Pictured: (top, l to r) Alexandra Bennett, Malia Hu, Rian Jairell andSean William Kelly (bottom, l to r), Julie Partyka, Jordan Pokorney, Robert Tobin and Andrew Whatley.

AstonRep Theatre Company has announced the cast and production team for Peter Shaffer’s EQUUS, directed by Co-Artistic Director Derek Bertelsen.

The cast includes company members Alexandra Bennett and Robert Tobin with Malia Hu, Rian Jairell, Sean William Kelly, Julie Partyka, Jordan Pokorney, and Andrew Whatley. Understudy: Billy Sullivan.

The production team to date includes Jeremiah Barr (scenic and puppetry design), kClare McKellaston (costume design), Samantha Barr (lighting design), Derek Bertelsen (sound design), Sara Pavlak McGuire (casting director), Claire Yearman (intimacy/violence design), Claire Allegra Taylor (movement director), Bethany Hart (dialect coach) and Kamren Smith (assistant director, stage manager).

Inspired by a true story, EQUUS tells the story of teenager Alan Strang’s pathological fascination that leads him to blind six horses in a Hampshire stable, and how psychiatrist Martin Dysart is tasked with uncovering the motive behind the boy’s violent act.

Comments Co-Artistic Director Derek Bertelsen, “Peter Shaffer’s gripping psychological thriller is a timeless classic and a cornerstone of modern drama. It’s the perfect play for AstonRep and we’re incredibly excited to bring this show to life at our new home at the Edge Theater.”

EQUUS will play September 27 – October 27 at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway St. in Chicago. More information at www.astonrep.com.