Review: Workshop West's Horseplay offers charm while tackling weighty topics
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Every once in a while, I leave an Edmonton theatre feeling lighter than when I entered. Such was the case this week, when I saw Horseplay at the Gateway.
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The new play — a world premiere — is written by Kole Durnford, a Metis creator originally from Stony Plain. It tells the highly imaginative story of the relationship between a jockey named Jacques (Lee Boyes) and a horse named Horse (Alexander Ariate). It's a love story, to be sure. But it's not exclusively about the love between people and animals.
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As theatre patrons enter the black box space, they find Horse sitting atop a tiny, grassy hill in the centre of the theatre. Ariate immediately builds audience rapport with a smile, a nod, and a casual comment about where to sit in this in-the-round configuration. When the show starts and Horse is joined by Jacques, the two begin to dish about dating over snacks (carrots for Horse, pasta for Jacques). Horse has a crush on a pretty filly in a neighbouring field and is so smitten that he blew off a training session with Jacques, who also knows what it's like to fall head over hooves.
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The play begins with exuberant wordplay and giddy anticipation of love. But when Horse learns his future depends on winning an upcoming race, the two characters must grapple with sobering reality. So begins a contrapuntal conversation about the true nature of love and its limits and possibilities, whether you're a horse or a human.
Article content
Durnford, a 2022 graduate of the acting program at Toronto Metropolitan University and a two-time Dora Mavor Award nominee, wrote Horseplay during a 24-hour playwriting contest for which he was subsequently short-listed. In the program notes, Durnford says writing the play and getting to know its characters helped him through a crisis in his life. After seeing this production (on the first night of previews), it's easy to see how. While many modern plays focus on despair, death, addiction and sexual abuse, this play sets its sights on joy. That's not to say there aren't moments of sadness (and yes, death rears its long-faced, horsey head). But Horseplay reminds us that while grief is real, it can be absorbed, integrated. The play includes a passionate analysis of various kinds of love, including romantic love, brotherly love and love that's borne unequally. Horseplay also tackles the prickly, potentially bruising question of where love goes when it disappears.
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These are weighty topics, but Durnford crafts a tale that carries them lightly. What gives the play its lift, in part, is the writing. It's fast-paced, clever and has a lot of fun with horse puns and sayings. (You, too, may have wondered about the origin of 'looking a gift horse in the mouth.') Director Heather Inglis has made excellent choices for the show that contribute to its sense of movement. The set design by Beyata Hackborn draws the eye upward, toward the ceiling, where a large and breezy mobile made of horse-shaped cutouts whirls lazily amid Sarah Karpyshin's delicate display of lights.
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Vancouver Sun
16-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Review: Workshop West's Horseplay offers charm while tackling weighty topics
Every once in a while, I leave an Edmonton theatre feeling lighter than when I entered. Such was the case this week, when I saw Horseplay at the Gateway. The new play — a world premiere — is written by Kole Durnford, a Metis creator originally from Stony Plain. It tells the highly imaginative story of the relationship between a jockey named Jacques (Lee Boyes) and a horse named Horse (Alexander Ariate). It's a love story, to be sure. But it's not exclusively about the love between people and animals. As theatre patrons enter the black box space, they find Horse sitting atop a tiny, grassy hill in the centre of the theatre. Ariate immediately builds audience rapport with a smile, a nod, and a casual comment about where to sit in this in-the-round configuration. When the show starts and Horse is joined by Jacques, the two begin to dish about dating over snacks (carrots for Horse, pasta for Jacques). Horse has a crush on a pretty filly in a neighbouring field and is so smitten that he blew off a training session with Jacques, who also knows what it's like to fall head over hooves. