Death and the King’s Horseman, Crucible Theatre Review

Wale Ojo and members of the company of Death and the King’s Horseman. Photo by Anthony Robling.

Written by Kirsty for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

The production explores the following themes, either implied in the text or seen on stage (noted as visually represented): Death (visually represented), Ritual Suicide, Suicide, strangulation by chains (visually represented), Blood, Sexism and Misogyny (visually represented) and Racism (within the text and visually represented)

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Wole Soyinka’s play based on true events of events that took place in 1946 is a powerful and exciting piece of theatre. Utopia Theatre’s production directed by Mojisola Kareem feels vibrant with the help of Kevin Jenkins’ sumptuous set and costume design aiding the cast in bringing this story to the stage in a sympathetic and challenging way.

Death and the King’s Horseman has at its heart the themes of how important culture and tradition were to indigenous tribes during the time of British Colonialism in Nigeria, and how it is impossible to escape your destiny no matter how hard someone tries. It also reminds us that just because we do not understand an opposing culture, that does not mean that this culture is lesser or that our culture is immediately superior

The play opens in the village of Oyo where the Alaafin (King) has died, and Elesin Oba must die by ritual suicide to follow The Alaafin to the afterlife, as his final role as his Horseman. Wale Ojo is phenomenal as Elesin Oba, and you feel that you are a key observer during his journey to fulfil his destiny. Even in the more challenging parts of the play, especially during the scenes where he chooses a new bride, you can feel Elesin’s heart throughout.

Kehinde Bankole as Iyaloha is a standout performance, she is strong and powerful yet always remaining as the heart of the tribe, the ensemble are harmonious and extremely talented. Theo Ogundipe as the Praise Singer is a standout and he commanded the stage throughout.

At the same time as the events taking place in the village, we meet Simon Pilkings (played by David Partridge) and his fellow Colonial officers who have taken it upon themselves to stop Elesin Oba’s rite of passage due to their belief that it is savage and against God. We learn that through Pilkings interference Elesin Oba’s son, Olunde (played by Michael Ahomka-Lindsay) has been studying in England. He returns to honour his father, however, due to the interference of Pilkings there is a devastating chain of events that lead Pilkings and the audience to realise that by lack of understanding of a culture more damage is caused than good.

The closing scenes were especially powerful, and you see that no one will be left unchanged by the events that have taken place

There is no doubt that the play will be a challenging watch for many, but it feels an incredibly necessary watch especially in the current climate in which we live. There are undoubtedly challenging scenes and language that some people will find incredibly difficult to hear however it is important to view the piece for what it is, which is a way of telling the story of a piece of Nigerian history that many would never have heard of. 

At Sheffield’s Crucible until 8 Feb 2025.

★★★★