DEATH ON TRIAL

2015

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DRAMATIS PERSONNAE

OBOADEE- CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE

DEATH- HIS CREATION

LIFE- HIS CREATION

ACCIDENT

FILTH

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

BEDIAKO –THE VILLAGE WARRIOR

AKOSUA OBIAA -BEDIAKO’S ONLY SISTER

GYAMFI- THEIR UNCLE

OKYEAME

BEDIAKO JUNIOR

OWUSUAA

AFRAKOMA- OBIAA’S FRIEND

GYEABOUR- THE VILLAGE DRUNK

TIWAA - A YOUNG LADY OF ABOUT 18 YEARS

NARRATOR/STORY-TELLER

YAA KROAMA

AFUA NIPANKA

AKAN TOTEM BEARERS

DRUMMERS/DANCERS

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OBIBINI – OBIAA’S HUSBAND/ CHIEF OF MPITI

FOSUAA – OBIBINI’S SISTER

ELDERS/CROWD

THE BARD

HORN-BLOWERS

MUSICIANS

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 PROLOGUE

THUNDER ROLL AT OBOADEE’S CAMP. WHEN THE CURTAIN GOES UP,

OBOADEE IS SEEN STANDING ON A HIGH ROSTRUM UP CENTRE. ON HIS RIGHT
STANDS LIFE, WHILE DEATH STANDS ON HIS LEFT. THE BARD APPEARS FROM
THE AUDIENCE ONTO THE STAGE.

THEBARD

Great Oboadee! Giver of life and death! The greatest ornament of gold! The
greatest artist beyond compare! The great canopy, under which, man receives
shelter. Attentive Father of all times and places, your eyes are big, this symbol,
Ohene Aniwa portends and your wings cover all and sundry. You created
Life-Nkwa, (Life bows) and bestowed on him the power to keep man to live long
on the planet earth. You created Death-Baamoa Wuo (Death bows), the killer of
the flesh and you provided him with the power to retire man from his long
journey... Your works are mysterious and the ordinary man cannot understand.
Oboadee, the provident provider, Speak, Speak Speak….. For we are all ears
(Goes behind Oboadee as Horn-blowers blow appellations)

OBOADEE

My obedient emissaries, I greet you…. (They respond) Life, it is through you that
man is permitted to know death. You should be used up thoroughly. For the

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harder you work, the more man lives. People should rejoice in you. You are no
“brief candle”. You are a sort of splendid torch, which man holds, and makes it
burn brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. But you have
been complaining too much about your brother, Death. What has he done? I ask.
What has your brother done? Open your mouth and speak.

LIFE

Oboadee, it is on record that you created me first before all others. I live with
man the very day and time he touches the earth and wails his infant scream. It is
through my guidance that makes him see, talk, laugh and weep. I live with people
quite long before my brother; Death lays his icy hands on them. It is the natural
law so I don’t complain. But these days, my brother has secured a bad name for
himself. On the farm paths, they talk about him, at the river-side, they are talking
about him, in the church they preach about him, at all gatherings, it is him they
are talking about. I am seriously concerned about it. But Oboadee, It seems he
deserves the accusations. He overlaps too much. He exercises his brutal killings
any how; he kills people at all ages. Adults and children without a tinge of mercy.
I am worried, that is why I have summoned him before your throne so that your
supreme highness commands him to a halt.

OBOADEE

I have heard you. Death, one does not swallow medicine on behalf of the sick
person; what do you have to say to that?

DEATH

Great Oboadee, what my brother said is perfectly true but he is extremely wrong.
He is wrong in the sense that I do not kill anybody anyhow as he puts it. It is man

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who kills himself. Man contributes immensely towards his untimely death. Man
forces himself and opens the three doors of hell. Lust, Rage, and Greed. Indeed,
Oboadee, with permission to speak, man has manufactured various kinds of
diseases and uncalled for behaviours which destroy and the only way I can help
is to take him away. Man toys with the precious soul you give him. He carelessly
mis-handles the soul, and I have to take it back to you. Besides I am doing my job
as prescribed by your highness. Oboadee.

LIFE

You were talking about the three doors of hell that have been widely opened by
man. You made mention of lust, rage and greed as causes of human suffering
and death. Innocent children of 5 years and below do not possess such negative
qualities. Why do you kill them too?

DEATH

You should blame yourself, the society, and their parents for not being able to
sustain their lives. Besides, Man contributes to that. Most infantile deaths are
accidental and man manufactures them. Man makes my work difficult and easy.
Yes! And this is through man’s carelessness.

OBOADEE

Through man’s carelessness! Man has maintained that death ends everything,
but my ways cannot be understood. Mankind should not argue. I am extremely
happy that both of you know your duties. I cannot judge you now…I will not

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challenge your opinions...Go back to your camps (They bow and leave with
roaring thunder. Lights go off)

MOVEMENT ONE

A procession of funeral coffin bearers in the modern times, pass through the
auditorium and cross the stage to the burial grounds. Dirges from brass band
music/flutes and other percussions sound as mourners wail and follow the
coffin. The light picks Death, standing Up-stage Centre. When the procession
moves out of stage, Death’s accolades, Accident, soaked with blood, Infectious

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Disease, with deformed body and spots all over the face and body, Filth, shabbily
dressed, and a few other members of Death’s Camp, storm the place from
different angles move up and down with arranged choreography of ghostly
movements. Death beckons them and speaks with deafening voice)

DEATH

My dependable messengers of glorious esteem, I greet you...

MESSENGERS

We respond your majesty...With you, there is a relationship of deep abiding

security and a freedom that only we, your messengers, can know...

DEATH

It has been my fervent desire to allow you, my responsible messengers, to feed

my alert ears, with how you have been exercising your duties and also to let me
know, whether man has changed or not. Please, before you speak, let your
brothers and sisters know your profound credentials...

