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The Emperor

Direction Walter Meierjohann

"His Majesty knew that a joke was a dangerous form of opposition." Master of transformation Kathryn Hunter brings to life an extraordinary fable of corruption, avarice and the collapse of absolute power - from the team behind the international success Kafka’s Monkey.

A world premiere based on the astonishing book about Ethiopia's Haile Selassie by legendary journalist Ryszard Kapuściński.

Hunter creates a mesmerising cast of characters, all servants to an autocratic ruler on the brink of downfall. In a kingdom obsessed with title and tradition, the lowly and the loyal have incredible stories to tell. Featuring live music from Temesgen Zeleke.

★★★★ Witty and haunting production - Hunter is particularly powerful The Independent

★★★★ Kathryn Hunter - the evening belongs to her. It could very well be the stage performance of the year. The Sunday Times

★★★★ Kathryn Hunter's shape-shifting brilliance The Observer

★★★★ The Emperor is a study in love – it’s also incredibly moving. Time Out

★★★★ The astonishing shape-shifting Kathryn Hunter – in this shrewd and resonant account of Haile Selassie’s fall from grace. The Guardian

★★★★ Intriguing and unsettling - Hunter's presence is mesmeric Evening Standard

★★★★ A tour de force performance from Kathryn Hunter. The Financial Times

★★★★★ Colin Teevan’s perfect adaptation. Kathryn Hunter spellbinds. The triumph is shared by everybody involved. Arts Desk

★★★★ A great actor in action. Kathryn Hunter is one of the best. A richly absorbing hour. Whatsonstage

Crowd-bewitching magic from Kathryn Hunter The Spectator A production that will stay with me for life. Matthew Paris, The Times

Adaption Colin Teevan
Direction Walter Meierjohann
Design Ti Green
Movement Imogen Knight
Light Mike Gunning
Sound Paul Arditti
Video Louis Price
Music Dave Price
Creative Associate Kathryn Hunter
Assistant Director Cat Robey 
 

With
Kathryn Hunter,
Temesgen Zeleke