Okenye tocha, o chere ibe ya - When one grows to maturity, he must watch others do the same - Igbo Proverb
The above Igbo proverb from Nigeria is self-explanatory. It is easy for one to forget, when they are fully grown adults, that their children and other juniors will do the same. The relationship will become equal at some point whether you maintain your awareness of the fact or not. Inspired by some of the wonderful Sankofa entries, the author has chosen to write in the form of a play -- or perhaps a short Nollywood movie. He begs your indulgence of his self-indulgence.
Scene One
Darkness. There is a house in the darkness, kind of a shadow within the shadow. This should give the impression of large size. Sound. So faint we don't know what it is yet; after a while, it becomes rhythmic. Footsteps and tiny bells, as if the bells are tied to the ankles. Two people. We hear voices but, as yet, we don't know what they are saying. Eventually we do start to hear them.
Voice 1: (young man) The king must really trust you to grant you audience so late at night.
Voice 2: (older rougher voice speaking in neutral tones) The king is a wise man.
Voice 1: Yes, he, unlike so many, still respects the old ways.
Voice 2: (amused) The old ways? And how much of the old ways do you remember, my so very young apprentice?
Apprentice: (embarrassed) Well, only what you teach me, Master.
Voice 2: How many times must I tell you to stopu calling me dat (voice rising with intensity) In this life, I am the one and only Okeosisi!
Silence.
Okeosisi: (more subdued, amused by his own outburst) At least, that is what some drunken wag saw fit to dub me. I wouldd much rather answer Mbe, the wise tortoise…
Some nervous laughter from the apprentice. Awkward silence. Only their footsteps reverberate through the shadows.
Okeosisi: Good answer though.
Their footsteps continue; we finally see their silhouettes in the darkness as they reach the structure. One shadow appears to carry a bag over its shoulder.
Okeosisi: (singing) Soon and veeery soon/ we are going to see the king/ ...
End Scene. Fade to Black
Scene Two
The inside of the palace. There is a Throne, wooden and covered in a red cloth. A throne on the right-hand side, smaller covered in a white cloth. There are carvings, masks, weapons, animal skins mounted on the walls. It is still night. Two servants are dusting off the thrones and putting down some carvings on either side.
Servant 1: Ooo-ooh. (Pronounced Owe but loooooonger)
They continue cleaning.
Servant 1: Ooo-ooooooh. (Longer this time.)
Servant 2 (female) gives him a long measuring look.
They finish with the Red Throne and move on to the White.
Male Servant: Ooo-oooo-
Female Servant: If you open that your onu-nsi one more time, I'm going to sew it shut.
Male Servant: Ahh. So we're talking again.
Female Servant: No, I'm threatening you. Again.
Male Servant: Disi woman sef , you…
Female Servant: If you think you're going to annoy me into your bed, you can just…
Male Servant: (with a big lecherous smile on his face) Keep trying? (Has gotten behind her while she dusted the White Throne and puts his arms around her waist. She ignores him and adjusts the small statue on the left-hand side next to the Red Throne)
Female Servant: (You know how women sound when they are interested but they want you to try harder. That’s how she sounds) Do you want me to shout? Because I will. I will scream your name for all the world to hear.
Male Servant: (When he hears this, he smiles even more lecherously) I would give all that I own to hear you scream my name - for all the world to hear.
Female Servant: (slightly embarrassed, she set herself up for that one) But you don’t own anything, poor man like you.
Chief Odogwu and Oriaku stride into the room without the two servants knowing. The Chief is muscular, has a beard not too thick. A little grey to his hair and beard too. He is regally dressed. Oriaku, his wife is wearing a similar attire but with a scarf to his crown. They stand behind the servants; Oriaku is amused, Odogwu is not.
Male Servant: I would be more than happy to own you.
Chief Odogwu is about to loudly and angrily let loose on them when the Oriaku beats him to the punch
Oriaku: (smiling faintly) I’m sure you would be.
The two servants jump; startled out of their wits, like kids caught going for the cookie jar. The man quickly lets go of the woman and they both turn around, embarrassed and scared, but mostly embarrassed.
Oriaku: But the question now is who owns you?
