Celebrated Copenhagen-based dance artist and choreographer Marianna Minasova has arrived in Ghana with a clear mission — to infuse her unique artistic vision into the highly anticipated staging of Wole Soyinka’s classic play, Death and the King’s Horseman.
Minasova will take on the role of Mrs. Jane Pilkins, a character representing the British colonial presence in the powerful cultural drama. Beyond acting, she will also serve as choreographer for the play’s intricate ballroom scene, working in close collaboration with the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra.
Her choreography will merge elegant movement with live orchestral music, traditional percussion, and indigenous instruments — a combination designed to enhance the depth of the storytelling.
Speaking on her approach, Minasova said:
“I aim to create a collaborative process with members of the National Dance Company who specialize in traditional dance. By blending African and European movement styles, we will allow them to meet, clash, and unite — creating a fresh, shared expression. This will be a cultural and physical conversation that reimagines how we coexist.”
Inspired by the play’s deep cultural themes, Minasova brings more than 25 years of experience across classical ballet, contemporary dance, and multidisciplinary performance. Her involvement elevates the production into a vibrant dialogue between African and Western artistic traditions.
Directed by the talented George Quaye, Death and the King’s Horseman explores themes of duty, identity, and colonial tension. The play opens on Saturday, August 23 at 4 PM at the National Theatre, with an evening show at 8 PM. Additional performances will run on August 24, 30, and 31 at both 4 PM and 8 PM.
For performance details and interviews with Marianna Minasova, contact Naa at 055 13 13 134 or email info@imagebureaugh.com.
The production is sponsored by Stanbic Bank, Bills Savings & Loans, The Luckiest, and MTN, and is a collaboration between Imagebureau, April Communications, and the National Theatre.