ACCIDENT

(Stepping forward)

I am accident!(Moves steadily) The most popular and swiftest messenger of

death. I know that, if the world should lay hands of me, they would massacre me,

MESSENGERS

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Why?

ACCIDENT

Because, they are of the view, that, I am very wicked and unpardonable. I fully
admit that unfortunate accusation, but I must say that, it is through the doings of
man, which attract me to their sorrows, especially, with their reckless usage of
the roads. Over speeding, senseless over takings of other vehicles, they have
thrown away, the axiom; “If you drink, don’t drive, if drive don’t drink and don’t
drive tired”. Road safety regulations are of no use to them. They make our slogan
very powerful. My brothers and sisters, join me to recite our slogan. WE DO NOT
KILL, YET, WE DO, THROUGH HUMAN CARELESSNESS. (Agitated) Ladies and
gentlemen, go to the lorry parks and see for yourselves, the bad conditions of
some of the vehicles that are conveying passengers from one point to the other...
the passengers, who are boarding the vehicles are aware of the poor conditions
of the vehicle, but they do not mind...Careless driving abounds. It is easy to get a
driving license in this country. Punishment for errant drivers is very light. A bribe
is all that needs to be given, and the driver is free to go...They say: December,
Densemba. Instead, of blaming themselves, for their recklessness, they blame
me and the sacred month. You see, fire outbreaks are common in this country.
Bush fires, faulty electrical connections, even, candle lights and fire crackers.
Precious lives and property destroyed through fire ... Fire, here, fire, there, fire
everywhere...

ALL

Everywhere! Due to human negligence, ignorance and carelessness... ha haha a

h...

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(Highly agitated) I promise on my honour that, I shall forever, be faithful to my
master, and carry them to him, until man learns his lessons to control my
activities. (Moves away)

DEATH

But not all drivers and passengers are careless. Some obey all the road safety
instructions. They service their cars and maintain good standards and you...

ACCIDENT

But, another user of the road is careless...

ALL

Ha..ha...ha...ha...ha

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

I am infectious disease. I am of many parts and my duty is to send people who

are affected by certain sons and daughters of your kingdom to the master.
(Coughing)Due mostly to human carelessness and ignorance, I am able to
exercise my duties with immense ease. I carry millions of people each year…My
working mates are; bacteria, viruses, fungi and, other parasites. We are major
messengers of our master. Infections are prevalent in every country, where
co-infection is common due to filth, laziness, immorality and poor sanitary
conditions.

DEATH

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What are your governments doing? Don’t they raise awareness of global
vulnerability, the need for strong health care systems? They do …

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

But who cares? Children are particularly defenseless to infectious diseases.

Pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria are leading causes of death among children;
cerebral malaria can cause permanent mental impairment. We are also
destructive to the health of adults, causing disability and diminished quality of
life. This leads to decreased productivity or death. People infected with one
infectious disease, become more susceptible to other diseases. For example:
HIV/AIDS co-infection with tuberculosis. Malaria, co-infection with multiple,
neglected diseases. Hypertension, co-infection with Diabetes, blindness, and
many more. Indeed, I become very worried, when taking people away through
infectious diseases, because they are largely preventable and treatable, with
available interventions. Who takes the blame? Myself, my Master, or my friends,
or you? (Pointing to the audience)Do we kill?

ALL

We do not kill, yet, we do, through human carelessness…!! Ha…ha…ha…ha

FILTH

Who can live in dirty surroundings, and escape my murderous shaft? I am Filth,
the secret killer. How far has the Government committed resources to keep the
environment clean? (Pause) May be, the moneys committed, end up in other
people’s pocket. How serious has many thought of escaping my deadly secret
blows through filth? Ah! Filth here, filth there… filth everywhere …

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ALL

Everywhere

FILTH

And who creates the filth around…

ALL

Human Beings…

FILTH

Mankind goes against the Eleventh Commandment.

ALL

“Environmental pollution”

FILTH

All the rivers are polluted because of money. All the trees being felled because
of money…

ALL

Money

FILTH

Ah! Water ways choked with filth and buildings, causing deadly floods … Ah!
Children are in danger to hazards in natural environments. Do parents and
guardians attempt to keep a clean environment? To eliminate filth and hazards

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associated with dirt? Ha! I am being fed everyday with good meals which enable
me to work without rest. I do my duty in all earnest by carrying people to my
master, and he always congratulates me. Indeed, Human beings make our work
very easy….and difficult…Do we kill?

ALL

We do not kill, yet, we do, through human carelessness. ha...ha...ha...ha

(Thunder! They dance and surround Death.)

Lights fade off.

MOVEMENT TWO

A traditional setting with huts placed at various points. A barrel containing water
is placed down-right. Traditional stools rest at the walls of the huts. Enter Opanin
Bediako being supported by Akosua Obiaa and Opanin Gyamfi. They are very old.
They sit left and right to Opanin Bediako. A cock crows and Tiwaa a young
beautiful girl of about 18 years comes out of the room with a calabash full of
water to wash her face. After washing her face, she picks up the broom to sweep
the courtyard. She begins singing a gospel; Akosua Obiaa becomes irritated and
shouts at her.

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AKOSUA OBIAA

It is alright, Tiwaa, we are tired of you and the kind of songs you sing in this
house. We want to think….so better keep quiet. (She continues singing) I say...
Keep quiet ooo Tiwaa

TIWAA

I shall not keep quiet…. I shall not; I am getting scared of you and your lot and
your refusal to cross the river of death... How can young people die in this village,
every now and then? In the mornings wailings, in the afternoons, lamentations, in
the evenings, screams of agony and in the night, silence of sorrow... while you
people, old as you are, refuse to die. I shall not keep quiet.

