Riveting ‘Equus’ delves into spirituality

Equus

Peter Schaffer’s riveting play about a young man’s passion for his god will be performed by NAU Theater starting Nov. 19.

Equus is a startling look into a psychologist’s analysis of Alan Strang, a boy who constructed his own horse-based religion. Strang acts as a catalyst for the psychologist’s own questions about mediocrity and the search for god.

“The doctor realizes that the boy has a passion and a dimension that he himself lacks,” said Mac Groves, director and professor of theater. “He possesses things that we wish that we could possess.”

The playwright focuses upon themes like the necessity of worship, the ceremony of worship—exemplified by Strang’s ritual of riding horses under the full moon and the all-seeing presence of god.

Nudity is stipulated in the play’s performance contract, and Groves explained that it is a necessary dramatic symbol to portray the vulnerability of Strang’s character. “Strang is stripped of all his defenses in front of his god, Equus,” said Groves.

The show features theater students Tony Latham as Alan Strang, Nadine Lombardi as Jill, and Alex Oliver as Dr. Martin Dysart.

Equus performances will be Nov. 19, 20, Dec. 1, 2, 3, 4 at 8 p.m. in the Studio Theater, located in the Performing Arts building on the NAU campus. Matinee performances are Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $2 for students, $12 for seniors, faculty and staff, and $14 for the general public. Call (928) 523-5661 for tickets.

This show contains adult content, including on-stage nudity, which is not appropriate for younger audiences.