Kunene And The King, Ambassadors Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until March 28, 2020


Kunene And The King contemplates notions of death and legacies – whether of individuals or of regimes. In this play the dying actor, Jack Morris (Antony Sher), dreams of playing King Lear while he is being cared for by nurse, Lunga Kunene (John Kani). Their relationship confronts us with the complex, ongoing influences that art, politics and our own choices have both on our lives and on history. We are shaped by where we come from, and in turn, we shape what will be the future. Whether we are Shakespeare, Nelson Mandela or a black nurse dealing with an irascible old white man, we are products of our influences and cultures, and we are also responsible for the parts we play in the continuum of time. While this work thoughtfully deals with some rather weighty subjects, its refreshing humour, plus the charm of its two principle characters, ensure that it is always entertaining. John Kani's script is insightful and delightful. This is a production which is also a masterclass in acting. Both Kani and Antony Sher convincingly take us into the world of post-apartheid South Africa and put real faces on those people who lived through the turbulent days that were its demise. Both actors make their characters and relationship radiate authenticity. With many echoes of Shakespeare's King Lear, this work ponders some of the same powerful and provocative questions in a first-rate play and production!

 Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Ellie Kurttz.
 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until March 28, 2020
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Wed & Sat: 3 pm
Ambassadors Theatre
Nearest station: Leicester Square
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/kunene-and-the-king/ambassadors-theatre/
Map & Location: West St, West End, London WC2H 9ND, UK

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