Death and the King's Horseman
“The Greater the Honour, the Deeper the Shame”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Death and the King's Horseman Trailer | Stratford Festival 2022
Type: Trailer • Published 2022-09-22
Top Cast
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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
Kevin Kruchkywich
The Resident
Andrea Rankin
Companion to the Prince
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Tawiah Ben M'Carthy
- Screenplay & Story
- Wole Soyinka
- Original Title
- Death and the King's Horseman
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 33m
- Production Studios
- Stratford Festival
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Tawiah Ben M'Carthy
Wole Soyinka
Aaron Hucker
Department Leadership Roster
Tawiah Ben M'Carthy
Director
Wole Soyinka
Writer
Aaron Hucker
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Death and the King's Horseman.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Death and the King's Horseman
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Death and the King's Horseman about?
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.
Who directed Death and the King's Horseman?
Death and the King's Horseman was directed by Tawiah Ben M'Carthy.
Who stars in Death and the King's Horseman?
The principal cast of Death and the King's Horseman includes Anthony Santiago, Amaka Umeh, Graham Abbey, Kwaku Adu-Poku, Akosua Amo-Adem.
When was Death and the King's Horseman released and how long is it?
Death and the King's Horseman was released in 2023 with a total runtime of 2h 33m.