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The play begins with exuberant wordplay and giddy anticipation of love. But when Horse learns his future depends on winning an upcoming race, the two characters must grapple with sobering reality. So begins a contrapuntal conversation about the true nature of love and its limits and possibilities, whether you're a horse or a human. Durnford, a 2022 graduate of the acting program at Toronto Metropolitan University and a two-time Dora Mavor Award nominee, wrote Horseplay during a 24-hour playwriting contest for which he was subsequently short-listed. In the program notes, Durnford says writing the play and getting to know its characters helped him through a crisis in his life. After seeing this production (on the first night of previews), it's easy to see how. While many modern plays focus on despair, death, addiction and sexual abuse, this play sets its sights on joy. That's not to say there aren't moments of sadness (and yes, death rears its long-faced, horsey head). But Horseplay reminds us that while grief is real, it can be absorbed, integrated. The play includes a passionate analysis of various kinds of love, including romantic love, brotherly love and love that's borne unequally. Horseplay also tackles the prickly, potentially bruising question of where love goes when it disappears. These are weighty topics, but Durnford crafts a tale that carries them lightly. What gives the play its lift, in part, is the writing. It's fast-paced, clever and has a lot of fun with horse puns and sayings. (You, too, may have wondered about the origin of 'looking a gift horse in the mouth.') Director Heather Inglis has made excellent choices for the show that contribute to its sense of movement. The set design by Beyata Hackborn draws the eye upward, toward the ceiling, where a large and breezy mobile made of horse-shaped cutouts whirls lazily amid Sarah Karpyshin's delicate display of lights. Also, the players in this production really move. When Ariate gallops around the set, keeping his torso upright while his legs churn, he looks like a horse. Boyes, compact and intense, gives off jockey energy. But it is in the dance scenes (choreographed by Amber Borotsik) that Horseplay truly takes off. When Jacques hops on Horse's back, the audience can feel their connection. As a theatre lover, I am drawn to naturalism, in part because it can be easier to nail down. But the rollicking ride that is Horseplay — with its ketamine-infused dream sequence and Black Eyed Peas karaoke breakout — had me at the grassy knoll. This show, and its actors in particular, charms and tickles the audience, even as it lets us know there's often a bumpy ride ahead. Horseplay, a world premiere Theatre: Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre Playwright: Kole Durnford Director: Heather Inglis Featuring: Alexander Ariate, Lee Boyes Where: Gateway Theatre, 8529 Gateway Blvd Tickets: Pay what you will, available at or by calling 780-477-5955
Calgary Herald
16-05-2025
- Calgary Herald
Review: Workshop West's Horseplay offers charm while tackling weighty topics
Article content Every once in a while, I leave an Edmonton theatre feeling lighter than when I entered. Such was the case this week, when I saw Horseplay at the Gateway. Article content The new play — a world premiere — is written by Kole Durnford, a Metis creator originally from Stony Plain. It tells the highly imaginative story of the relationship between a jockey named Jacques (Lee Boyes) and a horse named Horse (Alexander Ariate). It's a love story, to be sure. But it's not exclusively about the love between people and animals. Article content Article content As theatre patrons enter the black box space, they find Horse sitting atop a tiny, grassy hill in the centre of the theatre. Ariate immediately builds audience rapport with a smile, a nod, and a casual comment about where to sit in this in-the-round configuration. When the show starts and Horse is joined by Jacques, the two begin to dish about dating over snacks (carrots for Horse, pasta for Jacques). Horse has a crush on a pretty filly in a neighbouring field and is so smitten that he blew off a training session with Jacques, who also knows what it's like to fall head over hooves. Article content Article content The play begins with exuberant wordplay and giddy anticipation of love. But when Horse learns his future depends on winning an upcoming race, the two characters must grapple with sobering reality. So begins a contrapuntal conversation about the true nature of love and its limits and possibilities, whether you're a horse or a human. Article content Durnford, a 2022 graduate of the acting program at Toronto Metropolitan University and a two-time Dora Mavor Award nominee, wrote Horseplay during a 24-hour playwriting contest for which he was subsequently short-listed. In the program notes, Durnford says writing the play and getting to know its characters helped him through a crisis in his life. After seeing this production (on the first night of previews), it's easy to see how. While many modern plays focus on despair, death, addiction and sexual abuse, this play sets its sights on joy. That's not to say there aren't moments of sadness (and yes, death rears its long-faced, horsey head). But Horseplay reminds us that while grief is real, it can be absorbed, integrated. The play includes a passionate analysis of various kinds of love, including romantic love, brotherly love and love that's borne unequally. Horseplay also tackles the prickly, potentially bruising question of where love goes when it disappears. Article content Article content These are weighty topics, but Durnford crafts a tale that carries them lightly. What gives the play its lift, in part, is the writing. It's fast-paced, clever and has a lot of fun with horse puns and sayings. (You, too, may have wondered about the origin of 'looking a gift horse in the mouth.') Director Heather Inglis has made excellent choices for the show that contribute to its sense of movement. The set design by Beyata Hackborn draws the eye upward, toward the ceiling, where a large and breezy mobile made of horse-shaped cutouts whirls lazily amid Sarah Karpyshin's delicate display of lights. Article content
