How do you relate to your character Alan Strang?
Alan is very much like me when I was 17. I didn’t have a clear idea of what I was doing and didn’t quite know or feel comfortable with where I was. What he goes through with the other characters is really how I used to feel every day—the feeling of being scrutinized and judged. I was constantly on the lookout for someone to see things through my lens.
How do you feel about having to do a nude scene?
I think it would be a lot more interesting to ask my mother this question! She’ll have a lot to say! Jokes aside, after reading the script multiple times and having had the chance to dissect it, I’ve grown more and more comfortable with the idea. Admittedly, I do sometimes think about it and feel incredibly nervous, but after reminding myself that it’s such an integral part of the piece, I feel a lot less pressure. I think it’s important to remember, both as an actor and an audience member, that the nudity is an element within the piece, but should not overshadow its core.
What tips were you able to pick up from Daniel Radcliffe’s interpretation of the character?
I was not fortunate enough to watch Daniel Radcliffe’s performance. However, that also means that I will not be too influenced by his interpretation. This allows me more freedom as an actor to paint on the canvas that is Alan. I have my own ideas for the character both physically and emotionally and I am really excited to bring them to the stage.
What has the experience on set been like?
Currently, we are still in the workshop phase of the production; that is forming a common vocabulary within the ensemble and getting to know one another. We’ve done a fair amount of research into the piece as well as the themes that we’ll be exploring and finding out just what Equus is about and what it means to an audience. The workshop enables us to think about things and work on them at home so that once we enter the rehearsal room, we can get the show up and ready fast and with superb quality.
What can the audience look forward to in Equus?
They can look forward to raw emotion put to hard-hitting literature. Peter Shaffer has written a masterpiece and it’s an honor to be working on this production, and more so with this team. Expect to leave the theater questioning a lot of things in life and hopefully see things in a bit of a fresher perspective.
Catch the young actor in action in Equus.