OP. GYAMFI

Aaah! Tiwaa so you want us to die, eh? You are praying for our death. I see. This
is very sad. Whoever has heard of another person wishing the death of others?
Indeed, the world is strange...Now, let me tell you, Tiwaa, we are not dying. In
fact, neither today, nor, the next, and the next, or the next - next day to come.
Death has rejected us and, he does not want us amongst his people; besides, we
are too strong and powerful for him to handle….

AKOSUA OBIAA

Tell her ... (Laughs)

TIWAA

Everybody should come and listen…It is not death which has rejected you. It is

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because you have witchcraft, and you have teamed up to destroy young ones in
this family. Two old men, wizards and one old lady, witch. God will punish you
(hooting at them) hooooooo

AKOSUA OBIAA

Hei! Tiwaa, you must know how to talk to the old and aged. Don’t let me curse
you. If I curse you with my lips, supported by these old men, you will suffer.

BEDIAKO

Tell Her...

TIWAA

I know. It will not be the first thing to happen. Let me tell you; the determined
hunter is never frightened in the jungle..... Curse me and let me die... I will be
happier in my grave than, to be walking about, clearing debris from your rooms,
which are full of different scents, curse me….I say

AKOSUA OBIAA

You are playing with thunder-storm…People who think once they are converted
all will be well, have forgotten Satan. When the goat is tired of life, it invites the
lion for dinner. And the bird that prays for rain will surely be soaked by it. Your
mouth is evil and shut it up!

TIWAA

I have surrendered myself as a slave to you from infancy. I am fed up…fed up…. I
can’t…..

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AKOSUA OBIAA

If you act like this Tiwaa, your life will be in danger…It is the foolish fly that
follows the corpse into the grave….

TIWAA

My pent up anger has spread through my breast and they are being weighed
down with excessive load. My tongue cannot stop barking...

AKOSUA OBIAA

If you have respect for the aged, your compassion will develop. A person who
sells eggs does not start a fight in the market. You are devising the means for
your own destruction. You are but a very young powerless girl...

TIWAA

That is why you want to kill me; finish me like the others. I had 2 sisters where
are they? Tell me…where is my mother? Eh…tell me …show me. All the family
have joined the ancestors. What about you, won’t you die?

AKOSUA OBIAA

No. And it is an emphatic NO. We won’t die….. We are supervising your deaths.

TIWAA

Shame….Shame. Demons… I shall pour water on you. (About to leave for the
kitchen for the water)

AKOSUA OBIAA

Wait! Tiwaa, I command you to wait! (She stops. Akosua Obiaa draws a circle

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with her walking stick in frenzy) He who guards his lips, guards his life... May
Nana Kunsum, Killer of innocent girls strike….

BEDIAKO

(Cutting in) Hei, Akosua Obiaa, shut up! Seal your mouth with steel, and sit down.
How dare you use your devilish mouth to curse Tiwaa? A single abominable slip
from your tongue may cause lasting injury to her. She has been our only saviour
all these years, and you want to administer you witchery on her…Sit down I say!

AKOSUA OBIAA

Bediako, it was your fault…It was your own fault

BEDIAKO

My fault, what about you and your uncle, Gyamfi?

GYAMFI

Please, leave me out of this. The fault was from the two of you. I am sincerely
innocent. Akosua Obiaa you started it all, He who defecates along the way will
surely meet flies on his way back. Don’t sit or stand and blame anyone.

BEDIAKO

Don’t mind her.

AKOSUA OBIAA

If the two of you prick my measure of shame to a height beyond my control, I

shall curse you. (They laugh)

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GYAMFI

And who is afraid of your weak curses? You can curse ordinary people like
Tiwaa, not me or Bediako. Were you not the one who started it all?

BEDIAKO

Shut up both of you. I want to think…

AKOSUA OBIAA

Well, tell her. The lizard does not eat its pepper and ask the frog to fan its mouth.
She wants to know why we are not dying. Tell her.

OP. GYAMFI

How can he? Look at him. His jaws are hardened like the mighty rock in the
reserved forest...where he fought. This story, I think, would be well told by me.
The wisest among the lot. But Tiwaa, promise. Promise you will not tell any other
person. Promise you will not be careless to tell anybody. Not even the man you
will marry and share your bed with, in the quiet times of the night, when the
moon meets the star...

TIWAA

Well, I promise but…

OP. GYAMFI

Then, find a seat. You will know from today, why death cannot take us from the
surface of the earth. This village was once, the most admirable in these areas.
This Aduana family was the most enviable, because of our famous history of
bravery. Ah! (Sings) (There are at times I remember some issues and I weep).

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Tiwaa, the family was big...But through the doings of that Grandfather of yours,
Bediako, we have suffered a great deal…

OP. BEDIAKO

(Rising with difficulties) Gyamfi! If you dare use my name to begin that story, I
shall go for my mask, and conjure the powers of my strength to blast your head
into pieces.

OP. GYAMFI

I have stopped. Ei, he will kill me if I dare.

TIWAA

But Nana, this is what I don’t understand. You just said death is afraid of you and
now, you seem to be afraid of Nana Bediako .

OP. GYAMFI

Did I say that? Whatever it is, I want to die a natural death. Bediako has not
changed. He is a very dangerous old man, and as soon as he wears his mask, he
can conquer every spirit, let alone common people like us...

AKOSUA OBIAA

Gyamfi, if Bediako is preventing you from using his name to begin the story, why
don’t you use your name.

OP. GYAMFI

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Twea! No! I cannot use my name. I was not the one who began the problem. The
owners are there.

AKOSUA OBIAA

(Harshly) Then, use my name to begin, cowards... cowards... I am the woman,

and the bravest of all of you. I shall let Tiwaa hear the story today, and no other
day.

