New Episode of ‘Death and the King’s Horseman’ to be Hosted at National Theatre
A new production of Wole Soyinka’s renowned play, “Death and the King’s Horseman,” is set to premiere at the National Theatre. The show, a collaboration between Image Bureau Company, led by George Quaye, and April Communications, promises to be a major highlight of the theatrical season.
Performances are scheduled across two weekends, commencing on Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th, with encore presentations on August 30th and 31st. Matinee performances will be held at 4:00 PM, followed by evening shows at 8:00 PM each day. Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian Nobel laureate, is widely considered one of Africa’s foremost dramatists, and “Death and the King’s Horseman” is among his most celebrated works.
The play draws inspiration from a real historical incident that occurred in colonial-era Nigeria. It recounts the story of a horseman, tasked with ritual suicide following the death of his king, who is prevented from fulfilling his duty by British colonial authorities. Soyinka’s narrative explores not only the external interference of colonialism but also the internal conflict and wavering resolve within the horseman himself, creating a profound disruption within the Yoruba community. The work examines themes of cultural duty, tradition, and the inevitable collision between indigenous belief systems and the imposing force of colonial power.
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Building on the success of previous productions, such as Ola Rotimi’s “The Gods Are Not to Blame”, anticipation is high for this latest venture. George Quaye has assured audiences that they can expect a production characterized by exceptional quality and artistic vision.
During a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony with the National Theatre in June, Quaye acknowledged the inherent challenges in staging “Death and the King’s Horseman”, noting its depth and complexity, which deter many directors. “It is a very difficult play to execute and quite expensive to stage, but we have assurances, and we believe we are about to blow the minds of patrons all over again,” Quaye stated confidently.
“We believe this is going to be the epitome of theatre in Africa. We are going to redefine theatre because, for us, there are no group of performers in this country who are better than those stationed here at the National Theatre,” he remarked during the signing. In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on August 12th, Quaye promised patrons an unforgettable experience: “I assure all patrons that the production will feature exceptional acting, innovative set design, and high-quality lighting and sound. This will be more than entertainment because it’s going to be a cultural experience that reflects on African identity and legacy.”
Furthermore, Quaye revealed that renowned stage actor Andrew Tandoh-Adote has been cast in the demanding lead role of the horseman.
