By Wole Soyinka
Directed by Tawiah M'Carthy
This production contains flashing lights as well as theatrical haze and smoke. It also includes triggering language, as well as extensive discussion of suicide.
THE GREATER THE HONOUR, THE DEEPER THE SHAME
In British-occupied Nigeria, a Yoruba king, the Alafin, has died, and it is the duty of his horseman, Elesin, to accompany him into the afterlife. While lustily enjoying the pleasures of this world, Elesin proudly anticipates his transition to the next – but the sacred ritual is interrupted, resulting in unforeseen tragedy. Inspired by a real-life incident, this masterpiece from Nobel Prize winner Soyinka celebrates a community striving to uphold its culture in the face of colonial power.
House Program: Death and the King's Horseman
Runtime: Two hours and 51 minutes, including one 18-minute interval
Production support is generously provided by Barbara & John Schubert.
Support for the 2022 season of the Tom Patterson Theatre is generously provided by
Photo credits: Anthony Santiago (centre) as Elesin with members of the company in Death and the King’s Horseman. Photo by David Hou.
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