“MAGNETIC…Director Ruben Santiago-Hudson navigates with dexterity.” –The Washington Post
“EXCEPTIONAL…[Kani and Gero] play together like two master musicians.” –DC Theater Arts
“TIMELY…Kani and Gero each appear to be at the apex of their powers as performers.” –A Theatre Goer’s Thoughts
“SUBLIMELY EXECUTED…This play is indeed a testament to the Bard .” –MD Theatre Guide
“UPLIFTING…This is one play not to be missed.” –The Georgetown Dish
“CLEVER AND HUMOROUS…Directed with great empathy by Ruben Santiago-Hudson.” –Talkin’ Broadway
By John Kani
Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Produced in association with Octopus Theatricals
A celebrated South African classical actor has just been given a career-defining role as King Lear and a life-changing diagnosis—and Lunga Kunene (John Kani) has been charged with his care. As Jack Morris (Edward Gero) confronts his mortality, two men brought together by necessity discover the unifying power of Shakespeare a quarter century after the fall of apartheid. Written and performed by Tony-winner John Kani (Black Panther, The Island, Sizwe Banzi is Dead), Edward Gero (The Lehman Trilogy) joins this “poignant two-hander” (The Guardian) in the play’s U.S. premiere.
Runtime: Approximately one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.
Printed ASIDES are available at the theatre and digital options available for those who prefer it. Check out the online version of ASIDES here.
John Kani and Edward Gero in Kunene and the King.
Edward Gero in Kunene and the King.
John Kani in Kunene and the King.
Ntebo in Kunene and the King.
John Kani and Edward Gero in Kunene and the King.
Edward Gero, John Kani, and Ntebo in Kunene and the King.
Photos by Teresa Castracane Photography.
Playwright: John Kani*
Director: Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Scenic Designer: Lawrence E. Moten III
Costume Designer: Karen Perry
Lighting Designer: Rui Rita
Sound Designer: DJ Potts
Dialect and Vocal Coach: Deborah Hecht
Fight Consultant: Sierra Young
Dramaturg: Drew Lichtenberg
Music Consultant: Ntebo
Additional Music: Romero Wyatt
Casting: Caparelliotis Casting, David Caparelliotis, CSA and Joe Gery, Danica Rodriguez
Associate Director: Timothy Johnson
Production Stage Manager: Laura Smith*
Assistant Stage Manager: JuanCarlos Contreras*
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers
Dive deeper into Kunene and the King with events, interviews and more:
Ubuntu Night
Friday, MAR 21 at 6:30pm
Join us for a celebration of cultural connections. Gather early at 6:30pm to mingle with fellow members of the African diaspora, with South African melodies playing as you chat.
A post-show discussion with the cast follows the performance, moderated by LeeAnét Noble from the STC Artistic team.
Playwright and actor John Kani and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson joined STC for a symposium to discuss the issues represented in Kunene and the King, moderated by Artistic Producer Drew Lichtenberg.
Kunene and the King includes depictions and discussions of addiction, mentions of adult themes and systemic racism, and use of profanity.
If you have any additional questions, please contact our Box Office at STCBox@ShakespeareTheatre.org or 202.547.1122 and we’ll be happy to give you more information.
Corporate Sponsor
The UPS Foundation
Production Sponsors
Nan Beckley
Bonnie & Louis Cohen
Nichole Francis Reynolds
The Shrivastava Family
Share Fund
Official Restaurant Partner
Oohh’s & Aahh’s