Theatre to Present Drama "Equus" Sept. 24 to Oct. 3

Illinois State University' School of Theatre will present Peter Shaffer's "Equus" from Sept. 24 to 26 and Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 in the Center for the Performing Arts Theatre.  Tickets are $15 for the general public and ISU faculty-staff and $10 for students and senior citizens.  Tickets are available at the CPA box office from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays or by calling (309) 438-2535.

Curtain is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24, 25, 26, 30 and Oct, 1, 2 and 3.  There will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sept. 27.

"Equus" is the story of a psychiatrist who attempts to treat a young man who has a pathological religious/sexual fascination with horses.  Shaffer was inspired to write the play when he heard of a crime involving a 17-year-old who had blinded six horses in a small town near London. He set out to construct a fictional account of what might have caused the incident, without knowing any of the details of the crime. The play's action involves the attempts of the child psychiatrist, Dr. Martin Dysart, to understand the cause of the boy's actions while wrestling with his own sense of purpose.

"Equus" premiered in London in 1973, came to Broadway and won the 1975 Tony Award for best play.  The Illinois State production is directed by graduate student Jack Carpenter.