Home / Arts and Entertainment / Raw Power: Equus Revival Stuns with Intense Depiction
Raw Power: Equus Revival Stuns with Intense Depiction
19 May
Summary
- A psychiatrist attempts to cure a teen who blinded six horses.
- The play explores themes of power, desire, and devotion.
- Human actors physically embody the horses in a striking visual.
Lindsay Posner's revival of Peter Shaffer's 'Equus' masterfully captures the 1973 play's intensity. The production focuses on Alan Strang, a 17-year-old portrayed by Noah Valentine, who committed the shocking act of blinding six horses. As Alan undergoes therapy with psychiatrist Martin Dysart, played by Toby Stephens, the dynamics of power and desire shift.
The play's visceral impact is amplified by its staging. Six male performers, their bodies streaked with black, physically embody the horses, their movements choreographed by James Cousins. Paul Pyant's lighting accentuates the physical presence of these horse-men, representing Alan's profound reverence for them. Valentine's performance powerfully conveys both intense devotion and childish vulnerability.
Posner's direction leans into Shaffer's examination of blame and belief. Dysart questions the value of a life lived without passionate devotion, even as he seeks to exorcise Alan's demons. The production excels in its most intense moments, presenting a compelling narrative about worship, obsession, and the search for meaning.
