An intersection of war and family, friendship and survival, tied together by loyalty. The story takes place during World War I, and portrays the relationship between a boy, Albert, and his horse Joey. Albert's father has sold Joey to English calvalry for 100 pounds, and Albert is determined to get him back. So determined, in fact, that he runs away from home and joins the army at the young age of 16. We are immediately immersed into the brutal environment of war, which is punctured by compassion for the horses whose plight has hitherto largely been unrecognized.
The play's minimal set and unadorned aesthetic allows us to focus on the characters and plot, and transports us back to a time where human relationships were the fruit of life, unimpeded by technology or other distractions. The main playing area of the stage remains almost entirely clear throughout the production, while the visual projections and sound effects provide life without extravagant spectacle. The puppets, created by the Handspring Puppet Company, are a truly defining and unique element of the production, and the puppeteers' attention to detail in the slightest movements of the horses is incredible. After a few minutes, we forget the puppeteers are even there, and see the horses as real, living creatures. It is impossible not to empathize with the characters, and indeed the animals, on stage, and identify with the loyalty they embody.
Albert is fiercely loyal to his horse. When he finds his father whipping him after Joey refused to wear a harness, Joey bites his father and comforts the horse. The father, on the other hand, is above all concerned with the well-being of his family, as represented by his sale of Joey. The mother finds herself caught in between loyalty to her son, who she knows loves Joey more than anything in the world and will not be happy until he gets him back, and loyalty to her husband, who she feels they owe everything to. Finally, the loyalty of all the characters to their country and its cause in the war is central. These opposing loyalties create the tension drives the action forward, and brings the family and war story-lines together.
Overall, the play achieves its purpose of bringing to light the lives or horses in war, and keeps the audience engaged throughout with a authentic and stirring story.
I remember reading a moving kid's book that told a similar story about a boy and a horse that goes to war--it was true --WWI, I believe. It was a lovely book. What a cool adventure you are having!
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