OP. BEDIAKO

Better...

OP. GYAMFI

Well then, Tiwaa, sit down. By my position in this family, as the uncle of these
great grandparents of yours, I shall let you know everything today. Bediako Ei
Akosua Obiaa was once upon a time, not having a shhhh ... there is a third
person here. I can smell the aroma of a third person. (Enter the narrator).

NARRATOR

Ahaa, Gyamfi! You were about to tell the story which has been composed by me
eh? What legal right have you to tell a sacred story like this one? Hei (To the old
people) you all pack your dirty selves and leave this premise, as soon as possibl
e... I say leave. (They hurriedly leave)Tiwaa, don’t worry; I am the original story
teller. I shall tell you the story and everything that you need to know. But, before I
begin the story, go and sit there (points to a chair in the audience) and let me
invite the ancestral dancers to give us a little piece. (Shouts) Royal Dancers from
the inner abode, please, begin dancing. (A group of dancers come to perform)

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WOMAN

Mr. Story–teller, we are anxious to hear the story. Erm what is his name? Opanin
Gyamfi was about to tell us the story. In fact, he even started, when you came
from nowhere to rudely interrupt and stopped him. And now, instead of you
going straight to tell the story, you are wasting our precious time. We need a free
and un-interrupted storytelling session. Fellow audience, don’t you agree with
me?

AUDIENCE

We agree with you...

NARRATOR

Yes, that is the nature of Ananse’s story. There are symbolic interludes, called
Mboguo. Now that, you are ready for the story, let me begin. Once upon a time….
The traditional village of Mpiti was full of joy and ecstasy. It was also powerful in
war and magic, so all the surrounding villages feared them, like the hen fears the
hawk. Its priests and medicine men were powerful beyond compare. The youth
played in the night, when the moon was full in size. I tell you, strangers who visit
the village of Mpiti did not want to go back to their respective villages. The
village was full of activities (People enter and play different types of games)
their warriors were par-excellence. Nobody dared wage war against the people of
Mpiti. One of the all-powerful warriors was Bediako (Enter Bediako with a lot of
amulets around him) during the annual wrestling context in the village, Bediako
was always the winner. For four consecutive times, the bare back of Bediako has
never touched the ground. People bring in Bediako and his opponent with
traditional wrestling music. a wrestling context is mimed and the crowd shouting

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Bediako…Bediako and the other faction also cheering his opponent Zuma…Zuma…
Zuma.. They wrestle fiercely and Zumah is thrown down. They carry Bediako
shoulder-high backstage).

My dear listener, the spirit of traditionalism was always shown on the part of the
people of Mpiti. The bond of families and their clans was very paramount, and all
lived as part of a big family. Bediako had a sister called Akosua Obiaa. They say
Akosua Obiaa had been trying to get a child, but the more she tried, the more she
lost them. They say her womb has been scooped off all the eggs that could
fertilise into human beings. They say the added strength of her brother, Bediako,
were those of her children, and that, so long as Bediako remained very powerful,
she would never have a baby on her lapse. Therefore, any child that she bore
died at birth, or a day after. Obiaa was a very miserable woman, and various
songs and appellations were composed on her. (Enter Akosua Obiaa with a dead
child wrapped in a piece red-cloth being consoled by Afrakoma, her bosom friend)

AFRAKOMA

Due! Due! Obaa Obiaa, Death has been so cruel with you, but do not abandon
yourself to despair…Akosua, accept my condolences. The body dies, but the
spirit is not entombed. Why Death? Why are you so wicked and heartless? Why
can’t you pardon Akosua Obiaa? She has really suffered.

AKOSUA OBIAA

If I had the power, I shall fight death. (Sings) MEANING: I came to the world to
enjoy myself but evil death hath bestowed sorrows and unhappiness on me.
Death the robber, Death the abominator, Death the evil-doer, if I see you I will
fight you... (Enter Bediako and Gyamfi as Akosua Obiaa continues to lament. she

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kneels down looking up the skies) Oh! Giver of children! Unto your hands, I once
again, submit my dead son. I pray that, when you are distributing the children
once again, do not pass by my house without a pause, stop and hand over to me
a child that would survive, stay with me, and unite this family of ours. (Sings
again and exeunt with Afrakoma the narrator resumes

NARRATOR

There she goes, wailing. Obibini, her husband, has vowed to divorce her if the
next child dies …Oh! Akosua Due…Due …Due... But is this really, Obiaa’s fault?
Ehe! Obibini, are you sure, you came from the big city without any venereal
disease? What about the one you complained about in your youthful days? Were
you able to cure it? I wish, I could tell..... But who am I to say, that the priest has
red teeth, even as he chews cola nuts every day? (Exits. the light spots Bediako
and Gyamfi in a pensive mood.)

BEDIAKO

Uncle, the natural law indicates that, I am the elder of the two, but you are my
uncle, and the head of this family. My only sister, Obiaa, cannot get access to a
child, and everybody points accusing fingers at me. Why? They say my strength
has seized all the children in her. Her husband’s sisters have threatened to cause
a divorce between her, and the husband due to the fact, that they want him to
succeed his uncle, as the chief of this village. Now, nobody sympathizes with me.
I am the talk of the town. The blocker of blessings of this village and, as if, I am
accursed to be strong. Marriage has even become a problem for me. I want you,
my uncle, to do something about it now.

GYAMFI

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Bediako, do not sound as if, I am happy, that my only niece, Akosua Obiaa, does
not have a child. I also wish to be called a grandfather. But, it is all because of
death…death. My only daughter died when she was fetching water from the well,
and got drowned after a push from behind, by her own friend. Ah! Hmn...

BEDIAKO

I shall leave this village. When there are many towns, we do not remain to be
disgraced in only one. I shall never return until news reach me that, my sister,
AKosua Obiaa has been able to give birth, and of course, a surviving baby.

