Disturbing, profound drama coming to campus in Equus
by Julia Mims, reporter

    Equus, the new play coming Wednesday, April 18, to Roberson Theater on SE Campus, is an emotionally complicated tale through the mind of a troubled 17-year-old boy named Alan Strang.

    The audience is taken on an interesting journey of discovery and obsession.

    Equus is an established production that won a Tony in 1975 for Best Play and Best Director.

    In 1977 it was made into a movie, which won an Oscar for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay.

    Leonard McCormick, who directed Equus on South Campus years ago, believed he was ready to present it again with his present cast. He felt they were ready to take on this project.

    The audience first meets Alan, played enthusiastically by Jonathan Murphy, in England, at a hospital for troubled teens.
    What action sends him to the hospital is very unsettling.

    The boy blinded five horses with a metal spike at a stable, where he was working on weekends.

    McCormick said the play does not try to condone or to excuse the actions of Alan.

    Equus presents information on Alan’s life and attempts to illustrate obsession and raw feelings.

    Martin Dysart, played earnestly by Chris Dimock, is the psychiatrist who undertakes Alan’s care. He really does not expect anything from this boy but agrees to take him as a favor to the boy’s lawyer.

    Many emotions are revealed in the sessions between patient and doctor and through flashbacks.

    While Dysart is listening to Alan, he begins to look more intensely at his own life, seemingly blurring the line of normality between the two.

    In Equus the audience feels involved in the sessions with Alan and Dysa

rt as they both sit on the stage and delve into each other’s minds.
    During the first visit with Dysart, Alan does not respond to any of his questions.

    Instead, Alan mumbles the tune of the Doublemint gum commercial.

    “Double your pleasure; double your fun” is not a phrase one expects with such a serious topic. It is needed comic relief, albeit awkward.

    The stage design and placement of the actors are both very conducive to the plot.

    On the stage sits a large square platform on wheels. Almost the entire action takes place in this area.

    Instead of having the actors come from the side curtains when are needed, they are onstage for the whole production.

    The 13 actors sit in chairs on each side of the stage in plain view of the audience.

    This staging is creative and appropriate for Equus. It is as if all eyes are on Alan and Dysart as they both try to understand themselves better.

    All elements come together for a talented and creative play.

    The play runs in the SE theater Tuesday, April 17-Saturday, April 21, at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday.

    Call 817-515-7745 for reservations and prices.