Yvonne Arnaud – until 11th May 2019
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
5*****
A world-renowned playwright, Shaffer wrote Equus in 1973. This was an era when gay right activists were gaining a voice and this is a play full of dysfunctional heterosexual relationships! Delving into psychology, mysticism, erotica and sexuality, Equus is as intense as it is dynamic.
The Narrator is the psychiatrist, Martin Dysart (Zubin Varla). He takes us through the unfolding of a young man’s pathology, culminating in the blinding of 6 horses. The young man, Alan Strang (Ethan Kai), has created his own equine worship, Equus. More than once Dysart (Varla) is questioning which reality is better? The boy with great passion or the man in a sterile marriage; the fervour of Alan Strang’s (Kai) equine worship or the placid, everyday existence that his life will become once cured? To ‘fix’ the boy, Dysart (Varla) has to delve deeply into Alan Strang’s (Kai) mind, a challenge to his own mental health. The fluid delivery of Varla’s (Dysart) dialogue draws you into his world immediately. The natural innocence of Kai (Strang) opens up his world for you to see. Both characters totally believable.
The physicality of the performance is mesmerising. Ira Mandela Siobhan as the horse called Nugget, flexes every sinew of his body leaving you in no doubt what he is. Shelley Maxwell, Movement Director, has managed to bring the spirit of the animal to the performance of all 6 horse actors. The ease and flow of their movements make this fine art look simple. The use of floor to ceiling silks and a bare floor as the set is inspired, giving the Creative Team full rein, using lighting and sound effects to create the different spaces and times. The result is dramatic and impactful.
Amongst the drama a stand out moment for me is the sustained look of fear and shock on Frank Strang’s (Robert Fitch) face, when his son (Alan Strang) catches him at the cinema, watching an adult film. His explanation sent a ripple of laughter through the audience, breaking the tension perfectly. The professional delivery of all the supporting cast is outstanding – not something you get to say very often.
Ned Bennett is brave and bold in his direction of Equus, making it as accessible to students as it is seasoned theatre goers. Well worth a watch.