Equus, Theatre Oikos – Zoo Roxy

**** (4 stars)

To tackle the tale of seventeen year old Alan Strang’s sexual fascination with horses and the prestige that this production brings, is a brave undertaking. However, Theatre Oikos rises to the occasion to bring an original adaptation that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The minimalistic set and sudden synchronised movements from the cast does well to portray the internal suffering and confusion that the protagonist has to face. I was not familiar with the story so approached the adaptation with a relatively open mind and was surprised to be completely drawn in by passionate performances and the creative casting.

In the space of an hour there were many changes within the cast: three different women play Mrs Strang, and the same method is used for Mr Strang, with the male cast bringing a schizophrenic quality to the minor characters. At points it appeared the audience was confused as to who one particular person was meant to be playing, the performers acted as both human characters and horses emotions, moaning and cringing whenever Alan Strang remembered a repressed emotion.

One consistent character though, is Alan’s doctor, a simple man who wants to know why Alan blinded several horses only to return home in the evening to spend time with a wife who no longer satisfies him. Complex relationships are built and challenged by the doctor and the actor does it convincingly, speaking directly to the audience, explaining his thoughts and motives in great detail.

Congratulations must be offered to the actor who plays Alan Strang, his dedication to the role is admirable, truly throwing himself into his character and embracing every forbidden memory in a disturbing manner that is reflected by the surrounding actors in their timely physical reactions. Attempts are made to weave a religious theme into the tale, though it seems there is too little time to delve into the links between Alan’s passion for horses and religious imagery. This theme seems almost an after-thought thrown in just for the sake of mentioning it, rather than exploring the meanings it has for Alan’s character.

It is a shame that this play has only had a nine day run, I can see this show creating a buzz amongst fans of the previous incarnations of Equus, whether they love or hate the modern spin thrust upon this popular story.

Zoo Roxy, 14th August

Laura Jones