The return of Equus: one night only at ATYP

English playwright Peter Schaffer’s speculations on a gruesome crime in which a seventeen-year-old blinded six horses in a small town near Suffolk draw out bizarre confidences between Alan Strang and his psychiatrist.

It’s the controversial drama that’s previously attracted the talents of Anthony Hopkins, Richard Burton and Anthony Perkins. Not to mention the attention of the good reverend and other moral campaigners who apparently know what’s good for us. And it’s about to celebrate forty years since its debut at the Royal National Theatre by way of a one-off anniversary reading, featuring the likes of Andrew McFarlane and Wendy Strehlow, directed by Kevin Jackson, a member of the original Sydney cast. Yes, back then, there were bans and even arrests. But, of course, we’re so much more sophisticated now. Right, Rev?

1973 Opens at the National Theatre, London.

1974 Old Tote (predecessor of STC) production, Sydney. Directed by Ted Craig. Starring Alan Wilson, as Alan; Ronald Faulk, as Dysart; Ingrid Mason, as Hesther.

1975 Unsuccessful prosecution for indecent exposure. Nice try. No cigar.

1976 York Theatre (Seymour) production.

1978 Sidney Lumet’s film adaptation, starring Richard Burton (Dysart), Peter Firth (Alan) and Jenny Agutter (Hesther).

1987 Forest Theatre Company (Glen Street) production. Directed by Peter Williams. Starring David Wenham (Alan); Shane Bryant (Dysart); Linda Stoner (Hesther).

1988 Council of Churches lobbies Education Minister, Dr Terry Metherell, to remove Equus from syllabus. Director-General of Education assembles conservative panel.

1991 The Festival of Light’s Senator Fred Nile (with balance of power in Senate) lobbies Greiner government to remove Equus.

1991 Australian Ballet’s adaptation, at Sydney Opera House.

Nomadic Artists  has a focus on engaging and positively impacting younger audiences, through high-quality professional productions and educational workshops.