By DJ Hills
Directed by Adil Mansoor
a Co-Production with Soho Rep
September 22 – October 4, 2026
More about the play:
Horsegirl, a trans woman in her thirties, lives a life of routine alongside her father, Cowdaddy, in rural Pennsylvania – until she falls in love with a new-to-town teacher, triggering a physical transformation in the wake of which Horsegirl must decide for herself what a happy life looks like. Featuring Artistic Director, Lindsay Smiling, as Cowdaddy.
RUNTIME: 1 hour 45 minutes.
CONTENT INFORMATION: This play includes simulated sex acts, partial nudity, and kink. It also includes strobing and flashing lights, loud sounds (including but not limited to gunshots), and haze.
The central question of “Horsegirl & Cowdaddy,” is: What would it mean for queer and trans people to be able to realize their full potential in these rural spaces?
– Philadelphia Gay News in their interview with DJ Hills
American Theatre: Rural Tenderness in Horsegirl & Cowdaddy
Broadway World: Horsegirl & Cowdaddy to Make World Premiere at Wilma Theater
Metro Philly: A love letter to rural PA: Horsegirl & Cowdaddy comes to Philly’s Wilma Theater
Philadelphia Gay News: Horsegirl & Cowdaddy challenges assumptions about rural queer life
We’re excited to partner with the following organizations during this production. Join them after the following shows in the cafe:
Philly Queer Book Club: Tues., Sept 23 – 7pm
Philly’s Sex Positive Newsletter: Wed., Sept 24 – 7pm
Phila. Trans Oral History Project: Sat., Sept 26 – 7pm
Eastern PA Trans Equity Project: Sun., Sept 27 – 2pm (with the Talkback)
Mazzoni Center: Sat., Oct. 3rd – 7pm
Philly Queer Fundy: Sun., Oct. 4th – 2pm
Groups of 10 or more enjoy discounted rates of $30 per ticket for weekday performances (Tuesday-Thursday) and $40 per ticket for weekend performances (Friday-Sunday). For all inquiries and questions, please email groupsales@wilmatheater.org. Interested in bringing a school group? You can find more info here.
Previews: Sept 22, 23, 24 at 7pm
Opening: Sept 25 at 7pm
Talkback: Sept 27 at 2pm
Cafe Chat: Oct 1 at 7pm
Open Mic: Sept 28 at 7pm
Relaxed Performance: Sept 30 at 2pm
Black Affinity Night: Oct 2 at 7pm
Open Caption: Oct 3 at 7pm & Oct 4 at 2pm
Audio Description: Oct 4 at 2pm
Pay What You Wilma: Sept 22 & Oct 2
Honorary Producers
Tobey and Mark Dichter
