Horsegirl & Cowdaddy
Horsegirl & Cowdaddy is a world-premiere play by DJ Hills, directed by Adil Mansoor and co-produced with Soho Rep. Set in rural Pennsylvania, this funny and compassionate story follows Horsegirl, a trans woman in her thirties whose carefully ordered life with her father, Cowdaddy, changes when she falls for a teacher who has recently moved to town. A resulting physical transformation prompts Horsegirl to reconsider what a happy and fulfilling life can be. Lindsay Smiling, the Wilma’s artistic director, plays Cowdaddy.
The production explores family, intimacy, queer and trans life, and the possibilities for self-realization in rural communities. The page lists the live production as a September 22–October 4, 2026 engagement, with streaming available October 8–November 1, 2026.
When: September 22–October 4, 2026, for the in-person production. Streaming is listed for October 8–November 1, 2026.
Venue: Wilma Theater.
Showtimes: Previews are September 22, 23, and 24 at 7 p.m.; the opening performance is September 25 at 7 p.m. Other scheduled events include an open mic on September 28 at 7 p.m., a relaxed performance on September 30 at 2 p.m., a Cafe Chat on October 1 at 7 p.m., Black Affinity Night on October 2 at 7 p.m., and a talkback on September 27 at 2 p.m.
Accessible performances: The September 30 performance is relaxed. Open-captioned performances are October 3 at 7 p.m. and October 4 at 2 p.m. Audio description is offered October 4 at 2 p.m.
Special ticket programs: Pay What You Wilma performances are scheduled for September 22 and October 2.
Tickets: Price not available.
Group and student tickets: Groups of 10 or more can receive discounted tickets at $30 each for Tuesday–Thursday performances and $40 each for Friday–Sunday performances. Group inquiries can be directed to groupsales@wilmatheater.org.
Run time: 1 hour 45 minutes.
Content information: The play contains simulated sexual activity, partial nudity, kink, strobing and flashing lights, haze, and loud sounds, including sounds resembling gunshots.
Cast: Samora de la Brisa plays Horsegirl, and Lindsay Smiling plays Cowdaddy.
Creative team: DJ Hills is the playwright and Adil Mansoor is the director. Ni-Ni plays Bethel. Lane Lavonne is assistant director; Leo Mock is intimacy coordinator and dramaturg; Jian Jung designed the set; Kate McGee designed the lighting; Rebecca Kanach designed the costumes; Erik Ruin designed the puppets; Johnny Gasper designed the sound; Jo Fernandez is production stage manager; Matthew Zumbo is director of production; and Sloane Duzy is assistant stage manager.
Community events: Post-show cafe gatherings are planned with Philly Queer Book Club on September 23 at 7 p.m., Philly’s Sex Positive Newsletter on September 24 at 7 p.m., the Philadelphia Trans Oral History Project on September 26 at 7 p.m., Eastern PA Trans Equity Project on September 27 at 2 p.m. alongside the talkback, Mazzoni Center on October 3 at 7 p.m., and Philly Queer Fundy on October 4 at 2 p.m.