Death and the King's Horseman

Play

Writers: Wole Soyinka

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1976
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
early 1940s, Oyo, Nigeria
Cast Size
medium
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, young adult characters

Synopsis

In the ancient Yoruba city of Oyo, Nigeria, the King has died. Elesin Oba, the king’s horseman, must follow his King in death to help him reach the afterlife. It is a great honor, and a ritual steeped in faith and tradition. When news of the impending suicide reaches Simon Pilkings -- the British District Officer, who is ignorant of native culture -- he decides Elesin must be stopped. Based on historical events, Wole Soyinka’s powerful play Death and the King’s Horseman depicts one fateful night, during which Elesin, his son, and Pilkings become entangled in a struggle of honor, faith, tradition, and the very soul of a community.

Lead Characters


Death and the King's Horseman guide sections