Both Servants: (Eyes to the ground, very embarrassed) You do of course, Your Highness - eh, your Highnesses. (they drop to their knees and bow till hands and foreheads touch the floor) We were just… we were cleaning… we ... nothing … that is… (babbling continues for a moment)
Chief: Shut up! (They shut up. Fast)
The two of you, leave now. Get out of my sight! I will deal with you later.
Both servants: (Relieved) Yes, your highness! Thank you your highness! (Bowing their way out of the room as they go, fast but bowing every step of the way)
Oriaku: (Smiling, stage-whispers behind the Chief) No, he won't.
Servants exit. Chief and Oriaku sit on their respective thrones, Chief Odogwu on the Red Throne, Oriaku Odogwu on the White.
Oriaku: You know, those two should really get married before they do something they'll regret.
Chief: Woman, is your life so empty you must follow every petty drama of the servants?
Oriaku: Is your life so full that you can't pay attention to what goes on around you in your own house?
Chief: (smirking) Your attentions should be on me.
Oriaku: As should yours. Besides, don't take out your interrupted sleep on the servants. Okeosisi would not request an audience if it wasn’t important.
Chief: (slightly more serious tone of voice) Okeosisi never requests anything. He just says things and they happen. Sometimes, I wonder who is the real power in this land, me or him.
Oriaku: Why not wonder why he called on us then?
Chief: He called on me. You're the one who followed me like a lost goat.
Oriaku: Where the big goat goes, the little ones follow.
Chief: Such loyalty.
Oriaku is about to say something when we hear rattling of ankle bells and footsteps. The same sounds we first heard in Scene One. Okeosisi has arrived.
Okeosisi's voice: Spirits of this house, I salute you!
He stomps his feet once. Twice. His ankle-bells jangle.
Okeosisi: Spirits of the dead, I salute you!
Stomps once. Stomps again.
Okeosisi: Ancestors of we who live, I salute you!!
*He stomps once. He stomps again. Silence. What follows should be shocking; it is the unique sound of liquid being spilled on the ground. The Chief and his wife look at each other, united for a moment in their disbelief and horror. The idea here is for people to think he’s pissing on the floor in the freakin’ palace! Then he walks in and he looks just crazy enough to do it. His apprentice is right behind him.
The apprentice is wearing a white wrapper around his waist. It goes lower than his knees. He's got white chalk around one eye. He carries a big brown sack over one shoulder. It is bulging with mysterious objects and accoutrements.
Okeosisi is tall and dark; old and thin but* shriveled strong as a fire-hardened spear. He is shirtless and wears a white loincloth. Brown animal skin draped over one shoulder. Geometric patterns of white chalk intersect across his skin, white dots line his forehead. A necklace of tiny skulls or finger bones adorns his neck. He’s got a long walking stick and, strangest of all, he is walking towards the Chief and Oriaku – backwards.
Okeosisi: Nnanyi, nara nke a. (Our ancestors, accept this one) He spills palm wine libations on the floor.
When Chief Odogwu sees this, he actually relaxes. He’s relieved the Dibia didn’t just urinate on his floor. Oriaku is less amused but holds her peace. For now.
Chief Odogwu: Okeosisi.
Okeosisi stops dead. Absolutely still. He looks at empty space, his head, his eyes moving from side to side as if he can see things that no one else can. He turns slowly to face the Chief, his eyes staring into distances that no mortal eyes could plumb. Then slowly the focus returns; he is back in the material world
Chief: Okeosisi? Have you ... returned to us?
Okeosisi: I did not go anywhere. We are all from here. We are all still here. No, thank you madam, but I am not hungry. (She opens her mouth to say something else). Or thirsty.
Oriaku: Ah, but what about them? (as she points to empty space at his left and right)
Okeosisi: (smiles, raises his gourd but says nothing.)
Chief: It is only right to make offerings to our ancestors.
Oriaku: Then our ancestors had better come clean this up. (Okeosisi and the Chief both laugh) However, I'm sure we are not here to debate theology. (Chief looks at her very disapprovingly. That was his line, dammit)
Okeosisi: You speak, then, of your interrupted slumber. Rest assured, mine was no less sweet. However, the demands of reality cannot be halted by the wishes of man. (pauses, gets serious now) I come to you with a prophecy.
