"Equus" is a captivating two-act play that predominantly takes place within the walls of Rokesby

Psychiatric Hospital in southern England. The play centers around the character of Alan Strang, whose
shocking act of blinding six horses in the stable where he worked is discussed and dissected by the other
characters. The majority of the action takes place in the office of psychiatrist Martin Dysart, where the
characters delve into Alan's past and the events that led to his disturbing behavior. The play seamlessly
transitions between the present moment in Dysart's office and vivid scenes from Alan's past. Despite his
initial skepticism, Dysart is intrigued by the intensity of Alan's gaze and gradually gains his trust after
Alan experiences harrowing nightmares.

Through conversations with Alan's parents, Dysart uncovers the strained dynamics within the
Strang family. Frank, Alan's father, is presented as an unwavering atheist, while Dora, his mother, is a
devout Christian. Alan's upbringing involved exposure to Bible stories, and he held a fascination with
images of Christ's suffering. Additionally, it was revealed that Alan had a deep love for horses, though he
refused to ride them.

Furthermore, Harry Dalton, the stable owner, suggests that Alan may have been secretly riding horses
during the midnight hours, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. These revelations provide
insight into Alan's multifaceted psyche and serve as catalysts for Dysart's exploration into the root
causes of Alan's disturbing behavior.

This film delves into the complex struggle between faith and doubt, particularly through the lens
of Alan Strang and his devoutly religious mother, Dora. Alan's upbringing in a religious environment
leaves him grappling with feelings of guilt and shame as he tries to reconcile his conflicting emotions and
desires. Religious symbolism abounds in the story, notably in the form of Christ's suffering and
crucifixion, which parallel Alan's inner turmoil and psychological distress. Additionally, the horses that
Alan blinds in a frenzied outburst of violence carry symbolic weight and can be interpreted as sacrificial
symbols with religious connotations.

The film "Equus" depicts Frank as "relentlessly self-improving," implying that he imposes his
socialist belief in self-determination and personal growth on his son, who feels oppressed by it. Frank's
philosophy and religion both stifle individuality and disconnect people from nature. The movie delves
into how a religious upbringing can affect one's identity and behavior. Alan's fixation on religious
iconography reflects his internalization of religious teachings and his struggle to reconcile them with his
sexual desires.

We also learn that Alan had a traumatic horseback riding experience as a child, which left him scared to
ride again. However, Dysart, Alan's psychiatrist, suspects that he may be withholding some details about
the incident. To help Alan open up, Dysart suggests that he record his secrets on a tape recorder instead
of confessing them directly.

Alan's recorded message uncovers the intimate aspect of his bond with horses. His depiction of
the animal as compliant to his every desire implies a longing for dominance and physical intimacy with
the horse. This control over the horse provides Alan with a sense of liberation that eludes him within the
confines of his home. However, Alan's connection with the horse transcends mere sexuality; his concern
for the horse's well-being reflects his emotional investment in the creature and his acknowledgment of
its sentient nature and equality. Alan's fervent devotion to Equus forces the psychiatrist to confront the
void in his own life, to the extent that he becomes envious of Alan's suffering. While Dysart is
preoccupied with the potential loss of Alan's individuality once his worship is dismantled, Hesther is
primarily concerned with alleviating Alan's anguish. However, Dysart recognizes that Alan's agony is
intrinsic to his sense of vitality, and without it, he is devoid of identity.

Alan appears to be undergoing a process of maturation and is approaching the threshold of experiencing
a sexual encounter. Things would likely have gone on as usual if Jill had not led him to Dalton's stable.
However, she did lead him there, and the audience, who already knows of Alan's crime, can sense that
the combination of a possible sexual encounter with Jill and the presence of horses and Equus in the
stable is likely to lead to an explosive situation.

Jill's compassionate and empathetic behavior towards Alan suggests that she not only has romantic
feelings for him but also genuinely wants to be his friend. Her insistence that Alan should not feel
ashamed of his sexual desires highlights her comfort in discussing such topics, and provides an
opportunity for a more positive and open-minded view of sex, unlike Alan or someone like Frank.
However, Alan's feeling of shame for his inability to conform to societal norms and his failure to stay
true to Equus prevents him from accepting Jill's kindness. He is overwhelmed by his shame.

Dysart directly engages with the audience, urging them to examine Alan's predicament with a critical
eye and engage in thoughtful discourse. In his final address, Dysart highlights the paradoxes of
contemporary society. We condemn Alan's transgression as heinous and unpardonable, yet we accept
the enslavement of animals as "normal." His argument posits that what is commonly regarded as normal
is not necessarily more ethical, virtuous, or just than what is commonly regarded as immoral. He poses
the question of whether it is worthwhile to make Alan "normal" at the cost of his unique passions and
experiences, even if it entails suffering.

The character of Dysart is presented to the audience in two different ways - as a retrospective narrator
and as himself while treating Alan. This powerful juxtaposition immediately highlights the extent of the
transformation Dysart undergoes as a result of treating Alan. Unlike many transformation stories where
change occurs gradually, the audience is allowed to see both the 'before' and 'after' versions of Dysart at
the same time. This allows them to fully appreciate the impact that Alan has had on him.