The play “Equus” touches on the hidden desires that everyone would have. It explodes out of control as if it were a detonator.
The play, “Equus,” depicts the story of “Alan” who came to a mental hospital with a steel skewer and a psychiatrist who was in charge of his treatment.
The work begins the story with the mouth of the Dysart. Actor Lee Suk-jun, who played Dysart, delves into the case from the beginning to the end about why Alan stabbed the horses in the eye. As a psychiatrist, Alan and his parents talk to each other, helping the audience understand the whole story.
Alan’s first appearance is bizarre. Alan’s unusual behavior of moving in and out of the covenant, talking, and singing a strange CM song, creates anxiety. Alan is a man who grew up under unconditional coercion and the love of his religious-minded parents. Then he falls for words he met at the beach as a child, and for Alan, words become more than religion.
And Oh expresses such Alan’s appearance to the point that it isn’t too bad to call him “O’Alan.” There are no boundaries in Oh’s performance. Without knowing where to stretch, his clothes and body are soaked with sweat. He takes control of the stage with his wild eyes and his original, passionate cry for words.
Being passionate about something can also set a fire to other people’s hearts. Alan’s innocence towards the horse touches Dysart’s thirst in the heart. Even though he is a capable psychiatrist, Dysart envies Alan’s appearance. Dysart’s secret six-year marriage and the challenging ritual that he harbored are stirring his mind. And you find that your healing is never right, and you’re breaking the passion, which is Allan’s whole body.
Alan’s appearance, which seemed to be abnormal due to this, raises questions. The two figures make us rethink the boundaries between normal and abnormal. At the same time, everyone talks about their desire to bury one deep in their hearts. On top of that, the rapid development, the sacred yet grand stage and the actors’ cry for different views toward desire shake the hearts of viewers.
The seven EQUUS can’t be omitted. The words of the unfamiliar visuals later burst into applause from the audience with their performance that made the musical go wild. Muscles, goggles and steps are all dynamic and delicate. It is the image of a real horse.
Primitive emotions, like a racehorse, are the reasons why “Equus” has been loved for more than 40 years. The characters on stage are those who live in the past. However, “Equus” conveys a deep resonant sound that will appeal to even today’s audiences, who are used to cars of the same name, rather than words that breathe alive.
Meanwhile, the play “Equus” will run through Nov. 17 at SKON 1 of the Performing Arts Center at Sogang University.
Source: Zenith News
Trans/Shared by: Musical in Life
Musical in Life 