends the boy to be treated by psychiatrist Martin Dysart (Chris Kayser) who serves as a narrator in the play.
Chris Kayser does an outstanding job as a psychiatrist digging deeper and deeper into Alan’s psyche, who has a strong wall around him.
Chris Kayser (Dr. Dysart), Kyle Brumley (as Alan Strang) and Sarah Elizabeth Wallis (as Jill) in Equus Photo by BreeAnne Clowdus
At times you get a sense you are a fly of the wall as the story carefully unveils itself to the complexity of an unstable person. Mixed in with mama and daddy’s issues, it is a classic exploration of examining the modern mind.
In the end, you love the majestic presence of the horse and the fine line between doctor and patient; who is examining who? The balance of power and role of sexuality as it defines in who we are.
Equus directed by David Crowe runs through April 21, 2013 at Actor’s Express, an opportunity to see an intriguing play about the complexity of mental health.
For more information: www.Actors-Express.com
Don’t miss out on the Prom You Always Wanted Express Yourself: 25th Anniversary Fundraiser for Actor’s Express on Friday April 26.
