Edgy and Groundbreaking; The Ringwald Debuts a Rarely Produced Classic
FERNDALE, MI –The Ringwald Theatre is thrilled to present its production of Peter Shaffer’s rarely-produced classic Equus. Performances run October 9-November 2, 2026, with shows on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 7:00 p.m. and matinees on Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Please note: Equus contains nudity and no one under the age of 18 will be admitted.
Inspired by real-life events, Equus by Peter Shaffer (Amadeus, Lettice & Lovage) is a haunting and provocative drama that explores obsession, faith, and the complicated boundaries between desire and control.
After a troubled young man commits a shocking act of violence against six horses, psychiatrist Martin Dysart is tasked with uncovering the mystery behind it. As Dysart enters the young man’s deeply private world, he encounters a powerful relationship between boy and horse—one rooted in ritual, imagination, passion, and reverence. But the deeper Dysart digs, the more he is forced to confront his own assumptions about sanity, individuality, and what it means to truly live.
Blending psychological realism with striking theatrical imagery, Equus asks unsettling questions about conformity and freedom, the forces that shape us, and the price of extinguishing the passions that make us who we are.
Equus premiered at the National Theatre in London on July 17, 1973, and then premiered on Broadway on October 24, 1975, featuring Peter Firth and Anthony Hopkins. On September 25, 2008, a Broadway revival opened starring Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths.
“Exhilarating... a landmark homoerotic play.” – The Guardian
Equus is directed by Jamie Warrow. Featured in the ensemble are Joe Bailey, Garett Michael Harris, Brady Jacot, Hosanna Phillips, Sean Sabo, and Amy Schumacher. The rest of the creative team includes Stage Manager Kat Sturges, Dialect Coach Karen Sheridan, Set Designer Jake Turner, Costume Designer Lizzie Denison, Sound Designer Matt Lira, and Lighting Designer Brandy Joe Plambeck.
Tickets for Equus are $30 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances. Monday performances are $20. Tickets are currently available at theRingwald.com. The Ringwald is cashless but credit cards will be accepted at the door. Performances on Friday, Saturday, and Monday are at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. The Ringwald is located inside of Affirmations Community Center at 290 W. 9 Mile Road in downtown Ferndale, Michigan.
