Take a photo of a barcode or cover
christopherc 's review for:
Equus
by Peter Shaffer
Peter Shaffer's 1972 play Equus is an original and often shocking portrayal of the relationship between Martin Dysart, a child psychiatrist, and Alan Strang, a young man who has blinded six horses with a spike. Shaffer's striking message is that modern technology and convenience has weakened Man by removing his capacity for worship and his understanding of pain. The playwright has given Dysart the hobby of archeology of ancient Greece, a time when people saw the hand of the gods in everything, and sacrifice was a custom. With this Shaffer sheds light on what he sees as the degeneracy of our modern age, when science has removed all mystery from Nature and our only gods are machines and rationalism.
Equus is in several respects a memorable play. The stage design given by Shaffer is quite novel, using a central raised platform, circular and revolving, together with two benches on either side and, in the background, a row of seats for the chorus representing the god Equus. The play's theme is also ingenious, whether or not one agrees with it. The dialogue is also believably written (for the most part).
However, Equus somewhat falls apart in the end. The play's climactic scene, where Alan Strang's motivation for blinding the horses is revealed, is somewhat incoherent. In the final scene, the characters suddenly speak out of part, which is unnecessary and seems quite forced. While these flaws don't annoy too much if one is reading the play, they would mar watching the play performed.
I would recommend Equus for those who are intrigued by its message and stage design. It is not a perfect play, however, and I give it three stars.
Equus is in several respects a memorable play. The stage design given by Shaffer is quite novel, using a central raised platform, circular and revolving, together with two benches on either side and, in the background, a row of seats for the chorus representing the god Equus. The play's theme is also ingenious, whether or not one agrees with it. The dialogue is also believably written (for the most part).
However, Equus somewhat falls apart in the end. The play's climactic scene, where Alan Strang's motivation for blinding the horses is revealed, is somewhat incoherent. In the final scene, the characters suddenly speak out of part, which is unnecessary and seems quite forced. While these flaws don't annoy too much if one is reading the play, they would mar watching the play performed.
I would recommend Equus for those who are intrigued by its message and stage design. It is not a perfect play, however, and I give it three stars.