Exciting news!
ESSENCE Theatre presents
KHOLSTOMER, THE HISTORY OF A HORSE
coming back on stage
Due to numerous audience requests, ESSENCE Theater is currently planning a second round of performances of KHOLSTOMER: THE STORY OF A HORSE in Fall 2025 on one of Manhattan’s stages suitable for the production’s needs.
The groundbreaking and visually stunning adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s immortal novella Kholstomer was presented by ESSENCE Theatre in collaboration with Theater 86 on their stage (165 W 86th St, New York, NY 10024) for the first time in New York, following a widely acclaimed international tour. Directed by Nabi Abdurakhmanov, known for his innovative productions across Europe, the U.S., and beyond, the show brings world literature to life through dynamic theater and movement.
In a world torn between division and the longing for unity, Kholstomer speaks to our shared human experience. Through the story of an outcast horse, it explores themes of identity, misunderstanding, and resilience. A young, energetic cast delivers a powerful blend of physical theater, dance, and emotive storytelling, making this performance both timely and unforgettable.
Actor Obid Abdurakhmanov, who portrayed the title role of Kholstomer in this production with astonishing depth and expression, was hailed by audiences as a rising star of Broadway.
Kholstomer.
The History
Of A Horse
ESSENCE Theatre-Studio pitches to stage a spectacular performance of a classical Russian story of Leo Tolstoy’s “The Strider” known in the original novella as “Kholstomer”.
The show combines powerful theater presence with conveying storytelling through complex and exciting dance routines.
Today, the world is struggling with balance. On one hand, the level of hatred in one’s soul, rejection of differences in opinions, and the hunger for violence fill the minds of people. On the other, the need for Spiritual Light, altruism, uniqueness, and the Talent of the Flight of the Soul are felt by everyone on the planet as a dream and sincere goal. This performance is more relevant than ever before. It has the capability to not only touch the souls and the minds, but to inspire and fill the spirit with the need to create. This show must be performed by young, energetic actors.
In this performance, the language of contemporary theater plays out a very intense plot about young, energetic horses who never rise to the level of Kholstomer—a remarkable personality that is doomed for loneliness because of his otherness… condemned by the crowd for his “uniqueness.”
At its core, it is Leo Tolstoy meeting “Cats the Musical” but make the protagonists Horses.