Edmonton Journal
16-05-2025
- Edmonton Journal
Review: Workshop West's Horseplay offers charm while tackling weighty topics
Alexander Ariate as Horse in Horseplay at Workshop West. Photo by MARC J CHALIFOUX Every once in a while, I leave an Edmonton theatre feeling lighter than when I entered. Such was the case this week, when I saw Horseplay at the Gateway. The new play — a world premiere — is written by Kole Durnford, a Metis creator originally from Stony Plain. It tells the highly imaginative story of the relationship between a jockey named Jacques (Lee Boyes) and a horse named Horse (Alexander Ariate). It's a love story, to be sure. But it's not exclusively about the love between people and animals. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors As theatre patrons enter the black box space, they find Horse sitting atop a tiny, grassy hill in the centre of the theatre. Ariate immediately builds audience rapport with a smile, a nod, and a casual comment about where to sit in this in-the-round configuration. When the show starts and Horse is joined by Jacques, the two begin to dish about dating over snacks (carrots for Horse, pasta for Jacques). Horse has a crush on a pretty filly in a neighbouring field and is so smitten that he blew off a training session with Jacques, who also knows what it's like to fall head over hooves. The play begins with exuberant wordplay and giddy anticipation of love. But when Horse learns his future depends on winning an upcoming race, the two characters must grapple with sobering reality. So begins a contrapuntal conversation about the true nature of love and its limits and possibilities, whether you're a horse or a human. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Durnford, a 2022 graduate of the acting program at Toronto Metropolitan University and a two-time Dora Mavor Award nominee, wrote Horseplay during a 24-hour playwriting contest for which he was subsequently short-listed. In the program notes, Durnford says writing the play and getting to know its characters helped him through a crisis in his life. After seeing this production (on the first night of previews), it's easy to see how. While many modern plays focus on despair, death, addiction and sexual abuse, this play sets its sights on joy. That's not to say there aren't moments of sadness (and yes, death rears its long-faced, horsey head). But Horseplay reminds us that while grief is real, it can be absorbed, integrated. The play includes a passionate analysis of various kinds of love, including romantic love, brotherly love and love that's borne unequally. Horseplay also tackles the prickly, potentially bruising question of where love goes when it disappears. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. These are weighty topics, but Durnford crafts a tale that carries them lightly. What gives the play its lift, in part, is the writing. It's fast-paced, clever and has a lot of fun with horse puns and sayings. (You, too, may have wondered about the origin of 'looking a gift horse in the mouth.') Director Heather Inglis has made excellent choices for the show that contribute to its sense of movement. The set design by Beyata Hackborn draws the eye upward, toward the ceiling, where a large and breezy mobile made of horse-shaped cutouts whirls lazily amid Sarah Karpyshin's delicate display of lights. Also, the players in this production really move. When Ariate gallops around the set, keeping his torso upright while his legs churn, he looks like a horse. Boyes, compact and intense, gives off jockey energy. But it is in the dance scenes (choreographed by Amber Borotsik) that Horseplay truly takes off. When Jacques hops on Horse's back, the audience can feel their connection. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As a theatre lover, I am drawn to naturalism, in part because it can be easier to nail down. But the rollicking ride that is Horseplay — with its ketamine-infused dream sequence and Black Eyed Peas karaoke breakout — had me at the grassy knoll. This show, and its actors in particular, charms and tickles the audience, even as it lets us know there's often a bumpy ride ahead. REVIEW Horseplay, a world premiere Theatre: Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre Playwright: Kole Durnford Director: Heather Inglis Featuring: Alexander Ariate, Lee Boyes Where: Gateway Theatre, 8529 Gateway Blvd Tickets: Pay what you will, available at or by calling 780-477-5955 Read More Politics News Local News Crime Edmonton Oilers
