Kehinde Bankole, Wale Ojo Shine In UK Staging Of Wole Soyinka’s Death And The King’s Horseman 

Kehinde Bankole and Wale Ojo have performed remarkably in Wole Soyinka’s “Death and the King’s Horseman” at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, UK. This production, a collaboration between Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres, ran from February 3 to 8, 2025.

Wale Ojo portrayed Elesin Oba, the King’s Horseman, while Kehinde Bankole took on the role of Iyaloja, the Mother of the Market. Their performances have been widely acclaimed, with particular praise for their compelling portrayals and the depth they brought to their characters.

Directed by Mojisola Kareem, Artistic Director of Utopia Theatre, the production was noted for its vividness and potent staging, incorporating singing, drumming, and an energetic community chorus that brought the story to life.

“Death and the King’s Horseman,” written by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, is based on a true story set in 1940s Nigeria. It explores the cultural clash and consequences of British colonial authorities intervening in a sacred Yoruba ritual.

This staging at the Crucible Theatre marked the play’s first performance in Sheffield, making it a significant cultural event for the city.

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