University Theatre to present 
psychological drama

By Andrew Dominio
A&E Writer
Article Reprint from October 24, 1996

    "Equus," one of the most well-known psychological dramas on stage, will be presented by the University Theatre as the second production in its '96-'97 season.

    "It's about a psychologist (Hays Hitzing) and a 17-year-old-boy named Alan (Greg Winter). The boy suddenly stabs the eyes out of five horses, and the psychologist tries to find out why," said D. Terry Williams, director of "Equus" and theatre department chairman. "It has to do with the doctor's mid-life crisis.

    "He sees the passion Alan has, not for the blinding of the horses, but the spiritual love and almost worship. The psychiatrist is not willing to take risks in a positive sense (of the word), like Alan is."

    Elisabeth Oas plays Jill Mason, the female lead. She said her character has an important role in the story because of her relationship with Alan.

    "She's the girl Alan is with sexually before he stabs the horses," Oas said. "It's not really a boyfriend-girlfriend kind of thing, but there is a relationship."

    Williams said the cast is attempting an unusual type of performance.

    "The show is very theatrical and compelling," Williams said. "There's a lot of stagecraft in it."

    He said the staging of "Equus" is different than that of any other University Theatre production.

    "Theater in the round is something we've never done before," Williams said. "The audience is seated 360 degrees around the actors. It gives them a central playing space."

    "It makes the blocking (movement on stage) and speaking a little more challenging," Oas said. "We're aware that there are people all around and not just in one direction."

    Oas said "Equus," written by Peter Shaffer, who won a Tony Award for the play, was chosen mainly for the benefit of the aspiring actors.

    "The department tries to pick shows that will story-wise bring an audience and can also help us grow as actors," Oas said. "'Equus' is a classic of modern drama, and being part of that is a cool thing."

    "Equus" opens Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. and runs through Nov. 3, 1996. Shows are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Multi-Form Theatre in the Gilmore Theatre Complex. Tickets are $10 for adult and $8 for students. For more information, call 387-6222.

Western Herald © 1996