Essence Theatre and Theater 86, in collaboration with the State Youth Theatre of Uzbekistan, present Kholstomer: The History of a Horse—a visually stunning, physically dynamic adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s Strider, directed by internationally acclaimed Nabi Abdurakhmanov, Honored Worker of Arts of Uzbekistan.

Fresh from a critically acclaimed run in Uzbekistan, this award-winning production arrives in NYC for the first time. With breathtaking physical storytelling, striking ensemble movement, and an original, soul-stirring score by Dmitriy Yanov-Yanovsky, Kholstomer is a theatrical experience unlike any other.

Told through the eyes of an outcast horse, the story follows a once-mighty stallion discarded by the world that once admired him. As he looks back on a life of love, betrayal, and survival, his journey reveals deep truths about human nature, injustice, and the unbreakable spirit that fights for dignity.

This is not a traditional play—it’s a bold, visceral spectacle that blends movement, music, and poetry into something truly unforgettable.