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Overview

Synopsis

Dr. Martin Dysart, a dissatisfied and disaffected psychiatrist, is faced with a unique case when a young man, Alan Strang, is brought to him for treatment. Alan, a passionate and obsessive horse lover, has blinded six horses, to the horror and surprise of his family. In his efforts to coax Alan out of his shell and treat him, Dr. Dysart begins to unravel the complex psychological puzzle of Alan’s obsessions. Underneath Alan’s complacent manner, Dr. Dysart discovers a fervent, passionate, almost religious power that has both the power to destroy Alan, and perhaps, to save the doctor himself. English playwright Sir Peter Shaffer’s international hit is a dazzling, complex, and thrilling look at passion, sex, religion, and sanity.

Show Information

Book
Peter Shaffer
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1973
Genres
Drama
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
present: rokeby psychiatric hospital, southern england
Cast Size
medium
Licensor
Samuel French
Ideal For
College/University, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Martin Dysart

Lead

Male

Spoken

Alan Strang

Lead

Male

Spoken

Frank Strang

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Dora Strang

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Hesther Salomon

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Jill Mason

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Harry Dalton

Featured

Male

Spoken

Horseman/Nugget

Featured

Male

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    A play that focuses on the emotions, motivations, and mental state of the characters

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Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Becca Ballenger

Becca Ballenger