‘Life is honour. It ends when honour ends’
Set in Nigeria in the late 1940’s and based on a true story, Elesin, the king’s horseman, is tasked with carrying out a sacred ritual upon the death of the king, however Elesin is overtaken by the allure of earthly desires.
A thought-provoking resonant theatrical experience showcasing music and dance, deeply rooted in the culture and spirituality of the Yoruba people.
Directed by Mojisola Kareem (Here’s What She Said to Me, Far Gone).
Death and The King’s Horseman was written by Wole Soyinka. His work intertwines traditional African theatre with contemporary themes, making Death and The King’s Horseman a compelling narrative of cultural duty versus personal dilemma. Mojisola Kareem’s adaptation promises a captivating portrayal of Soyinka’s vision.
First staged in 1975, Death and the King’s Horseman was and continues to be produced around the world, including at the National Theatre in London and most recently for the Stratford Festival in Canada in 2023.
As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), Utopia Theatre is focused on delivering a programme of events and productions to share compelling stories of African diaspora and inspire the next generation of creatives. Sheffield Theatres and Utopia Theatre have worked together for more than a decade, producing African theatre which has been enjoyed both in Sheffield and on tour around the UK
For more information about Utopia Theatre, visit www.utopiatheatre.co.uk.
