Equus

Director Lars Jensen brought Equus to the Melville Theatre, a challenging, well-known but rarely performed play, that remains somewhat controversial, over forty years after its first rehearsal.

The directorial approach to this Equus is interesting, combining heightened realism with some Brechtian techniques. The director has been very hands-on, designing lighting, sound, set and poster for the show. The set focuses on the stable which dominates centre-stage, with actors playing characters involved in the events leading up to the blinding of horses — the catalyst for action in the show, remaining on stage throughout.

Oliver Kaiser plays central character Alan Strang, a disturbed seventeen year old whose psychosis mixes a fascination with horses with religion and sexuality. Oliver delivers a well managed performance with great depth. Alan Kennedy works hard as the psychiatrist trying to help the boy, and they build a credible relationship.

A dedicated supporting cast maintain focus throughout. Lauren Henderson and Cary Hudson as Alan's parents play well off each other, Elouise Eftos is lovely as love interest Jill, Darren Goodison plays stable owner Harry Dallon well, Jay Shaw is professional as magistrate Hester Saloman and Sean Bullock epitomises nursing efficiency.

The equine ensemble - Michael Fagan, Rhonda Beresford, Nicola Gredziuk, Kate Hitchins, Helen Jackson and Abby McCaughan, work well as a team and their costuming is effective.

This production chose not to use the nudity often employed in this play; probably a wise decision considering the usual audiences and traditional fare in this venue, but this production still made brave and interesting decisions. At times the pace could have been more intense and some individual performances needed more impact at times, but overall this was a very satisfying production.

Kimberley Shaw