(silence)
Okeosisi: Apprentice. Leave us. This is not yet for your ears. (Apprentice steps out)
Okeosisi: You will receive a message tomorrow morning. Someone important to you will come to the village. They will bear news beyond your conception; bringing information that will shake the foundations of this village to the core. Even I will be changed forever by what is coming. (turns to leave, stops)
Okeosisi: I bid you farewell. Chief Odogwu, this is meant solely for you; our ancestors say that after one has grown, he must allow for his fellows to do the same. My work here is done. (exits abruptly)
The chief and his wife look at each other, perplexed and wondering what all this means.. Finally, with no words they rise and leave the room.
End Scene. Fade to black.
Scene Three
Morning. Different part of the Chief’s palace. The servants from the previous scene are sweeping the floor. They are speaking but we can’t hear them. Another servant then shows up almost running. They stop what they are doing to see what he wants.
Servant 3: (over-eager) Guess who is coming here today?
Male Servant: (dryly) Why bother? I’m sure you’re going to tell me anyway.
Servant 3: (ignores him, turns his attention to her) What about you? You’ll never believe who’s coming!
Female Servant: (very amused) No, I probably won’t. You’re not exactly a fountain of truth.
Servant 3: (offended) Well … fine! We’ll see if I ever tell you people anything again. (Starts to storm off. The other two smile at each other and nod.)
Female Servant: Shall we put him out of his misery?
Male Servant: Hmm… ok why not? He might actually have some worthwhile gossip this time. (loud) Alright, alright, we are sorry. We really, really want to hear your news.
(Servant 3 pauses, his back to them.)
Female Servant: Yes, come on. I can tell you’re just dying to share. (He turns around looking hopeful) Yes, yes, come, tell us.
(Servant 3 looks at them then he gets happy again and runs over.
Servant 3: Ok, I was passing by the royal chambers-
Female Servant: You mean you were eavesdropping.
Servant 3: (offended again) Who’s telling the story here, me or you?
Male Servant: Let the man talk, na -- abeg, no mind her. Tell me what’s happening.
Gossipy Servant: As I was saying, (eyes female servant who just smiles at him) I was passing by the royal chambers and I overheard (female servant opens her mouth to say something but he eyes her again and she shuts it) the royal messenger telling the king that his son is coming back from obodo oyibo!
Male Servant: (in a questioning tone) Asili?
Asili: Ehh?
Male Servant: You mean (lowers his voice) the prince?
Female Servant: (sarcastic) Nooo, not the prince. Na joke you dey joke, right? This is just like that day you said you saw Okeosisi flying…
Asili: Taa!!!! First of all he was not flying --
(Pause)
Asili: -- he was floating.
Female Servant: Ah hah!
Asili: Second of all, it is true. The prince is coming home today – in secret. Before I … passed by –
Female Servant: Don’t you mean, before you were almost caught?
Asili: (addresses male servant) Anyway, as I was passing by, I also heard that he would be coming home with a companion.
Male Servant: A companion? What do you mean?
Asili: Well, it is possible it could be a woman…
Male Servant: What? But he was supposed to marry the daughter of Elder Akaigwe! Everybody knows that.
Female Servant: Shh! I hear something.
As they all go quiet, we hear the sound of a car then the car stops. We hear the car doors slam. We hear voices, one male and one female approaching.
Female Servant: I think we should move this meeting somewhere else, eh?
Male Servant: Should we not greet the prince?
Female Servant: He came home in secret. That means he wants to be left alone; it’s better if we do nothing until the royal family says otherwise.
(they exit the stage)
The prince finally walks in. He is wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, black trousers and shoes. These should be nice clothes. Oh and he’s carrying a traveling bag and dragging one of those suitcases with the pull-handles. He is talking to someone
Agunnaya: … but if that were the case, then how do you justify the lousy food in first class?
Elizabeth’s voice: That’s your opinion. You never liked anything that wasn’t cooked by me or, allegedly, by your mother. (Elizabeth walks in. She is wearing a dress, knee length, nothing complicated. Dragging a wheeled suitcase. She is white.) But then that’s just like a man – mother-fixated to the end.
