Death and the King's Horseman
by Wole Soyinka
About this book
A Nobel Prize-winning playwright's classic tale of tragic decisions in a traditional African culture. Based on events that took place in Oyo, an ancient Yoruba city of Nigeria, in 1946, Wole Soyinka's powerful play concerns the intertwined lives of Elesin Oba, the king's chief horseman; his son, Olunde, now studying medicine in England; and Simon Pilkings, the colonial district officer. The king has died and Elesin, his chief horseman, is expected by law and custom to commit suicide and accompany his ruler to heaven. The stage is set for a dramatic climax when Pilkings learns of the ritual and decides to intervene and Elesin's son arrives home.
Where to buy
No purchase options available at this time.
More by Wole Soyinka
A Dance of the Forests
Wole Soyinka
Africa39: New Writing from Africa South of the Sahara
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Namwali Serpell, Taiye Selasi, Wole Soyinka, Dinaw Mengestu, Chika Unigwe, Chibundu Onuzo, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, Ondjaki, Nadifa Mohamed, Mary Watson, Monica Arac de Nyeko, Zukiswa Wanner, Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, Shafinaaz Hassim, Lola Shoneyin, Nthikeng Mohlele, Glaydah Namukasa, Stanley Gazemba, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Sifiso Mzobe, Novuyo Rosa Tshuma, Ukamaka Olisakwe, H.J. Golakai, Recaredo Silebo Boturu, A. Igoni Barrett, Clifton Gachagua, Okwiri Oduor, Jackee Budesta Batanda, Linda Musita, Ndinda Kioko, Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, Rotimi Babatunde, Tope Folarin, Shadreck Chikoti, Edwige-Renée Dro, Mehul Gohil, Stankey Onjezani Kenani, Richard Ali A Mutu, Mohamed Yunus Rafiq, Eileen Almeida Barbosa
Aké: The Years of Childhood
Wole Soyinka
Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth
Wole Soyinka