Kunene and the King
Kunene and the King
Don’t miss John Kani’s highly acclaimed play Kunene and the King marking the 25th anniversary of the end of apartheid with a strictly limited London run, following its premiere in Stratford-upon-Avon and a sold-out run in Cape Town.
South Africa, 2019. Twenty-five years since the first post-apartheid democratic elections, two men from contrasting walks of life are thrust together to reflect on a quarter century of change. Jack Morris is a celebrated classical actor who’s just been given both a career-defining role and a life-changing diagnosis. Besides his age, Jack has seemingly little in common with his at-home nurse Lunga Kunene, but the two men soon discover their shared passion for Shakespeare, which ignites this ‘rich, raw and shattering head-to-head’ (The Times).
Written by South African actor, activist and playwright John Kani (Black Panther, The Island, Sizwe Banzi is Dead), this refreshingly funny and vital new play is directed by Janice Honeyman (Vice Versa; The Tempest, 2009) and sees fellow South African Antony Sher (King Lear, 2016 & 2018; Death of a Salesman) perform alongside John Kani in two exceptionally moving performances, with live music and vocals by Lungiswa Plaatjies completing the company.
Book now for this ‘fascinating and necessary’ (Financial Times) play, co-produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Cape Town’s Fugard Theatre, as it transfers to the Ambassadors Theatre for nine weeks only from 24 January 2020.
- Duration
1hr 36 – No Interval
- Good To Know
Please note this show contains strobe lighting, strong language, and some scenes that audiences may find upsetting.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No Exchanges, no refunds after purchase.
- Suitable For Children
Please note this show contains strobe lighting, strong language, and some scenes that audiences may find upsetting.
- Where Do I Go
Ambassador's Theatre
West St, London WC2H 9ND
Reviews
Karen
Mar 12, 2020
This show is brilliantly performed, a fantastic performance from both men. The show takes you on an emotional journey
Maura
Feb 20, 2020
Well written and brilliantly performed piece which illuminates relationships and dynamics between black and white South Africans 25 years on from the ending of apartheid.
KM
Feb 17, 2020
Acting was phenomenal - story line moving! Very well written! A must see!
Gary Janks
Feb 16, 2020
Brilliant performance and script, bot Kani and Cher were outstanding. So funny and sad at the same time.
Angela Stone
Feb 16, 2020
I felt it was a privilege to be in the audience yesterday afternoon. Two theatrical greats onstage with the of the greatest of all, Shakespeare, overshadowing the performance. I noted with pleasure, the bust of WS moving to Soweto. Sher & Kani complemented each other beautifully, opposites in so many ways , both in their own personas & in the characters they inhabited so that their ultimate coming together & the great leveller - death brought peace to one & perhaps the resolution to continue to strive for the respect both he, & his struggling new nation ultimately deserve. The script sometimes tipped over into sentimentality, but the skilled playing made light of it. The historical references to apartheid were well worth including , as many in the audience would either have forgotten or not known the background to the attitudes the two men held. Altogether, an unforgettable experience for this regular theatregoer, who has seen to enormous 3 plus hour productions in the past weeks & two 90 minute plays, both of which moved me & will stay with me long after the other two are forgotten.
Carol w
Feb 16, 2020
Excellent thought provoking theatre covering not only the emotional trauma of dealing with a terminal illness but interwoven with the class and racial tensions in South Africa. Superb two man show.
A.L.
Feb 13, 2020
Excellent performance, amusing, touching and thought provoking at times. The performance flew by and was over very quickly which is a sign of engagement.
Melissa
Feb 9, 2020
Poignant, funny and unexpected. Truly life affirming. Would not have missed this for the world. Sombre topics Should make for a bleak outlook but this wasn’t the case at all. Superb acting; I want to see it again immediately
Clare
Feb 5, 2020
This play, written by John Kani, deals with the relationship between two elderly men - one a famous actor who is dying, the other his newly appointed black carer. There is so much history, so much pain, and such humanity. And superb acting! Not to be missed, especially by anyone with any ties to Southern Africa
Jacky S
Feb 5, 2020
It was great to see such inspiring actors working together in a play that covered serious issues and past history but also had wit and playfulness.
Cathy (London theatre goer)
Feb 2, 2020
I am an admirer of Antony Sher and have seen him in very varied roles. He never disappoints! His Death of a Salesman in Stratford had me in tears despite having seen the play several times (first with Laurence Olivier) and in Arthur Miller's play, Shattered Glass - where the total breakdown of his character often comes to mind. In Kunene he once again completely immerses himself in persona of the selfish egotistical actor dying of liver cancer! Rude and inconsiderate to his South African black nurse who is brilliantly played by John Kani. The best play I have seen for a long time.
JM
Jan 31, 2020
I can’t remember the last time I saw a play this good (and I see a lot!). Brilliant acting, so well written and casting a focus on a really interesting (and difficult) time in SA society/politics. Thought provoking and challenging. The theatre should be sold out every night - go and see it!