Kohlhaas

Kohlhaas description

Kohlhaas is a one-man show about a horse dealer whose demand for justice sets him against the establishment, performed by Arinzé Kene.

When a nobleman wrongfully seizes two of Michael Kohlhaas' horses, Kohlhaas begins a quest for justice that sees him take on the political establishment, with violent and far-reaching consequences. Based on a true story, the piece explores the cost of protest, resistance and speaking truth to power.

The play is an adaptation by Marco Baliani and Remo Rostagno of Heinrich von Kleist's 1810 novella Michael Kohlhaas. It had its world premiere at Brighton Festival in 2026, as the festival's first in-house production, and comes to London as a Brighton Festival production in association with the Old Vic, part of Rupert Goold's first season as Artistic Director. The performance runs for about 1 hour 20 minutes with no interval.

The piece is translated from the Italian and directed by Omar Elerian, who reunites with Kene after their Olivier-nominated hit Misty. The creative team includes Ana Inés Jabares-Pita (set and costume), Jackie Shemesh (lighting and smoke effects), Matthew Herbert (composition and sound) and Dan Pollard (sound).

Arinzé Kene performs the show alone. His stage credits include Misty and Girl from the North Country.

Book now for Kohlhaas, a solo performance about one man's fight for justice.

Playing at Old Vic Theatre

103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB GB (venue info)

Directions