Title: Equus
Author: Peter Shaffer
First published January 1, 1973
112 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780140260700 (ISBN10: 0140260706)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
In “Equus,” Peter Shaffer delivers a haunting portrayal of a troubled young man who commits a heinous crime by blinding six horses with a spike. Through the eyes of a psychiatrist, Shaffer delves into the deeper issues of our materialistic culture, revealing how our obsession with convenience has led to the erosion of our ability to feel true passion and devotion.
With masterful storytelling, Shaffer paints a stark picture of the spiritual and mental decline of modern society, leaving readers with a sense of unease and contemplation long after the final page has been turned.
About the Author
Sir Peter Levin Shaffer was an accomplished English playwright who penned several critically acclaimed plays, many of which have been adapted into films. To learn more about his life and work, check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Sh…
Editoral Review
Equus by Peter Shaffer is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores complex themes of passion, repression, and the search for meaning. First published in 1973, the play has since become a classic of modern theater, garnering critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Peter Shaffer is a British playwright known for his gripping works that delve into the darker aspects of human experience. Equus is one of his most celebrated plays, and it has been praised for its psychological depth, poetic language, and striking imagery.
The play centers around the character of Alan Strang, a troubled young man who has committed an unspeakable act of violence against a group of horses. As the play unfolds, we learn about Alan’s complex relationship with his parents, his deep-seated psychological issues, and his intense fascination with horses.
The play is set in a psychiatric hospital where Alan is undergoing treatment under the guidance of the psychiatrist Martin Dysart. Dysart is fascinated by Alan’s case and begins to unravel the complex web of emotions and motivations that led to his violent outburst.
The play is a masterpiece of psychological drama, exploring the themes of love, desire, and the human condition. Shaffer’s writing is masterful, with eloquent dialogue that is both poetic and profound.
The characters are complex and fully realized, each with their own motivations and flaws. Equus is a play that transcends time and place, exploring universal themes that are still relevant today.
It is a potent commentary on the human psyche and the struggles that we all face in finding meaning in our lives. One of the strengths of the play is its pacing.
Shaffer deftly balances moments of intense emotional drama with moments of quiet reflection, keeping the audience fully engaged throughout. The structure of the play is also excellent, with each scene building on the previous one to create a powerful and cohesive whole.
The play has some minor flaws, such as occasional inconsistencies in character development and pacing, but these are easily overlooked in light of its many strengths. Overall, Equus is a must-read for anyone interested in modern drama and the human condition.
Its powerful themes and poetic language make it a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come. The Washington Post rates Equus a 4.5 out of 5, based on its exceptional quality of writing, character development, pacing, plot structure, and themes.
