Explore this scene
Scene Overview
Note: We are not able to display the full text for this scene.
- Female: 0
- Male: 2
More Scenes
Context
Elesin Oba served as horseman to his King. Upon the King’s death, it is traditional for the King’s horseman to sacrifice his life as well, in addition to the King’s favorite horse and dog, in order to accompany his master into the afterlife. Elesin was prepared and proud to fulfill his sacred duty, which was to take place earlier in the night while the King’s funeral rites were being performed. Before Elesin could kill himself, however, he was stopped by the local British District Officer,
to read the context for this scene from Death and the King's Horseman and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Text
Note: We are not able to display the full text for this scene. However, to assist users who already have access to the script, starting and ending lines are presented below. Please visit our scenes database to find scenes that include text.
START: A wide iron-barred gate stretches almost the whole width of the cell in which Elesin is imprisoned. His wrists are encased in thick iron bracelets, chained together; he stands against the bars, looking out [. . .] Pilkings now in a police officer’s uniform enters noiselessly, observes him for a while. Then he coughs ostentatiously and approaches. Leans against the bars near a corner, his back to Elesin. He is obviously trying to fall in mood with him. Some moments’ silence.
Pilkings: You seem fascinated by the moon.
Elesin: (After a pause) Yes, ghostly one. Your twin-brother up there engages my thoughts.
[... ... ...]
END: Elesin: Make yourself clear, white one.
Pilkings: I have lived among you long enough to learn a saying or two. One came to my mind tonight when I stepped into the market and saw what was going on. You were surrounded by those who egged you on with song and praises. I thought, are these not the same people who say: the elder grimly approaches heaven and you ask him to bear your greetings yonder; do you really think he makes the journey willingly? After that, I did not hesitate.
For full scene please see Soyinka, Wole, Death and the King’s Horseman, Eyre Methuen Ltd, 1975, pp. 62-64.
Videos
Sorry! We do not currently have videos for this guide.
Links
Related Products
Related Articles
Related Learning Modules
All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners.
Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.