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.

Genres

Cast

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

Bola Aiyeola

Adedoja

Déjah Dixon-Green

Apinke

Matthew Kabwe

Constable

Kevin Kruchkywich

The Resident

Tyrone Savage

Aide-de-camp