Agunnaya: Oh please. Like you women don’t spend the first half of your life looking for a man exactly like your father. Then when you don’t … (They have been walking but he notices that she has stopped. Turns around) What’s up?
Elizabeth: We’re here. Aren’t you nervous?
Agu: Not really. Excited, nostalgic maybe.
Elizabeth: AG! I’m serious. I mean, first you insist that we sneak in, now you act like nothing is wrong. Sooner than later, we will have to meet your parents and the rest of the village.
Agu: Alright, who are you and what have you done with my fiancé? Where’s that little firebrand I fell in love eh? The girl who fears nothing and no one?
Elizabeth: She just wants your parents to like her, that’s where.
Agu: Of course, but you’re acting like we need their approval or something (playful now). Worst comes to worst, we’re outta here like bats outta hell. Being without you isn’t an option, you know that (He means it)
Elizabeth: (happy at what he said but still nervous) Love you too but still …
Agu: Relax baby, we’re here. At the very least, this is a vacation for you, not to mention you’ll finally get to practice your Ibo with natives. How many African Languages students can make the same claim? (she’s about to talk, he interrupts, raising a hand) Ah-ah. I said, relax. Let’s just get to my room, change out of these clothes and then we can go see my parents.
(He turns around and there’s his father right there.)
Chief Odogwu: If the sky cannot come down to the tortoise, the tortoise must grow wings and fly to the sky.
Agu: If I remember correctly, the tortoise lost his wings and had to jump.
Chief: (studies his son for a moment with something that just might be pride, turns to Elizabeth) And who might you be?
Agu: (interrupts): She’s with me and I’d really only like to explain this once. To you and mother together.
Chief: (studies his son, glances at Elizabeth. Turns and starts walking) Follow me. (He does not expect to be disobeyed and he is not. They follow)
End Scene. Fade to Black.
Scene Four
The Elders are assembled and seated, Chief and Oriaku are on their thrones
Oriaku has her hair in braids. This is kind of important later on. Elizabeth(wearing traditional attire) and Agunnaya (wearing formal but American style clothing) are standing and facing the Elders, almost like a trial. Adamma is standing behind Elder Akaigwe. When she isn’t looking shyly at the ground, she’s worshipping Agu with her eyes. The servants from previous scenes are at the very corners of the stage, eavesdropping, we can just barely see them.
Chief: Igbo Kwenu! (loud firm voice)
Elders at the same time: Yaaa! (loud)
Chief: Kwenu!
Elders: Yaaa! (louder)
Chief: Kwezuonu!
Elders: Yaaaaaa! (loudest of all)
Chief: Distinguished Elders, Welcome to my home. We are gathered here today because a new and important matter has arisen. Elder Akaigwe, I yield the floor to you.
Akaigwe: Thank you, Chief. (stands) You all know me; I may not be as wealthy as some of you, but I am a man of principle and honor. Have any of you known me to go back on my word?
Other elders: Noo!
Akaigwe: Elder Iwenaewe, when you were wounded by that leopard, who found you and carried you back to the village on his own shoulders?
Elder Iwe – You did, Elder Akaigwe.
Akaigwe: Elder Ekwurekwu, when your son was sick and Okeosisi had traveled, whose servants went all the way to the township to bring the oyibo doctor for you?
Elder Ekwurekwu: You did, Elder Akaigwe.
Akaigwe: Thank you. My fellow Elders, we are faced with a dilemma. Years ago, my ideas helped the chief avoid war with Umuahia. Today, our village, Ala-igbo has good relations with them. Elder Okonkwo, were you not there?
Elder Okonkwo: I was, Elder Akaigwe.
Akaigwe: On that day, the chief said to me that his first born son would marry my first born daughter as a reward to me. Today, the boy has grown up and thinks he invented fire. He has brought back onye ocha and calls her his wife. (Elizabeth starts to say something but a look from Agunnaya calms her down.) But my daughter Adamma is betrothed to him by the word of the chief. Her claim came first. Elders, you may speak. (sits down)
Elder Ekwurekwu: Thank you, Elder Akaigwe. (stands) Our people say that what a boy cannot see standing up, an Elder can see lying down. It is said that –
Agunnaya raises a hand and just like that, Ekwurekwu shuts up.