GYAMFI

What, if she never bears a child at all?

BEDIAKO

Then, count me out of the rest of your family. You never will see me again.

GYAMFI

Bediako. Never be misled by the thinking that, you have failed, or sinned, and
there can be no forgiveness. Yon always present your ideas in an honest and
forthright manner; you have gained credibility with our people and those
surrounding us. We trust and believe you. Look critically at yourself, and know
how this village needs you, Bediako.

BEDIAKO

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No one can be redeemed by another. No god and no ancestor will be able to
shield a man from the consequence of his doings. Every one of us must become
his own redeemer.

GYAMFI

But, you do not have to leave this way. Do not run away from the rain, and hide in
a pond of water...

BEDIAKO

As long as there is rhythm of day and night, rainy season and dry season, I will
continue to dream. My dream now, is to go away from this village for a mission
to be fulfilled.

GYAMFI

Our tradition does not allow a man, the right to abandon the care of his people.
You are our protector, saviour, and the fence on which we lean. Don’t leave us for
your private sake. Don’t forget, that, it is only the dead man who has everybody
on his side; besides, white ants can do no harm to the stone....This village needs
you, my nephew...

BEDIAKO

What do I care if I am the air you breathe, and the water you drink? My image is
at stake. (To the audience) Good resolutions are like babies crying in the church,
they should be carried out immediately. No amount of all the sympathy in the
world ever puts food on the table for a starving man. Feelings are powerless to
bring relief to the needy unless they are reinforced by deeds. May be, when I

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leave, the curses on my sister would be cancelled… Please, uncle, let me go. And
when I leave, do not mourn for me... (Dashes out)

GYAMFI

Bediako, come back...Come back …Ei! Ei!!, Eh!!! We are finished….People of Mpiti
will have the chance to humiliate us, molest us… (Lamenting) He is a great
protector of our family. A man loaded with traditional wisdom, and carries a sage’
s head. Bediako, our cultural giant! Why? I say why do you allow people to easily
push you out of here? Here in Mpiti, the mention of your name scares evil doers....
come back Bediako.... come back for we need you...I have to search for you ...
(Enter Gyeabour with his Akasa instrument; drunk)

GYEABOUR

Hei! Koo-Gyamfi, why are you standing here, talking to yourself, like that?

GYAMFI

Oh! Gyeabour, Bediako, the protector of our family, has left us to an unknown
destination.

GYEABOUR

Oh! Is that why you are lamenting? He can go! After all, he is not the only strong
man in this village. We are the men …Men who use the brain and not the brawn….
We are the protectors of our village maidens...Hm! I hear Akosua Obiaa’s
husband is planning to divorce her. You see, I am waiting impatiently, like the
vulture at the abattoir. As soon as a cow is slaughtered, I will have my share,
thus, as soon as Obibini throws her away, I shall approach you with her
head-drink. And please, when I bring it, try to accept it in good faith. I swear by

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my father’s grave, that, I shall provide her with a bouncing baby boy …erm...I shall
name the child after Bediako.

GYAMFI

You are mad….

GYEABOUR

Exactly, I am mad. But, I do not stand and talk to myself …Shame…Gyamfi, let
everybody know, whether it wishes me well, or ill, that, I shall pay the price, bear
the burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the
survival and success of my brutal plan. I shall marry Akosua Obiaa, if the
husband leaves her, so prepare....shameful uncle... (Runs away being chased by
Gyamfi)

Lights fade off

MOVEMENT THREE

In the night, Akosua Obiaa is sitting quietly at the courtyard. A lantern is placed
by her side. She has propped her chin in her left arm and, she is dozen. At the

27
door-way, stands a figure of a man. The figure tip-toes into the court-yard and
runs back again. He appears to be Gyeabour who speaks.

GYEABOUR

(In a whisper) Akosua, Akosua can I come in?

AKOSUA OBIAA

(Startling) Who are you?

GYEABOUR

It’s me...

AKOSUA OBIAA

(Increasing the intensity of the lit of the lantern and looking at the face of the
figure) Gyeabour, what do you want here, at this time of the night?

GYEABOUR

I cannot sleep in my room

AKOSUA OBIAA

You cannot sleep in your room. And so...?

GYEABOUR

I am coming here…

AKOSUA OBIAA

For what? I don’t sell alcoholic drinks here.

28
GYEABOUR

I am not in search of alcohol.

AKOSUA OBIAA

Is that not the only job prescribed for you by your tormentors in this village?

GYEABOUR

Oh! Akosua! So you haven’t heard that, I have freed myself from their chains?
You haven’t heard, I have stopped taking in alcohol? Akosua, I have stopped
drinking. In fact, I have seriously said a long goodbye to all kinds of alcoholic
beverages.

AKOSUA OBIAA

That is very good of you.

GYEABOUR

Thank you. And ...erm…erm... do you know my reasons for that?

AKOSUA OBIAA

How can I?

GYEABOUR

Do you want me to tell you?

AKOSUA OBIAA

Well...

GYEABOUR

29
It is because of you.

AKOSUA OBIAA

(Laughing) Because of me? Oh! My God! How come, Gyeabour, that, you have
stopped drinking, because of me?

GYEABOUR

I have a special reason for that. They say, “The replacement of the father, is
always there for the orphan; it is the consolation of the orphan.” And since, you
don’t have any man to man your affairs now, I see myself, very eligible to file in
my papers. If Obibini, your husband, can be so short-sighted to reject you, I have
come to replace him on your mat.

AKOSUA OBIAA

Is that why you are here?

GYEABOUR

Exactly so! Please, and I am very serious. Very serious! Like the tortoise, every
man should stick out his neck, if he wants to go forward...

