Peter Shaffer's 'Equus' was born in 1973, and tells of a young boy who has a fascination with horses.
Brisbane Arts Theatre's adaptation – starring Christopher Batkin, Dom Tennison and Claire Argente – lit up the stage and showcased some of the region's best up and coming talents.
The play was thrust into the world of pop culture in 2007, when Daniel Radcliffe (the 'Harry Potter' series) stepped into the lead role of Alan Strang.
It follows the journey of psychiatrist Martin Dysart (Tennison) as he attempts to rid Alan (Batkin) of his strange behaviour. A court magistrate visits Martin and believes he has the power and professionalism to treat the boy, who has blinded five horses with a metal spike. Along the way, the psychiatrist comes to learn that the violent act was not a thoughtless crime. He discovers that Alan is far deeper beneath the surface, and the two develop a somewhat trusting relationship in the confines of the room Alan is treated in.
At the Arts Theatre, the stage was set out with chairs around the outside and a platform in the centre. The entire cast remained sitting on stage from beginning to end, and stood up to act out their scenes as they came around.
Christopher Batkin was stirring, dark and sensual as Alan, as he sat in sessions with Martin and slowly but surely revealed the deepest parts of himself. Dom Tennison played his role marvellously, using just enough brooding stares, subtle movements and vocal techniques to successfully convince the audience of his expertise as a psychiatrist. His soothing voice and calm manner realistically portrayed the profession without being melodramatic, as he attempted throughout the performance to get through to his patient.
Claire Argente was stellar as stable worker Jill, creating a likeable woman with a cheerful disposition and the clear desire to understand Alan. The clarity in her delivery made it even easier to enjoy her performance, as she faultlessly delivered her lines and did it in a way that made it seem as though it came completely naturally to her.
The rest of the cast successfully pieced together the show; Katherine Morgan and John Benetto (Alan's parents) did a marvellous job creating a family-like chemistry between the them and their son, with both wanting him to be happy in their own individual ways. Josephine Dino brought a warm, kind heart to the stage in Magistrate Hester Salomon, portraying a woman with a sense of urgency and the ability to see a damaged boy in need of repair.
The horses were brought to life by using skeletal frames for heads and large hoofs for feet, on six cast members. Though they weren't entirely convincing as horses, they didn't particularly need to be. Combined with the professional-level acting, the eerie, low humming music and Shaffer's classic script, it was hard to fault this production.
It wouldn't have been 'Equus' without the famous nudity. It was tasteful, romantic and stirring, and not the least bit uncomfortable. Two actors stood on stage completely naked, and yet – because of the nature of the performance until that point – it seemed natural, beautiful and, most importantly, wonderfully executed.
'Equus' was a stirring insight into a boy with an illness and a psychiatrist who isn't sure whether he has it in him to cure it. The performance dealt with issues around family, religion and sex. Although it didn't hold back on any of the above, it still managed to deliver a show that will most definitely be remembered by Arts Theatre enthusiasts as a standout production.
★★★★☆ 1/2.
'Equus' plays at Brisbane Arts Theatre until 3 September.
