Prepare for Outrage

Well, actually, I have to admit that I'm not in the least bit outraged. Perhaps its because I simply don't find stage nudity to be all that controversial. If the part calls for it and it fits in with the story, then by all means, let there be nudity. If the nudity is there simply to fill seats, then I have little patience with it.

What am I rambling about? I'm rambling about the "breaking news" about Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who plays Harry Potter in the movies based on J.K. Rowling's wonderful series. Radcliffe, who is currently filming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, has been cast in a stage play in London. The play may be familiar to many of you--it's Peter Shaffer's Equus. Radcliffe is playing the part of the stable boy who is awfully fond of horse in a less than healthy way. Oh, and in one of the scenes, he rides a horse barebacked--at least, he's barebacked. In fact, he's completely bare.

Yes, this might anger some people who want the young actor to be Harry Potter-pure. However, Radcliffe is not Harry Potter, he's an actor. Equus is one of those plays that actors love because it is so meaty. Also, given that its a stage play, it isn't as though we have to worry about getting accidently exposed to it or having the young 'uns sneak into a video store to rent it for a quick peek at their heart throb in the buff.

Oh, and in what is a less controversial move, the actor playing Uncle Dursely, Richard Griffiths, will also star in Equus.

posted by Book Help Web Editorial Team at 7:57 AM |