Part of review forum on “Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman.”

Biyi Bandele’s Elesin Oba is a cinematic adaptation of renowned Nobel laureate and playwright Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman. It is a visually stunning and intellectually engaging film that delves into the intricate layers of cultural clashes and personal conflicts. Released in 2022, this adaptation skilfully captures the essence of Soyinka’s celebrated play by captivating visuals, compelling performances, and thoughtful re-enactment. Set in Oyo kingdom during the 1940s, the story revolves around the tragic fate of Elesin Oba, a horseman who is tasked with committing ritual suicide to journey with the king into the spiritual realm.

Bandele effectively captures the beauty of the Oyo landscape and Yoruba culture, navigating complexities while effectively communicating weighty themes. The breathtaking cinematography transports viewers into the village, showcasing vibrant colours, traditional costumes, ceremonies and rituals, elevating the historical event into a visual and sensory experience. From the outset, the film showcases the traditional architecture of the village, characterized by mud huts adorned with intricate patterns, thatched roofs, and colorful murals. These elements are not merely decorative, they establish a sense of a setting that is deeply rooted in Yoruba identity. The production design meticulously recreate the environment, ensuring that every visual detail resonates with authenticity and an ancient depiction. The film’s vibrant colour-blend is another hallmark of its production design. The use of rich, earthy tones juxtaposed with vibrant fabrics in costumes brings the characters and their world to life. The traditional attire worn by the villagers is particularly striking, with elaborate patterns and textures that reflect social status and cultural significance. It contrasts those worn by the British officers and the Yoruba elites, reflecting class and grandeur. The costumes are not just clothing; they embody the characters’ identities and their connections to the community, reinforcing the film’s thematic exploration of duty, honor, and class stratification. The use of horses and bicycles as means of transportation equally depicts the practice of the precolonial and colonial times.

Central to Elesin Oba is the ritualistic aspect of Yoruba culture, which Bandele captures with meticulous attention to detail. He portrays various ceremonies and rituals that are integral to Yoruba life, including the vibrant market scenes and traditional dances. The market is depicted as a bustling hub of activity, filled with colorful stalls that showcase local produce such as local delicacies, textiles, and crafts. The production design captures not only the physical space but also the communal spirit of the Yoruba people, emphasizing the importance of community, shared values, and beliefs. The film’s portrayal of rituals, particularly the climactic event surrounding Elesin’s duty to commit ritual suicide, is executed with a reverence for tradition. The ceremonial elements are infused with a sense of gravity and beauty, highlighting their significance within the cultural framework. The careful choreography of these scenes, combined with the film’s visual aesthetics, immerses the audience in the weight of cultural expectations and the tragic consequences of their disruption.

Bandele’s use of cinematography enhances the film’s scenic portrayal; the interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic atmosphere that reflects the emotional landscape of the characters. In the market square, shafts of sunlight filter through the trees, illuminating the vibrant colors of the stalls, the items on display for sales, and the lively activities and interactions of the villagers. This natural lighting not only enhances the visual appeal but also symbolizes the hope and vitality of the community. Conversely, darker scenes, particularly those involving the British colonial presence, create a stark contrast that underscores the tension between traditional Yoruba life and colonial intrusion. The use of shadows in these moments evokes a sense of foreboding, reinforcing the film’s themes of conflict and cultural erosion. This thoughtful manipulation of light serves to heighten the emotional stakes of the narrative, allowing viewers to feel the weight of colonialism on the Yoruba people.

The attention to architectural detail in Elesin Oba is also noteworthy. The film features various structures that represent the social hierarchy within the Yoruba kingdom. The grandeur of the setting for the British costume party is contrasted with the simplicity of the villagers’ homes, symbolizing the broader dynamics of power and authority. This spatial differentiation is crucial in understanding the societal structure and the impact of colonialism on traditional life. The film’s production design effectively illustrates the tension between the past and the present. Bandele contrasts the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba with the encroaching modernity represented by the British colonialists. This visual dichotomy serves as a powerful commentary on the erosion of cultural identity in the face of colonial influence, inviting the audience to reflect on the complexities of cultural preservation.

The material culture extends beyond visual aesthetics to encompass sound and performance. The film integrates traditional music, such as Apala, as depicted in the opening scene where Elesin is surrounded by various women, which enhances the cultural authenticity of the narrative. The sounds of drums and local instruments resonate throughout the film, creating an immersive auditory experience that complements the visual richness. This musical backdrop is integral to the film’s portrayal of Yoruba life, emphasizing the role of music and dance in cultural expression.

This review concludes that Biyi Bandele’s Elesin Oba is a masterclass in production design, offering a visually stunning and culturally rich experience that honors Yoruba traditions. Through meticulous attention to detail in architecture, costumes, and ritual, the film captures the vibrancy of Yoruba life while addressing the profound impacts of colonialism. The interplay of light and shadow, along with an evocative soundscape, further enhances the narrative, drawing viewers into a world that is both beautiful and tragic. In celebrating Yoruba visual and material cultures, Elesin Oba serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural identity and the enduring legacy of tradition in the face of change. This film is not just a retelling of a classic story, it is a celebration of a rich cultural heritage that continues to resonate even today.