Death and the King's Horseman Book

Wole Soyinka has written a powerful drama which treats of culture clash, ancient and modern custom, racial assumptions, entitlements, the clash of the sexes and of religions as well as of history. There is also the unsubtle history of colonialism and British superiority with condescension sprinkled throughout the dramatic interactions.

Off stage, before the action of the drama, in Yoruba, Nigeria, a King has died. Elesin Oba, the king's chief horseman, is now expected to join his king in death--a death Elesin has expected his entire adult life. It is a part of his culture and custom, his people's culture and custom. It is his duty and expectation. Simon Pilkings, the colonial district officer, does not see this as a custom he can accept and his actions and their ramifications create the tensions of the play. (after the opening sequence which sets the scene for Elesin's situation.)

According to the author this play is based on events that actually occurred and I know that I want to read more about this play and its various interpretations. No matter how literal each character is--or is not--to be interpreted, there is no diluting the power of this drama. The power of the King, the power of his place in his people's lives, the power of the chief horseman in his last days, the power of the women of the tribe who act as goddesses or priestesses or intercessors.Then there is the institutional power of the colonial district officer which has no custom behind it, only foreign law which is unrelated and unknowing.

I do recommend this to anyone interested in African literature. I intend to broaden my reach in the area, most definitely.