New Perspectives on Love: ‘For Want of a Horse’ Premieres in LA

World Premiere of "For Want of a Horse" Explores Unconventional Relationships

In a daring exploration of love and desire, the Echo Theater Company has launched the world premiere of Olivia Dufault’s play, "For Want of a Horse." The production, which runs through May 25 at Atwater Village Theatre, provocatively examines the complexities of opening up relationships—especially when a horse is involved.

Founded in 1997, the Echo Theater Company is renowned for developing and showcasing new works. Dufault’s play features Calvin, a devoted husband who confides in his best friend PJ about his desire to pursue a relationship with Q-Tip, a horse. Starring Joey Stromberg as Calvin, Jenny Soo as Bonnie, Steven Culp as PJ, and Griffin Kelly as Q-Tip, the production is directed by Elana Luo, the company’s associate artistic director.

Dufault describes the narrative as a unique twist on classic romantic comedies, presenting a love triangle that intriguingly includes a horse. “It follows certain classic romantic arcs and tropes,” she said. While the subject matter may seem absurd, Dufault aims to cultivate empathy for the characters, allowing audiences to connect with their unconventional dynamics.

The play delves into the evolving relationship between Calvin and Q-Tip, providing insights from both perspectives. “We really see him discover this horse for the first time and develop a relationship with it,” Dufault explained. “We see the horse’s perspective of him and her changing sense of the dynamic that exists between them.”

The set design creatively simulates a barn environment, incorporating multiple spaces, including Calvin and Bonnie’s bedroom. “In a lot of ways, the set is meant to feel like the bedroom is existing in the stable, and the stable is existing in the bedroom,” Dufault added.

Adding to the complexity, PJ is also in a relationship with a dog, serving as a mentor figure who embodies audacious perspectives within the play. Dufault, known for incorporating animals into her narratives, remarked that her personal experiences growing up in rural Massachusetts informed her understanding of human-animal relationships.

“When I have animals in my plays, I like them to be very wise but also very, very stupid at the same time,” she noted. Q-Tip embodies themes of domestication and freedom, drawing from Dufault’s observations of horses throughout her life.

The play was inspired by a 2014 New York Magazine article titled “What It’s Like to Date a Horse.” Initially finding humor in the absurdity of the situation, Dufault expressed a deepening empathy for the characters as she explored their emotional landscapes. “I began to feel deeply empathetic for everyone involved,” she said, seeking to weave this complexity into her work.

Dufault also referenced Edward Albee’s "The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?" as a source of inspiration, contemplating what it would mean to treat such subjects with sincerity. Kelly, who portrays Q-Tip, has a history of playing animal characters and embraced the role with enthusiasm. Dufault praised her dedication to character research, highlighting Kelly’s observations of horses and how she embodies their mannerisms.

In crafting Q-Tip’s character, Dufault aims for complexity—portraying the horse in a way that allows her to express thoughts that resonate with the audience, while still remaining a horse. “For all intents and purposes, she is a horse,” Dufault clarified, emphasizing that the presentation focuses on silhouette rather than a full horse costume.

With "For Want of a Horse" in development for approximately two years, Dufault’s earlier work laid the groundwork for this bold exploration. “Inciting strong emotion is really important to me in my work, and this play definitely does that,” she stated, reflecting on her commitment to challenging audience perceptions.

An accomplished playwright, Dufault has also worked in television and graphic novels, with her upcoming project, "Laserworld," slated for release in 2027. Grounded in authentic experiences, she continues to explore audacious themes while maintaining a connection to real-life emotional truths.

Show Details
When: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays; 4 p.m. Sundays, through May 25
Where: Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles
Cost: $15 to $42.75