Agunnaya: I could stand here and wait for everyone of you to say his piece but I’m saving my legs for more important things. (Gasps of shock from the elders, except Akaigwe. Oriaku smiles slightly; she approves.)
Agunnaya: (faces Elder Ekwurekwu) Our people also say after one person matures, he will wait for others to do the same. You have matured, I have also matured and I am making a mature decision; I am choosing a wife for myself.
(folds his arms and waits)
Elder Iwenaewe: (stands up and hotly says) Taaa! Has obodo oyibo made you sick in the head? You are disrespecting an Elder! (Agunnaya looks at him coolly and does not reply)
Elder Okerekwu: (stands up) Yes! You are disrespecting an Elder! You insult one, you insult us all!
Agunnaya: (faces Okerekwu, studies him for a moment) You would do very well to remember that I am the future chief. (Okerekwu gulps and sits down. Oriaku smiles wider)
Iwenawe: Chief, can you see what… (Chief Odogwu eyes him but says nothing)
Akaigwe: (quietly while sitting) Iwe. (Iweneawe stops and faces him) Sit down. We are getting sidetracked. The main matter is that the prince is betrothed to my daughter Adamma. Elder Okonkwo, would you like to say something?
Elder Okonkwo: (rises) Hmm, yes. I think we should let the girl say her piece.
Iwenaewe: Let her speak? Ha! The white people talk through their nose; she cannot speak our language.
Elizabeth: Actually, I speak Ibo quite well. (everybody is stunned, Agunnaya smiles, Oriaku smiles and Okonkwo looks satisfied) I have studied Ibo culture and Agunnaya here (nods to him) has taught me a lot.
Silence.
Elder Akaigwe: (recovers first) I am impressed as I’m sure Elder Okerekwu is as well but the fact still remains, he was betrothed to my daughter long before he met you.
Elizabeth: In my country, men choose their wives out of love, they are not chosen for them before they can even walk and the women are not given out like prizes. (Oriaku is openly delighted now, Agunnaya is amused)
Elder Ekwurekwu: But we are not in your country. Here, things follow tradition. As our fathers and their fathers fathers before them,… (Agunnaya interrupts him)
Agu: I am not even going to ask you how I am supposed to live with someone I don’t know. That would be impugning Elder Akaigwe’s honor and nobody wants that. Besides if you want to talk about betrothal, then by choice, we are already bethrothed. Baby, show ‘em the ring. (Liz flashes her engagement ring for everyone to see)
Elder Iwenaewe: So you have chosen the obodo oyibo laws over your own? Next thing now, you will be wanting a church marriage as well, eh?
Okonkwo: So? My son is a Christian and there is nothing wrong with the church. Why not?
Ekwurekwu: Of course. That’s why you are supporting the boy; you want to follow the white man and his white god! Amadioha will punish you!
The whole thing degenerates into a huge argument with only Akaigwe keeping silent. He is not amused. Oriaku is looking amused, Elizabeth is amazed, Agu ignores them. The Chief finally speaks
Chief Odogwu: Enough! (loud enough to shut them up) It is clear that the elders cannot come to an agreement over this matter. This meeting is at an end.
Akaigwe: Chief Odogwu.
Chief Odogwu: Akaigwe, we will have another meeting. Nothing will come of this matter today. This meeting is over. Thank you all for coming.
Chief and Oriaku leave the stage. The servants scurry out. The elders continue to argue with each other as they leave. Akaigwe and his daughter are the last to leave; they face Agu and Elizabeth. Agu now has his arm around Elizabeth’s waist, quiet defiance
Akaigwe: (to Agu) Tomorrow is another day. Turns and leaves. Adamma follows him at his back.
Fade to Black. End Scene.
Scene Five
Elder Akaigwe is at home. He is not happy. He is sitting down and he is thinking. Adamma is sitting down on the floor in front of him, very dutiful and respectful daughter. They sit in silence for about 10 seconds.
Akaigwe: Daughter.
Adamma: Yes, Father.
