Acting in War Horse
Make it Sparkle Video with Gene Gillette
Broadway Actor
3:55 (runtime)
Director’s Notes
Broadway Actor Gene Gillette describes the play "War Horse" as a story about family, the atrocities of war, and the deep bond between a person and his horse. He emphasizes the transformational impact of the First World War and the industrial revolution.
Depiction of Warfare: The play captures a pivotal moment in warfare. One memorable scene depicts the cavalry thinking they will face other horses, but instead encountering a tank. This scene highlights the tragic loss of many horses during the war and represents the transition into modern warfare.
Artistic Elements: The production marries various artistic elements Gene loves, including music, projections, as well as the large, impressive horse puppets—brought to life by skilled puppeteers. “War Horse” also tells a moving story about a family affected by the war.
Comparison with National Theatre: Gene admires the work of the National Theatre, mentioning that they have the freedom to take more risks because of government subsidies, as opposed to the U.S. theaters that can be forced to primarily focus on profitability.
Touring Challenges: Acting in "War Horse" involved touring 32 cities in ten months. This intense schedule meant constant traveling, with little downtime between shows, soundchecks, and rehearsals. Despite the rigorous schedule, Gene found joy in the experience.
Personal Reflection: Gene fondly recalls the time he spent on "War Horse" and "Curious Incident." The experience of playing in various theaters and witnessing their rich history was a dream come true for him, fulfilling everything he wants in his acting career.
About Gene Gillette
Gene Gillette is an American Stage and Television actor.
Most recently he appeared in the Broadway production of Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of To Kill A Mockingbird which has been called "The Most Successful American Play in Broadway history" by 60 Minutes. While a part of To Kill A Mockingbird he was also a member of the first ever production of a Broadway play to appear at Madison Square Garden.
He is also known for portraying 'Ed Boone' in the Broadway First National Tour of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time for The National Theatre.
Other theatrical credits include: War Horse (Second Broadway National Tour), MacBeth (w/ Frances McDormand), The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Shakespeare Theatre Company), Romeo & Juliet, As You Like It (Folger Theatre), A Streetcar Named Desire (TheatreWorks) and others.
He has appeared on multiple television shows, including "The Punisher, "The Blacklist", "Quantico," "The Good Wife," "Elementary," "Person of Interest," "Ringer," "Madam Secretary," "Instinct" and "Law & Order: SVU."
Gene received his MFA in Classical Acting from George Washington University and his BFA in Acting from University of Colorado, Boulder.
He currently resides in New York City.