Wilma Theater Premiered Play Horsegirl and Cowdaddy
The new production explores the experiences of transgender women living in rural Pennsylvania settings.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia recently debuted the play Horsegirl and Cowdaddy. The production, written by DJ Hills, follows a transgender woman navigating decisions about her place of residence.
Why it matters
The play aims to challenge perceptions of rural areas as inherently hostile spaces for LGBTQ individuals. It draws inspiration from a conversation the playwright had in Greencastle, Pennsylvania.
The production is grounded in demographic data showing 16% of transgender Americans live in rural areas. The playwright, DJ Hills, is 31 years old.
The players
DJ Hills
The 31-year-old writer created the play based on personal conversations about rural life.
Lindsay Smiling
He serves as the artistic director at the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia.
Wilma Theater
The Philadelphia-based performance venue hosted the premiere of the new play.
The details
The play uses stage design featuring cornstalks to depict its rural Pennsylvania setting. The narrative centers on a protagonist's internal journey regarding where to build her life.
Timeline
The Movement Advancement Project published a report on rural transgender populations in 2019.
The Inquirer chronicled the lives of transgender women in Dauphin County in 2023.
The play Horsegirl and Cowdaddy held its world premiere on September 25, 2026.
A move to New York City is scheduled for 2027.
Industry Dynamics
The production reflects a growing trend in theater to move beyond urban-centric storytelling by highlighting the realities of LGBTQ life in rural environments. It dramatizes the sociological trends documented in the 2019 Movement Advancement Project report on rural transgender populations.
Local audiences in Philadelphia can currently attend the premiere at the Wilma Theater. Future opportunities to view the production will become available as the show moves to New York City and other locations in 2027.
The takeaway
The play emphasizes that rural communities can be complex homes for transgender people rather than monolithic hostile spaces. Attendees are encouraged to consider the varied experiences of LGBTQ residents beyond major metropolitan centers.
What happens next
The play is scheduled to travel to New York City in 2027, with additional future stops planned for Pittsburgh and other rural settings.
Further reading
For more performances featuring diverse narratives, explore the Children’s Theater section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Live Poll
Do you believe it is possible to find fulfillment and acceptance living in a rural community?
