Cast: 4m., 2w. A soulful cello solo played by a beautiful young African-American woman sets The Gift Horse in motion. As the mysterious cellist departs, the audience meets Ruth, a warm, attractive African-American woman with an easy laugh and a sharp sense of humor. While Ruth remembers her college days, the audience returns there with her, reliving times when life trajectories were set and bonds with friends and lovers were forged. Ruth takes the audience on her tumultuous journey from then to now, moving back and forth in time as characters from the past and present collide. We learn about Ruth, Ernesto, Brian, Noah, Bill and Jordan. These highly articulate characters confront each other directly and indirectly around issues that challenge us culturally. And the mysterious cellist spools her story as well. The Gift Horse explores the complexities of human interaction in love, commitment and tragedy and celebrates the resilience of the soul. Area staging. Approximate running time: 2 hours.