Historical content of the text: Shaffer's use of Brechtian techniques (epic theatre): Main themes
❖ Post-War Western Society – following ❖ Brechtian vision (epic theatre) - seeking to engage the audience ❖ Passion vs Norma
the cultural aftermath of WW2, the rise intellectually rather than emotionally to think about societal issues. religious-like devo
of consumerism & shifts towards ❖ Alienation effect – prevents the audience from being too immersed, making represent unfiltered
secularization were occurring. sure they reflect on themes (e.g. the portrayal of the horses, actors present on views to be both de
Traditional religious belief (e.g. stage). inspiring
Christianity in Equus), were ❖ Focus on ideas over plot – prioritises the exploration of ideas over plot ❖ Spirituality & wor
increasingly challenged by science, resolution (e.g. Dysart's moral dilemma about curing Alan is never solved). worship of Equus r
psychology & modern ideologies. This ❖ Societal critiques – Brecht often critiqued societal norms & power search for meaning
forms a backdrop for Alan's spiritual structures, which resonates in Equus. The theme shows s
crisis and his creation of his own deity. longing
❖ The rise of psychology & psychiatry – Shaffer’s theatrical techniques and Brechtian influences serve to heighten the ❖ Psychological exp
models for treating mental health slowly play’s thematic depth and create a unique theatrical experience. delves into the com
are starting to emerge, heavily human psyche, par
influenced by the works of Freud and of the origins of de
Jung's ideas of spirituality. Dysart is REFERING TO THE TEXT upbringing. The cla
shown to doubt the moral implications atheism vs Dora's t
of his works, reflecting a contemporary
AS A WHOLE experience mental
critique of psychiatry's role in enforcing ❖ Sexuality – the pla
social "normality". underlying themes
❖ Sexual revolution – challenges of
The set design: & repression. Alan
traditional views of sexuality, morality horses are intertwin
& gender roles provide a cultural ❖ Area-like staging – he envisioned a circular, arena-like set. This idea was to to reconcile his pos
backdrop for Alan's struggle with his reinforce a ritualistic & primal space where Alan's story unfolds, making the identity.
emerging sexuality intertwining with audience the spectators & participants in his psychological "trial". ❖ Alienation & Isola
religious orientation. ❖ Simplicity & minimalism – the set was intentionally designed to be minimal, Dysart experience
❖ The counter-cultural movement – with only essential pieces (such as benches) which were adaptable to different & isolation. Alan's
questioning of conformity, materialism locations (Dysart's office, the Strang house, the stables). This allows the an inability to conn
& the perceived sterility of modern life. audience to focus on the characters in a more concentrated way and foster a socially acceptable
Dysart's existential crisis of his envy for psychological intensity. seems to be rooted
Alan's spiritual passion echoes the ❖ Lighting & sound as a part of the "set" - Shaffer considered these elements between life, work
countercultural critique of conventional to all work together. Lighting transitions & intense sound effects create an his marriage.
values. immersive & almost hallucinatory atmosphere.
❖ Post-War Western Society – following ❖ Brechtian vision (epic theatre) - seeking to engage the audience ❖ Passion vs Norma
the cultural aftermath of WW2, the rise intellectually rather than emotionally to think about societal issues. religious-like devo
of consumerism & shifts towards ❖ Alienation effect – prevents the audience from being too immersed, making represent unfiltered
secularization were occurring. sure they reflect on themes (e.g. the portrayal of the horses, actors present on views to be both de
Traditional religious belief (e.g. stage). inspiring
Christianity in Equus), were ❖ Focus on ideas over plot – prioritises the exploration of ideas over plot ❖ Spirituality & wor
increasingly challenged by science, resolution (e.g. Dysart's moral dilemma about curing Alan is never solved). worship of Equus r
psychology & modern ideologies. This ❖ Societal critiques – Brecht often critiqued societal norms & power search for meaning
forms a backdrop for Alan's spiritual structures, which resonates in Equus. The theme shows s
crisis and his creation of his own deity. longing
❖ The rise of psychology & psychiatry – Shaffer’s theatrical techniques and Brechtian influences serve to heighten the ❖ Psychological exp
models for treating mental health slowly play’s thematic depth and create a unique theatrical experience. delves into the com
are starting to emerge, heavily human psyche, par
influenced by the works of Freud and of the origins of de
Jung's ideas of spirituality. Dysart is REFERING TO THE TEXT upbringing. The cla
shown to doubt the moral implications atheism vs Dora's t
of his works, reflecting a contemporary
AS A WHOLE experience mental
critique of psychiatry's role in enforcing ❖ Sexuality – the pla
social "normality". underlying themes
❖ Sexual revolution – challenges of
The set design: & repression. Alan
traditional views of sexuality, morality horses are intertwin
& gender roles provide a cultural ❖ Area-like staging – he envisioned a circular, arena-like set. This idea was to to reconcile his pos
backdrop for Alan's struggle with his reinforce a ritualistic & primal space where Alan's story unfolds, making the identity.
emerging sexuality intertwining with audience the spectators & participants in his psychological "trial". ❖ Alienation & Isola
religious orientation. ❖ Simplicity & minimalism – the set was intentionally designed to be minimal, Dysart experience
❖ The counter-cultural movement – with only essential pieces (such as benches) which were adaptable to different & isolation. Alan's
questioning of conformity, materialism locations (Dysart's office, the Strang house, the stables). This allows the an inability to conn
& the perceived sterility of modern life. audience to focus on the characters in a more concentrated way and foster a socially acceptable
Dysart's existential crisis of his envy for psychological intensity. seems to be rooted
Alan's spiritual passion echoes the ❖ Lighting & sound as a part of the "set" - Shaffer considered these elements between life, work
countercultural critique of conventional to all work together. Lighting transitions & intense sound effects create an his marriage.
values. immersive & almost hallucinatory atmosphere.
