Death and the King's Horseman by Wole Soyinka

Summary

Wole Soyinka's classic play opens in the market at Oyo in Nigeria. Elesin, the king's horseman, dances onto the scene, outrunning his entourage of singers and drummers, who pursue him, singing and dancing and drumming. A confusing celebration ensues, and it eventually becomes clear that Elesin is acquiring another wife.

The scene changes, Simon Pilkings, the District Officer for the British Empire, is preparing for a ball with his wife, they are practicing the Tango and test running their costumes. A policeman enters and conveys the message to Pilkings that Elisin intends to "commit death." Cue suspenseful music.

What i liked

This play is very funny. Probably one of the most hilariousest plays I have ever read. I would like to see it performed. In fact, it is so good that it merits the invention of a new word to describe it.

What i didn't like

It was kind of hard to figure out what was going on in the first scene.


Conclusion

Better than Shakespeare and just as easy to understand. Set in Nigeria. Ridiculously funny. 5/5 ceremonial suicides.