Akaigwe: I would like to tell you the story of my great grandfather. Not many people know it. (silence) I am sure you have noticed how the farms of the other Elders are always fertile and their animals are always fat. They are wealthy and have many servants. Yet, it has always been just you and I and our poor home (he sounds quite bitter here)
Adamma: But father, I have always been happy with you. I have never wanted for anything (and she means it.)
Akaigwe: Ahh, you are such a good daughter to me. You know I only want what is best for you, eh?
Adamma: Yes, father.
Akaigwe: Now, the story… a long time ago, when he was a young man, my grandfather was a champion wrestler; he was handsome and charismatic and the women loved him. At one point, he was even pursued by the princess of another village. (Adamma gasps in surprise) Yes, unthinkable, I know. But you see, royalty are not like us, no one can tell them what they can and can’t do. Most of all, nobody ever, ever says no to them. He did though. He rejected her for the woman he loved, the woman who became your great grand-mother. This princess, she was spoiled and did not take rejection lightly. She acquired the services of a witch, a medicine woman with no honor and had her put a curse on our family. (Adamma gasps again) Yes, my dear, a curse. Since that day, the men of my family have always been poor.
Adamma: Is… is this really true?
Akaigwe: Indeed, my daughter. Not all medicine men are good like Okeosisi. Some are evil and do terrible things for money. But the story continues. When I was a young man, I traveled all across the land looking for a way to lift the curse. Finally, in a far away place called Ijebu, I found a powerful medicine man. He said to me “Iron Hand, this is old, old powerful medicine but it has a weakness. Only if you or your child marries royalty will the curse be lifted.” So I returned to our village and a year later, you were born. As you remember, your mother died and since then, it has just been the two of us.
Adamma: So that’s what you asked the chief for all those years ago.
Akaigwe: That’s right. I am a little too old to be marrying royalty or anyone for that matter but you, you are a beautiful young girl. Any man would want you and, even without the curse, only royalty would be worthy of you. Now, do you like the boy?
Adamma: Father! (looks down shyly, blushing. He keeps looking at her) Yes, father.
Akaigwe: That is very good, my daughter. Then you will do what it takes to have him for yourself. I have a plan but it will only work if you are willing.
Adamma: I have always obeyed you, Father. I will not fail you or our family now.
Akaigwe: (grimly pleased) Good girl. Good girl. Very well, you know your cousin Chika, that is a servant in the royal palace?
Adamma: She does hair very well, doesn’t she?
Adamma: (confused) Yes?
Akaigwe: Well, then here is what you will do …
Their voices fade.
End Scene.
Scene Six
Chief is sitting alone in the hall on his throne. He is deep in thought.
Chief Odogwu: (speaking aloud to nobody in particular) Dat boy is crazy! Bringing onye-ocha here as his wife?! Trying to drive me into an early grave. What will the other chiefs say? What will they say if my son marries a white woman?
The Chief pauses suddenly; his eyes widen like he just discovered cold fusion
Odogwu: Wait oh. Dey will be jealous. Yes. Yes, none of dem can claim dey have onye-ocha as dia daughter in law. I will be the only. Hmm. Yes, and dat means my grandchildren, my wife, perhaps even myself, can travel to obodo oyibo one day.
He pauses again. He rises and begins to pace back and forth. Now he's thinking hard again; his problem is still not solved.
Chief Odogwu: But the chiefs and the people, how will they see me if I abandon our ways. They could say I am an unworthy chief and depose me. Hmm. Worse still, they could follow me and go too far; they will abandon our ways and forsake our culture! (Stops pacing) Never! Tufiakwa!
But ... how can I make sure that stubborn boy marries the girl without making me look bad? Hmm…
He paces some more. Stops
Odogwu: Dati stubborn boy. Dati stubborn boy. Anything I tell him notu to do, he will do. Yes. Yes, and dati my wife too. She is the key. If I tell her "Obey me woman" she will find a way to scheme behind me. Yes. (Smiles wickedly) It is about time I used her for a change. Heheheheheheheheh….
He starts to laugh then he hears his wife's footsteps coming his way and quiets down:
Chief Odogwu: Time to dance the masquerade.
Oriaku enters.
Oriaku: So, husband …
Chief Odogwu: (firm voice, not shouting) Don't husband me! Dat boy will not marry the onye-ocha. Do you understand?
