Award-winning Kathryn Hunter shape-shifts between an eclectic mix of characters as the Young Vic hosts this world premiere of one dictator’s downfall, told from the viewpoint of a variety of his staff.

From the critically lauded creators of Kafka’s Monkey, The Emperor sees the masterfully transformative Hunter fully animate a tale of dishonesty, greed and attrition.

Playing a number of servants to a despotic ruler teetering on the brink, the incredible stories from the eyes of the lowly and loyal are brought to life to illuminate life within the confines of a kingdom defined by titles and tradition.

Based on the astonishing book by legendary journalist Ryszard Kapuściński, this is a powerful set of accounts which present an extraordinary fable of corruption, avarice and collapse of absolute power.