Kunene and the King Reviews

Washington Post- Recommended

"...Odd couples are a durable storytelling device. Who better to outline one character's particulars than their total opposite? With "Kunene and the King," playwright and star John Kani aims to demonstrate far more than the mere differences between two men."

Washington City Paper- Somewhat Recommended

"...Though the play is more serviceable than inspiring, there are moments that sing-literally, in the interludes delivered by South African singer Ntebo, whose piercing yet sonorous voice is a welcome break from the play's rhythms (if not an obvious complement to its themes). Kani and Gero, meanwhile, find tender moments exploring their characters' shared love of Shakespeare. Kunene shares that, of all Shakespeare's plays, Black children of his time were only allowed to study an isiXhosa translation of Julius Caesar because it served as a warning against a popular Black uprising."

MD Theatre Guide- Highly Recommended

"...This play is a moment. Embodying so many crucial messages while realistically depicting the barriers that we sometimes aren’t even aware of, “Kunene and The King” suggests that perhaps the only way around after all is through—and a fair dose of Shakespeare certainly can’t hurt."

DC Theater Arts- Recommended

"...In the Xhosa language, indigenous to Southern Africa, Lunga means ?Kindness? and Kunene means ?Truth.? Kani examines both concepts here. But there is also a flawed friendship, a country in conflict, and a writer whose greatness the two friends can share. So we can say, as John Kani does in his Asides essay, ?SHAKESPEARE LIVES.?"