Kunene and the King

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. 

★★★★★ "A remarkable and moving new play" The Guardian 

★★★★ "Kani and Sher...two terrific performances" Whatsonstage 

★★★★ "Antony Sher is huge in this RSC production, arriving with mortality clinging to his clothes and hair like cigarette smoke’ The Times 

★★★★ "Antony Sher… is compelling to watch" Financial Times 

★★★★ "Beautifully written two-hander by John Kani" The Sunday 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), with exceptionally moving performances from fellow South African Antony Sher (King Lear, 2016 & 2018; Death of a Salesman) and John Kani; live music and vocals are by Anna Mudeka who completes the company.

Please note: This show contains strobe lighting, strong language, and some scenes that audiences may find upsetting.

Theatre:

Ambassadors Theatre

London
WC2H 9ND