Equus Peter Shaffer |
|
|
|
Summer 2003 (see also “Showtime”, performed as part of the same course) Taliesin Arts Centre, Roskilde ( Denmark ) |
Shaffer's passionate and disturbing play about a boy who blinds horses and the ensuing psychiatric care he experiences is a tale of two journeys – the journey of the boy, Alan Strang, towards some kind of resolution, and the increasing self-doubt of the psychiatrist about his professional worth, marriage and life in general. Described by the New York Times as “A Very Important Play”, the piece argues that materialism and convenience have killed our capacity for worship and passion. The play has the added challenge of staging scenes where actor's must portray horses, and create the presence of an equine deity, whilst studying the effects family, and sexuality have on the central character Strang.
Martin Dysart (Nick Richards), Alan Strang (Jordan Piles), Nugget (Barnaby Kellett), Hesther Saloman (Miranda Roszkowski), Jill Mason (Bethan Walker), Harry Dalton (Sam Thomas), Dora Strang (Mair George-Babi) Frank Strang (Paul Jewell), Nurse (Jennifer Shakesby), Horseman (Owain Loft), Horses (Katy McNamara, Gemma Thomas, Michael Thomas ,Gareth Jones, Seona Bell, Chris Davies, James Griffiths, Gareth Rees, Caitlin Evans, Victoria Coats, Owain Loft)
Hilary Statts (Stage Manager), James Dendle, Louise David, Helen Forde.
Director – Nick Evans.
Asst. Direction – Kevin Matherick, Julie Hobday
Technical Direction/Lighting – Adrian Hocking
Technical Management–Jeff Lewis.
Wardrobe – Mary Pugh, Helen Forde.
Poster Design – Craig Skidmore.
“Equus” became the first piece that West Glamorgan Youth Theatre toured abroad in over 15 years, visiting Roskilde in Denmark in August 2003 (the company also toured “Showtime”). The project played in three venues, and received excellent reviews in the Danish press, and the Amstgymnasiet, Roskilde , oversaw a very successful home stay project.