THEATRE: EQUUS

Walking into the New Theatre’s set for Equus is disquieting and exciting, suggesting a production taking Peter Shaffer’s 1973 play to unnerving realms. A smoky stage with timber bars representing a stable, holding within it actors bearing horse-heads at their sides, is aesthetically provocative. It all seems wonderfully creepy — until the actors arrive. Based on a true and terrible event — a disturbed young man who blinded six horses in one night in rural England – this production is otherwise fairly conventional. The power evident in the script is sabotaged by the direction (by Helen Tonkin) given to the actors, who stare out to the audience rather than engaging with one another. The primal consideration – of Alan Strang, the troubled young man (Luke Rogers) and Martin Dystart, his overworked therapist (Barry French) is never fully realised. They should be angry and tussling, but instead they gaze and pace. Still, all scenes concerning the horses are mesmerising and match the possibilities the initial set (Adam Chantler), lighting (Blake Garner) and horse designer (what a title, Matina Moutzouris) create. A good effort, but a bit stuffy all the same.

Until Oct 23, New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown, $22-$28, 1 300 306 776, newtheatre.org.au

BY OLGA AZAR