Death and the King's Horseman (Theatre)

Set in the last years of the 2nd World War, this humorous and engaging play is a savage indictment of British ‘meddlesome’ history in colonial Africa. The King of Oyo a region of Southern Nigeria has died and Elesin his horseman, who himself has enjoyed a charmed life of wine and women must as tradition has it commit ritual suicide and follow his master to meet their ancestors.. As Elesin, magnificently played by Nanso Anozie (Cass, Rock’n’Rola) prepares for his last days, he decided against caution by the Iyaloja ‘Mother of the Market’ to take a young bride so that his dying seed can flower once more.

When through the his network of spies, houseboys and sycophants the bumbling English district officer admirably played by Lucian Msamati hears of Elesin’s impending demise and having little understanding and total disregard for local customs, decides to place Elesin under house arrest thus preventing him from fulfilling his destiny. However, the ancestors must be appeased and Olunde, Elesin son after a blistering attack on his father for allowing himself to be captured by the British, tragically sacrifices himself in his fathers place so that the circle of history can continue.

Playing for the first time in London with its large ensemble of thirty plus actors this Wole Soyinka penned play, directed by Rufus Norris (Tin Tin, Cabaret), gives and intriguing insight into Yoruba worldview. That of man’s three states, the unborn, the living and the ancestors all of which are and must continue to be linked whatever the cost in what Soyinka calls a ‘transitional gulf.’

Set on a huge semicircular stage with its red ochre tinged earth, huge chicken baskets and rickety stalls festooned with a rainbow of coloured clothes is was evident that set designer Katrina Lindsay has gone to great lengths to ensure that the sights and sounds of a sultry, sweaty and bustling African market was truthfully recreated.

Packed with many great scenes it is difficult to single out exceptions. However highlights must include the hilarious royal ball scene in which the guests had their faces ‘whited-up’ and are presented to his Highness dressed in the finest of Victoria attire but ironically wearing slave yokes. Added to this is the hilarious scene in which the market women taunt and ridicule the hapless policemen for being spineless puppets sent to do the white mans dirty work.

Exceptional individual performances include Jenny Jules as the dotty and lovable District Officers wife, Claire Benedict bringing gravitas to the role of Iyeloja and Kobina Holbrook-Smith riveting role as the brash and challenging Olunde.

Even though the production could have been shortened by 20 minutes and some of the speeches were inaudible because of the huge stage overall the play in the sumptious Oliver Theatre is exceptional value at a credit crunching £10.00 and much better value that your average Sainsbury ‘Dinner For Two Deal’. Miss at your peril.

National Theatre, Southbank SE1 9px
Until 17 June 2009 £10-£33
Call box office on 0207 452 3000 for more details