For 11 performances over two seasons in the middle and at the end of 2006, nearly 1000 people attended the small, remote, barn-like hall. Largely by word of mouth. From as far away as Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, just to be there.

Why? In a recently re-mastered video by David Arvind Condon, you’ll have the opportunity to see just how amazing community created theatre can be. To, once again, share the pure theatrical magic that brought so many to the Murrah.

Equus centres on the explosive encounters between a youth, Alan Strang, who has blinded six horses with a spike, and Martin Dysart, the middle-aged psychiatrist who agrees to treat him.

The story’s impact is not lost in the stage to screen transition. Nor does it look dated. It is a filmed record of a performance seen through the eyes of an audience member, David Arvind Condon. He did not miss much. Certainly not the immediacy, the relentless action or the accordian-esqe use of the space.

The viewing screen is wall to wall, floor to ceiling, hung from the road end of the hall. It will be a deja vu kind of experience as it hangs in the same space it was staged in. A feature that adds uniquely to the atmosphere of the night.

Since the Turning Circle/Murrah’s original production, Equus has continued to enjoy revivals at major theatres around the world. Unsurprisingly, us locals stand up to international comparison very well. 

Our then audience said so. As local poet, author and critic Ian McFarlane wrote at the time, “Regional audiences are seldom given a chance to see plays of this stature, and this one is definitely worth venturing out for on a cold night.”

Proceeds from the screening will go towards upgrading facilities at the hall.

The shows are on at the Murrah Hall on Aug 5 and 6 : Friday and Saturday at 7pm with a Sunday, August 7 matinee at 3pm. A donation of $25 includes light refreshments. Bookings: 6493 4974 or murrah.hall@gmail.com