The Guthrie Theater presents the Octopus Theatricals production of
Kunene and the King
by JOHN KANI
directed by RUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON
- Show
A powerful story of connection
In post-apartheid South Africa, Lunga Kunene, a no-nonsense, Black caregiver with little patience for privilege or hubris, finds himself providing in-home care for Jack Morris, a celebrated (and stubborn) white actor facing a life-changing diagnosis as he rehearses for the title role in King Lear. The two men are different in every way — race, class and politics, to start — yet they find unexpected common ground in the words of Shakespeare. This deeply human drama by Tony winner John Kani, who also plays Kunene, traces the fragile work of truth-telling in a nation still shaped by its history and reveals how transcending the past may allow us to truly see one another.
Three things to know
- South African playwright, Tony-winning actor and activist John Kani serves as both author and performer in this poignant new play, which also features award-winning actor Edward Gero (The Lehman Trilogy).
- Kunene and the King has close ties to King Lear, featuring both lines from the text and references to Shakespeare. Kani also used King Lear as a structural model for the play, which echoes, but doesn’t duplicate, the Bard’s iconic tragedy.
- The Guthrie has presented several productions by Octopus Theatricals in recent seasons that captivated audiences, including Bill Irwin’s On Beckett and Patrick Page’s All the Devils Are Here.
Ticket prices
Tickets range from $27 to $91, including handling fees. Discounts are available for seniors, students (18+), children (5–17) and groups of 15 or more.
Run time
Approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes (no intermission)
Age recommendation
We recommend this production for ages 12 and up.
"John Kani beautifully captures the complex divides of race, class and politics in his remarkable and moving play."
– The Guardian
Additional resources
This production of Kunene and the King contains production effects, mature language, depictions and discussions of addiction, and mentions of systemic racism.
Because sensitivities vary from person to person, we encourage you to call the Box Office if you have questions or need more information to determine if this show is suitable for you and your party.
Coming soon
Patrons are invited to stay in the theater following select performances for a 20-minute conversation about the production facilitated by Guthrie staff. Cast members may join the discussion as they are able.
- Sunday, October 18 at 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 21 at 1 p.m.
- Sunday, November 1 at 1 p.m.
- Saturday, November 7 at 1 p.m.
Access performances
American Sign Language interpretation by certified interpreters is offered for select performances.
- Friday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 7 at 1 p.m.
The ASL interpreters will be announced soon.
Visit the performance calendar, select the date above and use promo code ASL to purchase $25 tickets.
Audio description, which provides live verbal descriptions of the action, costumes and scenery for people who are blind or have low vision, is offered for select performances.
- Friday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 7 at 1 p.m.
The audio describer will be announced soon.
Visit the performance calendar, select the date above and use promo code AD to purchase $25 tickets.
Open captioning, which displays text on display screens in real time that is synchronized to the action by an experienced captioner, is offered for select performances.
- Wednesday, October 28 at 1 p.m.
- Saturday, October 31 at 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 4 at 1 p.m.
- Sunday, November 8 at 1 p.m.
The captioner will be announced soon.
Visit the performance calendar, select your preferred date above and use promo code OC to purchase $30 tickets.