AKOSUA OBIAA

Thank you Mr, Serious man. But, I am not ready for a husband now.

GYEABOUR

You are ...You are ready. It is well established, that, you are in need of a man,
and a very strong man, like me...

30
AKOSUA OBIAA

How do you know? They say my womb is sealed, and that, I cannot have children.
My husband, who should stand by me in times of crisis, has jilted me because of
that. In our society, children claim the most important part of every situation.
They are the most precious possession for every woman. Why should I trust any
man at all? Gyeabour, I don’t need any man in my life now.

GYEABOUR

Akosua, there are men, and there are real men. Though, I don’t have money, I am
poor, yes, I know, but, I bet you, I can deliver the goods. If you give me the green
light, I shall surprise you.

AKOSUA OBIAA

Gyeabour, who says I need surprises? I shall not give you the red light to fantasy
that; there will be amber, and then, a green light to follow. The light remains as it
is. Please, it is too late. I want to go to bed.

GYEABOUR

So?

AKOSUA OBIAA

Leave immediately...

GYEABOUR

What did I tell you? I said without mincing words, that, my room is scary. I cannot
sleep. The moment I close my eyes, I see your image with your beautiful eyes,
winking at me.

31
AKOSUA OBIAA

Gyeabour, you are living in the fools’ paradise. Stop dreaming about me, because,
I do not need you, one bit in my life.

GYEABOUR

Don’t say that my honey. If you don’t need me in your life, then, who else needs
me? You have been tormenting my life, since infancy. If you don’t know, I had
wanted to approach you, long before your so-called husband came and mess up
things. Let me confess, that, I started drinking profusely, when I discovered that, I
cannot have you as a wife. Akosua Obiaa, you have a very short memory. Have
you forgotten the song people used to sing about you? (Sings) which I
composed? You think, I composed it for whom?

AKOSUA OBIAA

Then, please, continue drinking, because you can never have me as your wife.

GYEABOUR

You are still proud. Pride runs through your family. The pride of your brother is
re-visiting you. Consider your loneliness and have a change of mind. Akosua,
loneliness is very bad. I am talking from experience. It is a dangerous thing. To
be alone, provokes devilish thoughts …when one door closes, the other one
opens…A woman who wants a child, does not sleep in her clothes, covering all
her body...If you believe that, feeling bad or worrying long enough will change a
past or future event, then, you are residing on another planet, with a different
reality system...

AKOSUA OBIAA

32
Gyeabour, your words cannot prick my passion in any way. I am bored with the
whole world. I hate everyman. And, you are not an exception…I want to sleep.
Please, out …out of this place at once.

GYEABOUR

This is unfair. It is disgraceful, that you are barring me, your lover from your side…

AKOSUA OBIAA

Simply put, Gyeabour, you are not the type of a man, I would want for a husband.
You fall far below expectations… and... I

GYEABOUR

Why do you say that? What is wrong with me? Don’t forget that, every type of
discrimination, whether social, or cultural, whether based on sex, race, colour,
social conditions, language, or religion, is contrary to Odomankoma’s intent.
(Emphatically) I am also a human being. I possess what every man possesses.
Your action is stupid, just as it is ugly. Its aim is to destroy, to pervert, to distort
innocence in human beings, and their quest for human equality. Obiaa, I am here
to fulfil a mission. A mission that has been preserved in my heart for a very long
time….

AKOSUA OBIAA

Get out of my house. I don’t want to see you…It is late. Evil spirits are hovering
about. And please, stop mentioning my name at this unholy hour…please, leave...

GYEABOUR

Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.

33
Akosua, the more you drive me away, with your sweet voice, the more you draw
me closer to you…I am here to spend the night with you …allow me. I am going to
break the chains that bind me. I know, happiness is going to follow me. Akosua, I
want to leave the past behind me. Today will begin my new life, a whole new
world...I have taken enough time to deliberate on this plan. The time has come
for action. I have stopped thinking. Nothing can stop this action... (Gyeabour gets
hold of her cloth)

AKOSUA OBIAA

No, you cannot do that… (Gyeabour pounces on her and takes away her
cover-cloth and slams himself on Obiaa. as she cannot struggle well, with
insistent Gyeabour, Obiaa is seriously raped by Gyeabour…..lights go off and spot
the story teller as he re-enters)

NARRATOR

Yee, yee, yee, they said it. They said that, when the fearsome cat is out of the
house, the weak male mice, play about with football, while the well-fed female
mice play Ampe. Is this happening in the house of Bediako, the warrior? As my
grandfather of blessed memory would say, ‘the real magic of the high priest is
gone, what is left, is the throwing of white dust’. Akosua Obiaa has been
seriously and brutally defiled. Well, she has to keep it a secret from everybody.
But, they say, “Whatever goes up must come down one day...” (Lights moves
slowly back to Obiaa’s house)

34
 MOVEMENT FOUR

A sunny afternoon.at the courtyard of Obiaa’s house. Obibini and Fosuaa enter.

35
They look very serious. Fosuaa stretches her neck into Obiaa’s room...

FOSUAA

Obiaa!,Akosua Biaa!...Where are you? (Obiaa enters and seeing her husband, she
bows her head)

OBIAA

My husband, and my sister- in- law, Maame Fosuaa... you are welcome to my
house. Please, let me find you seats to sit down...

FOSUAA

We are not sitting down...

OBIAA

Oh! Why? Our tradition does not allow that...please, my husband...sit down and
feel at home... (Places a chair for him)

OBIBINI

(Throwing the chair way). This is no time to sit. A very serious case of this nature
does not allow a man to sit comfortably. I shall stand and pronounce my
judgement...

OBIAA

What have I done?

FOSUAA

Obiaa. You know exactly, what you have done. Everybody in this village knows
what you have done...They are talking about it everywhere, and that is why we
36
are here.

