Master of transformation Kathryn Hunter brings to life an extraordinary fable of corruption, avarice and the collapse of absolute power.

A world premiere based on the astonishing book by legendary journalist Ryszard Kapuscinski about the decline and fall of Haile Selassie's regime in Ethiopia, from the team that brought you Kafka’s Monkey. Hunter creates a mesmerising cast of characters, all servants to a despotic ruler on the brink of downfall. In a kingdom obsessed with title and tradition, the lowly and the loyal have incredible stories to tell.

Stunning – a magical elegance -- John Updike * The New Yorker *

Colin Teevan is a celebrated playwright, translator and writer for screen. Colin’s stage work includes adaptations of Doctor Faustus, Svejk, Don Quixote, and Monkey! (The Journey to the West).