Based on a real life tragic event, the play is set in Oyo during World War II, when Nigeria was still a British colony. The king has died and as his horseman commences the traditional ritual that will ensure the smooth transition of the dead king to the world beyond, the British colonial officer intervenes. In consequence, the harmonious co-existence between the living, the dead and the unborn is under severe threat.

Will the turn of events cause a disruption of a cosmic order of the universe? Will justice be served?

The play had earlier been staged to wide acclaim in July at the University of Lagos to mark the 83^rd birthday anniversary celebration of the author, Soyinka, the 1986 Nobel laureate for Literature.

See highlights of the 2021 Death & The King’s Horseman show >>