Syreeta Kumar on her role in Equus

Peter Shaffer’s critically-acclaimed classic, psychological thriller Equus began it’s UK tour on 15 February at the Theatre Royal Stratford East.

This gripping and transfixing play which was inspired by a true story is re-imagined by award-winning theatre director Ned Bennett for a 2019 revival, Equus explores the complex relationships between devotion, myth and sexuality.

Played by Ethan Kai, teenager Alan Strang’s pathological fascination leads him to blind six horses in a Hampshire stable. Dr. Martin Dysart (played by Zubin Varla), a psychiatrist is now tasked with figuring out what is behind the boy’s violent act. As Dysart delves into Alan’s world of twisted spiritualty, passion and sexuality, he begins to question his own sanity and motivations in a world driven by consumerism.

Bennett directs Robert Fitch (Frank Strang/Horse), Keith Gilmore (Harry Dalton/Nurse/Horse), Ethan Kai (Alan Strang), Syreeta Kumar (Dora Strang/Horse), Norah Lopez Holden (Jill Mason/Horse), Ruth Lass (Hester Salomon/Horse), Ira Mandela Siobhan (Young Horseman/Nugget) and Zubin Varla (Martin Dysart) completes the cast.

The Artiscape spoke with Syreeta Kumar who plays Dora Strang/ Horse.

Why did the play appeal to Kumar?

Kumar: I was asked to audition for ‘Equus’ [and] upon my first reading, I found the play quite dark and was intrigued by Dr. Dysart’s self-examination. I couldn’t stop thinking about it… to me, this is always the sign of a good play.

How would she describe the character Dora Strang, that she plays?

Kumar: Dora is a caring loving mother. She is very religious and has brought her son up to be religious. I think Dora is trying her best to make sense of her situation and come to terms with the actions of her son. … I think as the play progresses [she] grieves the son/life she had. She also searches for resolution, who is to blame?

What was the most challenging aspect of playing a horse in the play?

Kumar: My Achilles’ tendons…..they really hurt! Actually, it was wonderful working with our movement director Shelly Maxwell who was interested in us showing the essence of a horse rather than just imitating one.

We worked a lot on core strength by doing lots of yoga and Pilates…we still have to during our warm up. It’s fantastic!

The play has a rather dark theme. What will the audience take away?

Kumar: I think the ‘writing’ makes you reflect on your own life and ask questions.

I think there will be a lot that will be memorable about this experience. The directing, sound, lighting and movement are spectacular and help tell the story well.

Presented by English Touring Theatre and Theatre Royal Stratford East, Equusruns until 23 March prior to embarking on a UK tour to Cambridge Arts Theatre, Theatre Royal Bath, Bristol Old Vic, The Lowry, Northern Stage and Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.