Based on the popular play written by Wole Soyinka during his political exile from Nigeria, about events that took place in Oyo, an ancient Yoruba city of Nigeria, "Death and the King's Horseman" follows the intertwined lives of Elesin Oba, the king's chief horseman; his son, Olunde, who is studying medicine in England; and Simon Pilkings, the colonial district officer.

The king has died and Elesin, his chief horseman, is expected by law and custom to commit suicide and accompany his ruler to heaven. The stage is set for a dramatic climax when Pilkings learns of the ritual and decides to intervene.