Ben Okri’s new play, Changing Destiny, premieres at the Young Vic theatre in London

“Two actors, a hundred characters, and a 4,000-year-old tale about the strength of the human spirit.”

Changing Destiny, Booker Prize-winner Ben Okri’s bold new adaptation of one of the world’s first known stories, written over 4,000 years ago has premiered at the Young Vic theatre in London.

The play narrates the the adventures of the Warrior King, Sinuhe. Forced to flee Egypt, Sinuhe is captured as a prisoner of war by the foreign Kingdom of Retenu. Stripped of status and tormented by memories, it is going to take all of Sinuhe’s will to survive as a stranger in an unknown land. But can Sinuhe transcend the mysterious powers of Egypt and the tribulations of exile?

Vividly brought to life with design by acclaimed architect Sir David Adjaye, Changing Destiny is directed by Young Vic Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah.

Across the performance run, cast members Joan Iyiola and Ashley Zhangazha will share the role of Sinuhe, with a game played on stage at the start of each performance to decide who will play the role. Changing Destiny will be the first production to be broadcast on Best Seat in Your House, the Young Vic’s multi-camera streaming platform