Reviews

A long time ago, in a high school library far, far away ... I judged Peter Shaffer's "Equus" by its vague title and its enticing cover. An unnatural and dangerous flirtation with playwriting and Latin pronunciation caused me to crack open the spine of this book that day, but Shaffer's fascinating writing style sent me back to it multiple times throughout my time at Douglas Anderson. I'd never experienced a playwright like Shaffer before, and I haven't experienced a playwright like Shaffer since.

For years, "Equus" has steadfastly remained my favorite play. When director Thea Sharrock revived the play for production in London and, later on, in New York, my boyfriend and I traveled the East Coast to see it. With this being said, I can't believe it took me so many years to read "Amadeus," a Shaffer play which has competed vigorously and perhaps successfully for the title of Shaffer's greatest work.

"Amadeus" immediately impressed me. It was a powerfully successful decision on Shaffer's part to frame the entire work's structure around the destruction of the fourth wall. He less frequently but just as powerfully used the same technique in "Equus." This proved essential to the audience's omnipresence. I understood. I cared for. I despised. I revolted. Though shocked, nothing came as a shock. Shaffer's intimate writing brought flat characters of an indistinguishable society into my bedroom, mind, and heart. I've taken both lower level and upper level music appreciation college courses, but only through the lens of "Amadeus" was I able to clearly see Mozart's plight for the first time. I also, for the first time, gandered at the possible effect Mozart's talent must have had on the professional musicians around him. Shaffer's writing allowed me to see these historical figureheads as people. Just people. With lives full of catastrophe and wonder--the evil and good we all battle and strive for through (forgive me) tears and years of struggle.

boyishgirl's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious

Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

marupkin's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

ritsukas's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

rating:3.5 stars
— read for school

bmurby's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This is one of the best plays I have ever read yet I have to give it a three star rating because in reality it is obvious that it can be nowhere as good on paper as it would be on the stage. Still though that characters are wonderfully written and I could really empathize with theme. The themes are also excellent; seriousness vs childishness, revenge, jealously, sexuality, death. I certainly enjoyed it.

Full Review:
http://murbybooks.blogspot.com/2015/01/peter-shaffers-amadeus.html

More...