OBIAA

Maame Fosuaa, please, it was not my fault...Ask every one...

OBIBINI AND FOSUAA

And whose fault was it?

OBIBINI

Mine?

FOSUA

Mine?

OBIBINI AND FOSUA

Mine?

OBIAA

(Sobbing) Ah! You spirits of my ancestors... why do you allow blame on the
innocent...

OBIBINI

Shut up! You can never hide behind shameful tears and go scot free, without
public humiliation. Look at me, Obiaa. Look into my eyes and tell me. Do I look
like somebody to be fooled? Deceived?

FOSUAA

37
Yes! We thought we were buying the best female sheep to our royal home. We
thought the most innocent sheep had been bought amongst the lot, with our
royal influence. We thought our heart desires have been met. And what do we
get? Disgrace, abomination ...calamity...and...

OBIAA

It is not my fault...

OBIBINI

Obiaa, shut up! And cover your beak. Who do you think you are deceiving? Look
at yourself, aren’t you ashamed of yourself? My name, my royalty and my
position in this village is gone. My destiny. (To the audience) Names are key
symbols and summary of personal identity, the first identifying marker used for
specifying an individual. A form of address, used and very quickly captures the
symbolic essence of the relationship between two persons. In our culture, your
name is more important than your age. We do not allow our names to be
dragged in the mud. It should be well protected. They say “charity begins at
home” But, my wife; Akosua Obiaa, has really disappointed me...

FOSUAA

Yes Indeed! She has poured menstrual urine on my brother’s royal name...

OBIBINI

Indeed, she has made me sub-human

FOSUAA

38
A dirty rag to be thrown into the pit latrine.

OBIBINI

A soiled pampers removed from the buttocks of a child, suffering from diarrhoe
a...

FOSUAA

Yes! A bola- bird. A stinking fish

OBIBINI

That, even, the best perfume from the whole world cannot change the scents

FOSUAA

Nor the best lavender from Mecca will ever make him smell good

OBIBINI

I am finished... But Obiaa... why do you do this to me? (To the audience) Yes! I
know most think, that, I must temper justice with mercy... but, I tell you, Obiaa
can never be forgiven. You may think, I am too wicked, that, I don’t even love her.
Here too, you are wrong. I sincerely, love my wife. My first night with her proved
her innocence, and purity, when the white bed-sheet was stained with fresh
blood. Who will have a woman like Obiaa as a wife?

FOSUAA

Oh! I remember her puberty rites celebration, which attracted all the people in
and around our village. Obiaa became a divine queen at once. Her services and
benevolence was rewarded by the gifts she received from people, both old and

39
young. And we thought she would be the best wife, and the mother of the
children for our brother, Obibini, the royal heir to the throne of Mpiti. Their
marriage ceremony was the best in the whole wide-world. We thought our
brother, who had just come from the city because of Obiaa had made the most
profound choice...

OBIBINI

But now, I cannot make a move with my head up! What a fate? I am finished...
finished forever and...

FOSUAA

And ever! Especially, as you cannot ascend the throne without a child. My
brother, you have to choose between the seat of authority and your marriage to
Obiaa, the renowned barren. It is better to leave her and go for another woman,
who can supply you with healthy children, than to waste your time on this
childless woman. Her womb has been scooped off all the eggs that can fertilise
into human beings. As we discussed, before coming here, you should let your
wife give us a child, within the next twelve months before you can mount the
seat of authority in this village of ours... I am tired with you and your wife...
(Leaves sharply)

OBIBINI

There comes a day in a man’s life, when he has to take certain painful decisions.
A decision, that will appeal to the man and his conscience, and live happily or a
decision that will appeal to the masses, the state to be happy about... (Sobs)
What can I do?

40
OBIAA

My husband; I am sorry…but it is not my fault…I can tell you the truth… I can tell
you things… things to prove my innocence… (holds him) but, why don’t you tell
them it is not my fault…I know, I have to take the blame for allowing myself…to
be… if you really love me, let them know, it is the fault of…

OBIBINI

They will not understand. They are bent on separating us…You know how much I
love you…

OBIAA

Yes! I know.

OBIBINI

Well, I have to leave you for now. I have been given a limited time to sow a seed
on a fertile soil…don’t forget. I shall keep the throne…Tonight will justify my final
decision… (About to Dash out)

OBIAA

(Calling) Obibini (Obibini stops) you know the problem hangs around your neck.
You know our children are dying because of you. Why do you allow them to
blame me? (Obibini looks ashamed and dashes out)

Hmm! So, all that they have heard in this town, (mimics Fosua) that people are
talking about everywhere, is only on child bearing which is always the fault of
innocent women like me, and not the abominable act of Gyeabour?. I see. The
town, after all, does not know everything, all the time, as people claim. There are

41
some secrets only the gods know… hmm… (Lights fade off)

MOVEMENT FOUR

42
The Music Man

(Singing with the Sadwase Band. the guitarist, the premprensiwa player,
castanet, maracas, Seperewa and flutes. dancers can join in the traditional
highlife steps)

1. .Nyemebia small boy Nyemebia small boy nyemebia

Ode aduroayeme small boy nyembia

Ode aduroayeme, small boy nyemebia

Ode aduroayeme small boy eeee

Small boy nyembia

2. Maameeeeeeee

Wokaeyoo se onipabebreoo

Paapaeeeeeee

Wokaeyoo se onipabebreoo

3. Aware bone agum’animaseoo

Amadeeope me anyameoo

Akokohwetemfotee,

Na w’anhweteasomorofi

Obrekuosuanadwo a yekyiroo

Kwame Asantee

43
Abrantes te se meaa

Nedee yeretwe ma booso

Chorus: Abrantee te se meaa yeretwe mabooso

Abrantee te semeeaa ne dee yeretwe mabooso

Ena kae na mantieoo yere twe mabooso

Abrantee te se meaa nedee yere twe mabooso.

