EQUUS
The Acclaimed Stage Play by Oscar Winner Peter Shaffer
Presented by Asolo Repertory Theatre
March 28 – May 4, 2008
The soul of an intense, troubled teen is haunted by the battle between “passion” and what’s “normal” in Peter Shaffer’s modern psychological thriller.
March 5, 2008 (Sarasota, FL) - EQUUS, the play by Oscar award winning Peter Shaffer, was a worldwide sensation when it played at the National Theatre in 1973. Last year Richard Griffiths and Daniel Radcliffe performed to full houses as the play became one of the biggest hits ever seen in London’s West End. Now Florida audiences have the opportunity to experience this theatrical masterpiece presented and professionally performed by the acclaimed Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota.
Peter Shaffer’s unique modern thriller will be produced in the splendor of Asolo Rep’s Mertz Theatre. The production is directed by Michael Donald Edwards (Amadeus, A Tale of Two Cities) and features the contemporary yet highly theatrical staging and costume design of Clint Ramos (The Blonde, the Brunette, and the Vengeful Redhead). The use of stylized masks, creative lighting, and exceptional story telling creates an intense and electrifying theatre experience audiences will never forget.
The director of the play, and Asolo Rep’s Producing Artistic Director, Michael Donald Edwards says the play is an amazing and impactful production that he recommends for many reasons; including the energy and meaning it derives from its inherent theatricality. In fact, in his director’s notes Edwards says Equus is “a love song to theatre itself” with elements of the play calling up the very roots of theatre’s birth via costume components and other used in the theatre of Ancient Greece. Because of this and the fact that the play is interesting and entertaining; it connects with audiences in special ways that can be very personal and inspiring.
"As a young man, I saw this play in London the first time it played there. It was THE life-changing and cathartic theatre experience of my life. It is also an incredibly beautiful, entertaining, and timeless piece that has been performed on Broadway and on stages around the world. Its recent successful revival in London, starring Richard Griffiths and Daniel Radcliffe, caused quite a stir. We're very excited to present EQUUS on our mainstage before the London company takes it to Broadway next season. I know the Asolo Rep production will also create a lasting impression on audiences. You just don't want to miss this play!" – said Mr. Edwards.
SYNOPSIS Troubled teenager Alan Strang commits an incomprehensible act of violence at the stable where he works, and is sent to psychiatrist Martin Dysart for help. But as Dysart tries to uncover the cause of Alan’s disturbed behavior, he is surprised by the vehement purity of Alan’s beliefs. Dysart’s own personal and professional crisis of conscience leads him to re-examine the question of what “abnormal” behavior really is, and the audience must ask themselves who truly needs healing – the boy or the man? Please note: The play includes adult language and nudity. Mature audiences only.
EQUUS is an Asolo Rep production in the Mertz Theatre. The Mertz and Cook Theatres are located in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts at 5555 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. The Center is on the North West corner of University Parkway and Tamiami Trail, across the parking lot from the RinglingMuseum, and offers FREE PARKING and HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE facilities.
For tickets ($10-$56), please call the box-office at 941-351-8000 or toll free at 800-361-8388 or the website at www.asolo.org. Credit cards are accepted by phone and on the website.
Preview performances on Wednesday, March 26 at 8 PM and Thursday, March 27 at 8 PM. Opening night is Friday, March 28, 2008 at 8 PM. The opening night show is followed by Asolo Rep’s big champagne reception, and “mingle with the stars” celebration. Members of the media are invited to photograph and interview the cast and creative team at the party. Ticket holders to the last evening performance of each production may attend a free closing night cast party.
SHOW TIMES - 28 performances of EQUUS play in rotation with several other Asolo Rep productions. Shows are at 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday, with martinees on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdas and Sundays at 2 PM. Please check the calendar on the website or contact the Box Office for ticket availability.
PLAYTALKS - Thursday, April 10 after the 8 PM evening performance and Sunday, April 20 after the 2 PM matinee. FREE. Meet the actors and participate in a discussion about the production process. Tickets to the performance preceding the discussion can be purchased through the box-office.
INSIGHTS - Saturday, May 3 at 11 AM in the Mertz Theatre. Get a peek at the intriguing and often humorous inside stories behind the selection, development and staging of each production. The discussion is FREE. Tickets to the 2 PM performance following the discussion can be purchased through the box-office; however, attending the show is not required.
AUDIO DESCRIBED - Sunday, April 6, 2 PM; Thursday, April 30, 8 PM. A service provided by Asolo Rep where specially trained audio describers provide elaborate audio imagery of the play action and setting to visually impaired audience members through a headset system. Purchase tickets through the box-office. Ask about our free companion tickets for blind audience members.
Download the Equus Fact Sheet here
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Asolo Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State, the Florida Arts Council, the City and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and the Sarasota County Arts Council. Funding is also received through efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Repertory Theatre Guild, the Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.