Director's Insights on 'Death and the King's Horseman'

The video discusses the play 'Death in the King's Horseman', highlighting its complexity and themes of leadership. The director shares a personal connection to the play, having grown up in Nigeria, and explores the colonial history depicted. The use of Whiteface in the production is explained as a means to emphasize ownership and ritual. The video concludes with a reflection on historical context and its impact on modern perceptions.

What is one of the reasons the director was drawn to 'Death and the King's Horseman'?

• It is a well-known play.

• It is a comedy.

• It has a simple storyline.

• It is a complex and dense piece.

What aspect of the play does the director find particularly compelling?

• Its comedic elements

• Its story about leadership

• Its musical score

• Its historical inaccuracy

Why does the director feel a personal connection to the play?

• He has directed it before.

• He studied it in college.

• He is related to the playwright.

• He grew up in Nigeria.

What historical relationship is explored in the play?

• The relationship between the playwright and the director

• The relationship between two rival tribes

• The relationship between the king and his horseman

• The relationship between white and black characters

How many characters in the production use Whiteface?

• Five

• Four

• Three

• Two

What was the purpose of using Whiteface in the production?

• To give ownership of the play to the Nigerian people

• To make the play more humorous

• To confuse the audience

• To modernize the play

What is a significant aspect of the play's performance?

• The ritualistic elements

• The absence of dialogue

• The inclusion of a live orchestra

• The use of modern technology

What do the actors do as part of the ritual in the play?

• Dance a traditional dance

• Recite a poem

• Sing a traditional song

• Put on a mask

What is a challenge of staging the play in London?

• The play's length

• The play's musical requirements

• The play's language

• The play's historical context

How do people react to the play's historical context?

• They find it humorous.

• They are confused.

• They deny its relevance.

• They are indifferent.