’Equus’ uncovers boy’s obsession with his horse god

“Equus,” performed last weekend at Riverwalk Theatre, brings intensity to the stage. The play gracefully carries the audience through each emotionally charged scene, and the talented cast gives one of the best performances seen this season in the Lansing area.

“Equus” is a story about psychiatrist Martin Dysart (Brad Rutledge) who’s asked to treat a troubled Alan Strang (Justin E. Brewer). Strang, a 17-year-old stableboy, is put in a state mental ward after he blinds six horses with a metal spike.

Scenes often overlap and Dysart intermittently talks in a stream of consciousness to the audience when not conversing with other cast members.

As Alan’s treatment continues, Dysart dissects the boy’s life.

When Alan was a boy, his atheist father, Frank Strang, replaced a photo of Jesus hanging in Alan’s room with a picture of a big-eyed horse, which Alan named Equus.

Because his father opposes Alan’s religious mother Dora Strang’s (Deborah Tomilinson) telling him Bible stories, the picture of the horse becomes Alan’s god. This is when Alan loses himself in the obsession of the horses and begins to seek comfort and understanding from them as his creator.

But it is Dysart who we really come to know. As he uncovers Alan’s passion for Equus, Dysart questions his own loveless marriage and passionless pursuit at “curing” troubled youngsters.

Especially poignant are the scenes that illustrate Alan’s encounters at various points of despair and confusion. You may think it difficult to sympathize with someone who has plunged a spike into the eyes out of six horses.

But Brewer creates an Alan who is as incredibly vulnerable and passionate as he is seemingly dangerous and angry.

The play’s nudity provides an emotional impact rather than a sexual impact. The nude scene between Alan and Jill Mason (Monica Harris) is tender and natural, not explicit.

“Equus” runs 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Ticket prices for Friday and Saturday shows are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors. For Thursday and Sunday shows, tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors. Student tickets are $5 any show. Riverwalk Theatre is located at 228 Museum Drive in Lansing. For reservations call (517)482-5700.