Philadelphia – The Wilma Theater is set to stage the world‑premiere of Horsegirl & Cowdaddy from September 22 through October 4, 2026. The play, written by DJ Hills, follows the relationship between a father and his daughter in a small Pennsylvania town, and the way their lives shift when new, queer characters arrive.
Plot and characters
At the center of the story is a trans woman living with her dad, portrayed by newly appointed solo artistic director Lindsay Smiling, who also plays the titular Cowdaddy. Smiling describes the family’s life as “simple” and rooted in daily routines, underscored by a deep love for one another.
The daughter, a horse‑loving teen, is performed by Samora de la Brisa (formerly Samora la Perdida). She explains that horses symbolize a “free, wild, strong being” that she is learning to embrace in her own life.
Complications arise when Horsegirl meets Bethel, a young trans‑masculine teacher who arrives in town. Director Adil Mansoor says Bethel’s presence “shakes up” the family dynamic, and the character’s question, “Is there anything else you want out of your life?” sparks a transformative journey for Horsegirl, who ultimately “turns into a horse” – a metaphor for finding a sense of belonging in a trans body within rural America.
Creative team and production design
Local artists Rebecca Kanach and Erik Ruin bring the production to life with inventive costumes and shadow‑puppet work. Mansoor notes that the show offers a “magical transformation” as the three central characters learn about themselves over the summer.
According to Hills, the play also challenges the stereotype that queer and trans people must leave rural spaces to be authentic. He emphasizes that the horse transformation is not about gender per se, but about discovering a home in one’s own body, even in a small‑town setting.
Community relevance
Beyond its artistic merits, Horsegirl & Cowdaddy speaks to broader conversations about family, identity, and the right of every individual to live authentically. The Wilma Theater’s decision to stage a work that foregrounds a trans family in a rural context reflects a growing willingness among Philadelphia cultural institutions to present diverse stories that resonate with both local and national audiences.
Tickets are available at the Wilma Theater, located at 265 S. Broad Street (Broad & Spruce Streets), Philadelphia, PA 19107. The production runs nightly through October 4, offering residents an opportunity to engage with a thought‑provoking narrative that celebrates love, transformation, and the search for belonging.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