Oriaku: I understand you very well. (pause) I doubt Agu will say the same.
Chief Odogwu: You know, dis is your fault. (Starts pacing back and forth. Oriaku follows him with her eyes, amused). You spoiled him; when he was small, anything he wants, you give! Anything he says, is correct! Always pampering di boy; now, he won't respect his father. His own father!
Oriaku: Husband, what is more important - him obeying you or him being happy. Is he not your son?
Chief Odogwu: (Sharply) Taa! He is your son!
Oriaku: So now he is my son eh? When he does the thing you don’t like, suddenly he becomes my son.
Chief: Of course! (Grins with his back to her. Sobers up and faces her) Anyway, what do you mean by happy? If I say he is happy, den he is happy! Am I not di Chief?
Oriaku: (mutters inaudibly)
Chief: (stops pacing) What was that?
Oriaku: (innocent smile) Nothing, Chief.
Chief: (knows she said something but knows better than to pursue it) He will not marry dat onye-ocha! Tufiakwa! Over my dead body.
Oriaku: (under breath) that can be arranged.
Chief stares at her. She stares back, smile innocent as a lamb, but with the eyes of a predator. After a moment, Chief starts pacing again.
Chief: Di boy will marry Adamma and dat is final. (Stops pacing in a position where he has his back to his wife. Smiles widely.) The Chief has spoken. Now go and prepare my food, woman. I am hungry.
Oriaku: (mutters) You can't have both.
Chief: (turns his head, looking serious again) EH?
Oriaku: You can't have both. I will go and get your food ready, but the boy … we'll just have to see, won't we? (she leaves the room.)
Chief retains his serious look then his face breaks into the smile of a chess-master putting his opponent in check.
Fade to black. End scene.
Scene Seven
The Home of Chief Odogwu. Elizabeth is wearing wrapper and scarf, like a native. A female servant comes in, different from the one we saw earlier.
Servant: Shall I help you do your hair, ma?
Elizabeth: Chika, is it?
Servant: (surprised and pleased that the onye ocha remembered her name) Yes, ma!
Elizabeth: So, what about my hair?
Chika: I, eh, I, (looks down at her feet, belated shy of her own boldness) …
Elizabeth: Oh come on, don't be like that. Feel free, go ahead and say it.
Chika: I ,eh, eh, I saw you looking at Her Highness' hair. You looked like you wished to have hair like that.
Elizabeth: (surprised) You're very observant.
Chika: Thank you so much, ma. Now, like I was saying, I think I can help you do your hair to be just like Her Highness. If I use …
Elizabeth: (delighted) Really? Well, when can you do it?
Chika: That’s what I'm here for. I can start right now. Let me get my things.
Elizabeth: Okay. (Chika leaves. She goes out of the bedroom. Walks down a corridor. At the end, Adamma is waiting.)
Chika: (has gone from the bright happy girl we have been seeing to a cold calculating attitude) It is time, ma. The onye ocha will be busy until the right moment. It is time to follow your father's instructions.
Adamma: (Very doubtful about this course of action but sees no way out) Do you think … never mind. Go and keep her distracted. I'm on my way.
(Chika grabs her stuff and goes back to Elizabeth. Adamma watches them)
Chika: (looking cute as a button again) I am back, ma.
Elizabeth: (laughing) I think you should start calling me Liz. Ma makes me feel old.
Chika: (laughing) Ok, ma.
Both laugh, scene fades to black. Now Adamma enters Agunnaya's room. He is relaxing on his bed, shirtless, reading a book, Kafka's Metamorphosis. He sees her and puts it down the book. He is quite muscular.
Agunnaya: How's it going?
Adamma: (approaches him respectfully with head lowered): I’m fine, your Highness.
Agunnaya: Ok (shrugs, goes back to his book)
Adamma: (comes closer) So what are you reading, Your Highness?
Agunnaya: It is about a man who turns into an insect, suffers then eventually dies (looks up from his book) The last two parts happen to everybody, don’t they?
(He goes back to the book, she comes even closer)
Agunnaya: (without looking up) What are you doing here?
Her face goes sad briefly, she really wishes he felt about her the way she does about him, then hardens, what must be done must be done.
