Press: Equus this April/May at the Masque Theatre

“The air of an exciting, unusual theatrical event”

“Equus”, written by Peter Shaffer in 1973, opens at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg, on Friday 28 April 2017. This beautifully written piece is a psychological drama that explores the meaning of normal.

The play is about a boy, Alan Strang (played by Tian Landman), who has blinded several horses during a psychotic rage, and has been referred to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. In his attempt to uncover what motivated the boy, psychiatrist Dr Martin Dysart (played by Richard Higgs) is brought face to face with his own personal demons. It is a fictional story that was inspired by an actual crime.

Making her directorial debut, Bernie Jacobs has stayed true to the dramatic staging of this well-known play. She incorporates elements of Ritual and Greek Drama to create symbolic settings rather than naturalistic surroundings. Jacobs is no stranger to Masque audiences, having starred in the multi-CATA winning “Master Class” last year.

The cast of “Equus” is led by Richard Higgs (CATA winning director of “Master Class”) and newcomer to the Masque, Tian Landman. Other familiar faces in the cast include Graham Ellis, Su Cunningham, Patrick Jordi and Kim R2. The horses promise to be a real treat for audiences and are portrayed by an ensemble of familiar and new actors.

This play was originally staged in 1973 at the National Theatre in London. The themes of the play have not dated and modern audiences are still intrigued by the conflict between personal values and social mores, played out through relative interpretations of religion and sexuality. These themes are controversial and require the audience to have an open and enquiring mind in this regard.

“Equus” is presented by Claremont Dramatic Society. It opens at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg, on Friday 28 April and runs until Saturday 6 May – excluding Sunday to Tuesday. Please note that this production contains explicit content – some nudity and strong language – and parental guidance is advised.

Book through Masque Theatre Bookings on 021 788 6999 (weekdays from 9:00-16:00 and Saturdays from 9:00-12:00). Alternatively, you can email bookings@masquetheatre.co.za

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