Special thanks to my hubby for the link.

[willysunny]

So. Who hasn't yet read this article?

'Dan Radcliffe to star in EQUUS.'

Oh. Yeah. And he'll be nude. But really, who cares because...EQUUS!!! I love this play!

Right. Back to work. Big concert tonight.

Oy vey.

Comments

[samena]

I am very, very excited about this! I must confess I didn't know a whole lot about Equus (yes, shame on me), but since I heard the news about Daniel starring in the play, I've been reading what I could find on the net, and I'm totally intrigued. I even ordered the movie version online.

I'm sorry that a lot of sources focus so much on the nudity, which may not even be used in this new production. I also have a question: as an 'insider,' how do you suppose they would work out a scene like that, should they decide to use it? I'm just curious. :) And no matter what, I think Daniel is very brave to take on a role like this. I'm sure he'll be great!

[willysunny]

I'm so glad you asked this question.

Nudity, to me, is no big deal in theatre. If the play requires it, in my opinion, then it's just blocking, nothing more. I've stage managed and acted in a number of plays that required nudity, and the actual act of "getting naked on stage" was far more natural than all the hype building up to it.

It's not showy. There's a point to it. And there's definitely a point to it in this play. But if the director decides to leave it out, I'm sure it won't even be missed. Because the play isn't about a naked boy, it's about something far more dark, and by the time an audience member realizes the nudity was removed, the play will probably already be over.

The only play I've been in where nudity was written for the sake of "nudity on stage" -- but to still serve a point -- was HAIR. And the nudity was, of course, a symbol of the times.

In the end, it's up to the director, and s/he's artistic vision. :)

[samena]

Thank you for your elaborate answer! I completely agree that people are making far too big a deal of the nudity thing - probably only because it's Daniel Radcliffe and he also happens to play Harry Potter. I'm very glad he's stated he'll do whatever the play asks of him. He's really mature, and I'm also sure he's not just doing this to shock people and to get rid of his Harry reputation. That would not be wise anyway, with two more HP movies coming. I think he's just just really excited to get the chance to be a part of this play, and understandably so! What a wonderful challenge for a young actor...

Another question: if they do the scene the traditional way, and the character is required to ride a horse naked on stage, do you have any idea how that could be done? I mean, the technicalities of it? I'm sure there must be ways. Again, I'm just curious. :)

[samena]

Also, you wouldn't happen to know of an online version of 'Equus,' would you? I've searched and searched, but I couldn't find anything.

[willysunny]

...s/he's artistic vision.

Ahem.

"...her/his artistic vision"

My brain is fried.

[samena]

No wonder, with this weather and your 'condition,' and all. I hope you're managing to stay at least a little bit cool.