Adamma: I am betrothed to you. Should I be denied my husband?
Agunnaya: (puts down book violently) For the last time … (loud, stops regains control of himself. Now quieter) For the last time, I am not your husband because I have chosen another. You’ve seen her; you already know all this, so why are you here?
Adamma: I just want you to know, this was not my choice; your choices have put us in this position. (She climbs into his bed and latches onto him like an eel.)
Agu: What the – woman, are you crazy?! Get off me! (He’s trying to escape her, she kisses him in their struggle. Conveniently the servant Chika and Liz walk in! Liz has a few braids on one side of her head)
Chika: As I was saying, I’m sure I left the comb in … (pretends to be shocked)
Eliza: …. (she is stunned. She’s thinking all men are dogs! Eyes widen, hands go over her mouth and she turns and runs out of the room.)
Agu: Wait! (He shoves off Adamma violently, she lets go easily, she’s done what she came for) Baby! (He runs out after her)
Adamma: (sad) I hope my father is happy.
Chika: What do you mean? You wanted him, did you not?
Adamma: Yes, but I wanted him to want me. If he simply picks me because the one he wants is no longer around, is that a victory?
Chika: Look at it this way. Either way, you’re married to royalty. I’d take that any way I can get it.
Adamma: (sad) perhaps.
Fade to Black. Seconds go by. Then one light comes on and Okeosisi is standing in it. Did you miss him?
Okeosisi: (to the reader. Yes, that means you) The pieces are placed, the play is made, first adversity confronts young love. Will Akaigwe get his wish after all? Will Adamma marry Agu? Or can Agu convince his white love that his heart is true? Will we ever find out? Do we want to? For the answers of the future, we must look to the past …
Fade to black.
We are now in the Shrine of Okeosisi. His shrine is filled with fog; there are two idols facing each other on opposite sides of Okeosisi. He is seated lotus position on a raffia mat. He is not happy. In fact, from the expression on his face he could be described as depressed. His eyes are closed and he is engaging in half a conversation. Whoever he's talking to cannot be seen or heard by mere mortals.
Okeosisi: Mm-hmm, Mm-hmm, yes … but the boy will be chief after his father. Should he really be permitted to carry this through? (Listens. Nods)
Okeosisi: You know the future better than I, you always did, but (grimaces, he agrees with what is being said but doesn't like it) won't this … (grimaces) change everything? Our women will start trying to be like the white woman; the little girls too. Our boys will start setting their eyes outside the village…(He stops, something is speaking to him.) Growth, change, transformation … these things are all good but …(He shuts up, now he looks like a child being scolded by his parents)
Okeosisi: (Reluctantly) I knew you would see it sooner or later. It is not an easy thing to be made irrelevant. In the modern ways, there is no room for medicine men like me. (sighs) I will be the last. (he listens) My apprentice? (perks up a bit) Hmm, it is true that has the gift. He certainly wants it badly enough … but he is too young. (Listens, smiles a little. Now he is amused, even a little happy)
Okeosisi: It shall be as you say, old master. Thank you for your guidance. (The smoke fades. He opens his eyes and gets on his knees, then to his feet.)
Okeosisi: (He has found peace, he has committed to a course of action) So be it. A young Dibia for a young age. A new chief for a new time. A white queen for a White Throne. Change comes when it comes.
Okeosisi: Boy! (shouting) (A few seconds. The apprentice runs into the room.
Apprentice: Yes, Master?
Okeosisi: Get my bag. We are going to see the chief.
Apprentice: (surprised) Tonight?
Okeosisi: Yes, tonight. (Turns to the audience) After tonight, nothing will be the same. (They both leave, exactly as they were dressed in the beginning. This scene happens right before the first scene, in case you were wondering)
Final Fade. The End
PS
Nsibidi, by the way, refers to the ancient written language system used by the Igbo (my people) and many black African tribes in pre-colonial times. Unfortunately for our history, instead of spreading the knowledge to the entire society, our ancestors chose to keep it secluded in insular secret societies or "leopard" societies as they were called at the time -- and so the colonialists had virgin ground to superimpose their language and their culture and the history and their religion over our own.
