Film

Death and the King's Horseman

2023 · 2h 33m · Drama · History

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.

Anthony Santiago

Elesin

Amaka Umeh

Praise-Singer

Graham Abbey

Simon Pilkings

Kwaku Adu-Poku

Olunde

Akosua Amo-Adem

Iyaloja

Maev Beaty

Jane Pilkings

Josue Laboucane

The Prince

Pulga Muchochoma

Joseph/Drummer

Ngabo Nabea

Sergeant Amusa

Bola Aiyeola

Adedoja

Celia Aloma

Olabisi

Isi Bhakhomen

Omosalewa

Déjah Dixon-Green

Apinke

Ijeoma Emesowum

Ariyike

Rachel Jones

Companion to the Resident

Matthew Kabwe

Constable

• Tawiah M'CarthyDirector
• Wole SoyinkaWriter
• Aaron HuckerDirector of Photography

Death and the King's Horseman Trailer | Stratford Festival 2022

Release date

February 9, 2023

Status

Released

Original language

English

Runtime

2h 33m

Genres

Drama, History