The Man on Horseback

The Man on Horseback is the first draft of a documentary theatre piece that probes family stories deeply shaped by the context of a colonial history.

Sparked from the stories of Guillaume Bernardi’s own father, who spent a magical year in Ethiopia when he was 8 years old, the exploration starts with a locked trunk full of old photographs and documents. Further research reveals that this was no idyllic family vacation and that Bernardi’s grandfather was active in the Italian army that occupied Ethiopia in 1936.

In attempting to square the actions of his family members with his own values, Bernardi uncovers new narratives that fully acknowledge colonization, bringing this exploration full circle into the present day. Reflecting upon the hard process of recognizing the role of colonial history within our own personal stories, The Man on Horseback presents a reality that may ring true for Toronto audiences.

October 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM

When I saw Guillaume’s application for the festival I was beyond excited. And when I read the proposal, I knew this was the time and the place. I have admired this artist since I first saw one of his productions years ago when I first moved to Toronto. I thought to myself: if this is the kind of work that is being done in this city, then this is where I want to be. With this piece, the artist is stepping out of his comfort zone and navigating a personal world of vulnerability.

Beatriz Pizano, Aluna Theatre Artistic Director

About the artist

Guillaume Bernardi

Guillaume Bernardi is a Toronto-based stage director dramaturge and teacher. His directing work covers a wide range of genres, from theatre and opera to movement pieces. He has directed productions on many of the world’s most notable stages including Brussels, Frankfurt, Innsbruck, Montréal, New York, Paris, Rome and Toronto. 

Bernardi’s strong connection with opera and dance was established from 1996 to 2000, when he collaborated on a full-time basis with American choreographer Trisha Brown on her opera projects, including the highly acclaimed 1998 production of Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo. 

As a dramaturge, he worked in Toronto, with Sashar Zarif on Grief , Peter Chin on Berdandan and Stupa and with Hiroshi Miyamoto on Hiki; and abroad, with Boyzie Cekwana (South Africa) on Influx Controls: I wanna be wanna be and In case of fire run for the elevator, and with Lia Rodrigues (Brazil) on Piracema and Pindorama. 

He teaches in the Drama and Creative Arts Programme at York University on the Glendon Campus, where he has directed more than a dozen student productions in English, French and Spanish.