2024 Audience Reviews

Company: Theatre On The Rocks
Show: A Horse Walks Out Onto the Stage and Dies
Venue: Phoenix Theater

Brilliant and Human

What does a horse’s death tell us about how to live a human life? Quite a bit, as it turns out. Sweere’s character in “A Horse Walks Out Onto the Stage and Dies” is the perfect journey from playful self-obsession to self-actualization. There is surprise, parody, and a heaping dose of humanity from beginning to end, not to mention an intoxicating amount of engagement with the audience. Sweere’s performance is incredibly conversational and easy to follow, yet his writing also has subtle depth that only grows as the show goes on. The genius of Sweere’s art is both its sincerity and simplicity. He provokes deep reflection and, in my case, profound gratitude as well. Sweere challenges the audience to see themselves and the world differently, especially in light of death. He shows more than he tells us what life is really all about, (as all art should). All the while, he makes a profound argument for the goodness of it all and where we can find that goodness. . The trick to watching this show is to come in with your arms wide open to everything Sweere has to offer you. He will make you laugh, cry, and think - if you are willing to play along. Some jokes are just jokes, and you shouldn’t linger too much on them. Just have a laugh and gallop along. Some jokes, however, will bring the room to a standstill and make you wonder how a man in his twenties could have such acute insight into the world around him. Sweere is clearly a man with talent, perspective, and an incredible heart. You couldn’t ask for anything more from an aspiring writer, actor, or artist in general. You will be amazed by the gifts he brings to the stage, but you will be most impressed by his authenticity, his vulnerability, and once again, his humanity on full display.