KHOLSTOMER: The History Of A Horse

Essence Theatre and Theater 86, in collaboration with the State Youth Theatre of Uzbekistan, present Kholstomer—a breathtaking production directed by the internationally acclaimed Nabi Abdurakhmanov, Honored Worker of Arts of Uzbekistan. This visionary adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s The History of a Horse has won multiple international awards and been hailed as “A Hymn to Humans.”

This dynamic reimagining fuses poetic storytelling, striking movement, and a haunting musical score by Dmitriy Yanov-Yanovsky to bring to life the eternal quest for freedom and the spirit’s unbreakable will to soar. In a mesmerizing blend of rhythm, physicality, and deeply emotional performances, Kholstomer follows a legendary horse, an outcast among his own kind, as he reflects on a life of love, betrayal, and the unrelenting pursuit of honor.

A rare theatrical experience, this production captures the profound essence of Tolstoy’s work in a way that speaks to today’s audiences—melding past and present, philosophy and poetry, all in a single, unforgettable performance.

Performed in English.

Adaptation by Mark Rozovsky and Nabi Abdurakhmanov

Directed by Nabi Abdurakhmanov

Verses by Yuriy Ryashentsev

Translated by Vickie Patricia Abel and Abdurashid Nishanov

Composer – Dmitriy Yanov-Yanovsky

Set Designer – Igor Gulenko

Costume designer – Igor Gulenko and Vassa Vasileva

Choreography by Shukhrat Tokhtasimov, Malika Iskandarova and Kamilla Abdurakhmanova

Art Producer: Katya Saturday

Cast: Kamilla Abdurakhmanova, Obid Abdurakhmanov, Isaac Aaron Echegoyen, Can Deniz Ezraim, Deborah Gerofsky, Anatolii Ishchenko, Yehonatan Rayer, Alexandra Recknagel, Natasha Skutka, Julia Sokol, Stalina Guberchenko and Amir Zarkani.

Host or Publisher The Russian Arts Theater and Studio