PONIES

And The Physicality of Haley Lu Richardson

I hope we’re all watching Ponies, because we’ve gathered here today, to talk about the acting. Specifically, the character of Twila, portrayed by Haley Lu Richardson.

The show is very entertaining, and I was locked in after the first episode. But over time, I became a bit distracted by the character dynamic between the two leads, Richardson and Clark. It wasn’t necessarily the chemistry that stood out. It was primarily the way in which Richardson was carrying herself. At first I was asking myself, “Who is she referencing here?”. It seemed like a nod to performances directly from the late 70s and early 80s. Maybe a cop show or even a western. It could potentially even draw from a side character at a diner. It was difficult for me to pinpoint a direct reference. And at some points I wondered if it was too much “schtick”. But, the more I thought about the performance, there’s actually a kind of brilliance to it.

Twila is a traumatized character, and she’s heavily guarded. She has a lot of difficulty opening up. And, based on the progressing narrative, is closeting her sexuality in some capacity. She is a survivor, doing whatever she can to get through life in the most painless way.

Richardson comes from a dance background. If you follow her social accounts, she often posts breathtaking videos of her freely dancing. She is highly in tune with her emotional state, and very open to the public about how her feelings drive her through life, displaying them very much on the surface. Recently, she published and released a book of poetry, I’m Sad and Horny.

When I reflected on her as an artist, it revealed an approach to Twila that I hadn’t considered. Richardson holds her character in a state that reflects her emotional boundaries. She’s locked up, and defensive. She moves in a way that is protective, almost always ready to receive attack. Her face is stiff, because she’s been hiding for years. And she’s afraid, because everyone in her life has let her down.

I imagine Richardson also watched references to prepare for this part, and it pulls from both male and female characters of the time. But her physicality is drawn from a dancer’s understanding. Her body is communicating just as much as her words, and when you recognize that, it’s masterful.

I’m excited to see her continue to develop this character, but also her craft in this field. She has an incredibly tapped in emotional state, and has a lot of potential to be the best of the best in years to come.