Death and the King's Horseman

The Greater the Honour, the Deeper the Shame

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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.

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Creators

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Tawiah M'Carthy

director

Wole Soyinka

writer

Cast

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Anthony Santiago actor

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Amaka Umeh actor Graham Abbey actor Kwaku Adu-Poku actor

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Akosua Amo-Adem actor

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Maev Beaty actor

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Josue Laboucane actor

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Pulga Muchochoma actor

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Ngabo Nabea actor

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Bola Aiyeola actor

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Celia Aloma actor

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Isi Bhakhomen actor

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Déjah Dixon-Green actor

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Ijeoma Emesowum actor

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Rachel Jones actor

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Matthew Kabwe actor

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Kevin Kruchkywich actor

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Andrea Rankin actor Tyrone Savage actor

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Espoir Segbeaya actor