By far Warhorse is my favourite play that I have seen in the program. It stands as the winner, because of the various aspects, such as the production, the creativity, and the historical story. Warhorse, held at the national theatre, is a story of love, tragedy, and hope. Originally a children’s fictional novel, written by Michael Morpurgo, the book has had its greatest success in its theatrical adaptation. The play originally debuted in 2007 and has had much success transferring to theatres all around London.
People may be surprised, as I was, in the creativity of the horse, Joey. Joey, one of the main characters, is actually not a horse, but a puppet made of wood. The wood used to create the puppet originates from South Africa. Many people would think, how could a puppet made of wood controlled by three puppeteers not distract the audience? The fact the audience recognizes the imperfection of Joey’s structure allows for them to look passed this minor issue. I believe if the play was to replicate an actual horse; the audience would focus in on every small detail of the puppets non resemblance to a real creature.
I also enjoyed Warhorse because of the social message it portrayed of human nature. The play is a story about interpersonal relationship, not only between Joey and his horse, but between different societies. The plot takes places during WW1 having the main character Billy Narracott, who is played by Jacob Anderson, joining the military in order to find his beloved horse Joey. The play’s strength derives from its ability to illustrate a strong bond between the two. It is the bond of love that transcends the social and political issues that are within the plot of Warhorse.
Felix Brown
University of California, Berkeley
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