Exciting news!
ESSENCE Theatre presents
KHOLSTOMER, THE HISTORY OF A HORSE
returns to the stage this April
Following a sold-out run last year, the production comes back to New York for a limited engagement.
April 16–19
154 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014
The original New York production of Kholstomer: The History of a Horse was presented by ESSENCE Theatre-Studio in collaboration with Theater 86 (165 W 86th St, New York) and received a strong audience response, with performances playing to full houses.
Directed by Nabi Abdurakhmanov, known for his innovative work across Europe and the United States, the production brought Leo Tolstoy’s powerful novella to life through dynamic physical theatre, movement, and expressive storytelling.
Blending elements of dance, dramatic performance, and visual composition, the production offered a bold theatrical language that resonated deeply with audiences.
Through the story of an outcast horse, Kholstomer explores themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition — presented in a form that is both visually striking and emotionally intense.
Actor Obid Abdurakhmanov, who portrayed the title role, was widely praised by audiences for his powerful and expressive performance.
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.