(The lights pick Akosua Obiaa, very pregnant, singing and busily preparing fufu
with Gyeabour holding the pestle in his hands pounding. Obia pours some palm
wine into the calabash for him. He sips with happiness)

AKOSUA OBIAA (Romantically)

Ei Barima Gyeabour,

GYEABOUR:

(To the audience)Yes...Barima ... She calls me. .I have broken the chains.... Yes
Akosua.

AKOSUA OBIAA

You said you have stopped taking alcoholic beverages

GYEABOUR

How can I? Now, that you are mine, and I am yours, I shall take small… small.
(They laugh and hit each other passionately)

AKOSUA OBIAA

44
They say every mistake is a new style. You have really succeeded in making me
a woman once again. Presently, I bear your child inside me. The child is so
strong, and has been kicking me front and back. Barima Gyeabour, what is our
next step?

GYEABOUR

(Sips some palm wine) Just simple! Very easy. Let me approach your uncle,
Gyamfi with your head-drink. What was once imagined has been proved .... (He
puts his head on Obiaa’s belly). Let’s get married my love. (Looking deep into her
eyes)

AKOSUA OBIAA

Ei, Gyeabour, (Breaking away) do you want to risk your life? Don’t you know
people will hunt for your life? Be wise and think my strong man. I need you more
than anybody in this world... (Helps him to the seat) You see; nothing on this
planet can compare with a woman’s love. It is kind and compassionate, patient
and nurturing, generous and sweet, and unconditionally, pure. Gyeabour, since,
you are mine, and I am yours, I shall walk on water and through a mountain for
you, no matter, how you have acted, no matter what crazy thing you have done.
My dear, no matter, the time, or the demand. Now that, I am yours, Gyeabour,
(Sits on his laps) I shall talk to you, until, there just aren’t anymore words left to
say, and encourage you when you are at rock bottom, and think, there is no way
out. I shall hold you in my arms (Picks him up romantically) when you are sick,
and laugh with you, when you are up. Gyeabour, because, I love you, I shall shine

45
you up when you are dusty, encourage you when you are down, defend you, even
when I am not sure, you are right, and hang on your every word...So let us be wise
and save your life...

GYEABOUR

(Sharply) Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from

mediocre minds...Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished
without passion. Akosua, I am so passionate about our living together. Don’t
forget, when a thing ceases to be a subject of controversy, it ceases to be a
subject of interest. (Holds her) We are writing a story, so profound, that, the
ordinary mind cannot understand. But, since it looks so strange for you, let us run
away from this village, and get married elsewhere, and I promise to give you
more children. In fact, strong boys and girls.

AKOSUA OBIAA

Rest satisfied, with doing well, my dear, and leave others to talk of you, as they
will...I am resolved to follow the steps of the gallant soldier. And who is this
soldier? (Looks romantically at him) You! (They embrace each other)When do we
make the holy journey?

GYEABOUR

Today! Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to

cherish each moment, because, it will never come again. Akosua, if you have
been placing your happiness in the future, waiting for some events to take place,
I, Gyeabour, would remind you that, today is the best day of the rest of your life.

46
Let us begin our project today, not tomorrow! Let us sing and dance today, smile
and laugh today, today is the best day of our lives. Tomorrow may not meet us...

AKOSUA OBIAA

Tomorrow may not meet us! That is philosophical. Gyeabour my love ... Then, go
and gather your belongings, it should be now.

GYEABOUR

Let me eat first. Don’t you think it is too sunny to depart?

AKOSUA OBIAA

Well, but don’t forget that, a little delay can cause us a lot. Just get back to your
house and gather a few things. By the time you come back, your food will be
ready on the table. As you eat, I will also be preparing. By the time you finished
eating, I would also have finished preparation and off. We, the two love-birds
vamoose from this village .The plan is that I will wait for you at the outskirts of
the village, and you join me. How simple it is.

GYEABOUR

That is the best suggestion I have ever had. He, who sees the sky, has seen the
ocean... (Stands to leave) I shall be back. (Leaves with a song)

(Akosua Obiaa sees Gyeabour off. she puts the food on the table and sprinkles a
poisonous potion onto the food. covers it up and leaves for the room. Death
comes in and makes some moves. He stands at a corner, waiting for Gyeabour.

47
For a brief moment, Gyeabour’s voice is heard. He enters with his belongings in a
polythene bag. he is quite drunk. He calls Akosua for some time and he opens
the lid of the pot containing the food and begins talking)

GYEABOUR

When we are talking about men, some people talk bla..blabla We are the men.
(PPM).Prudent-Potent-Men (Uncovers the food) what? Who says man no dey?
Man dey papa. Look at the food. I swear, I have never seen such a meal all my
life. Look, Abunu-abununkwan with groundnut, mixed with snails, crabs,
mpunam, totobi, amane, adwene…Ah! And what have you? I have already reached
heaven. In fact, I am there already with the angels. Akosua Obiaa, you are a
darling. So Akosua, when we leave Mpiti to our unknown destination, is this the
kind of food, you are going to prepare for me? Then, you will kill me with your
love. (Begins to eat. after eating for a while, he holds his tummy. Death moves
closer to him, with his mortal box. Gyeabour wriggles and finally gives up the
ghost and swiftly, Death snatches his soul, deposits it into his mortal box and
vanishes. Akosua Obiaa steps into the courtyard)

AKOSUA OBIAA

(Checks to see if Gyeabour is really dead)

Next time you come into the world, you will learn your lessons and avoid being a
rapist. (Pulls Gyeabour’s body away and Leaves. A short funeral lamentations,
Kwadwo Antwi’s Ma ye Osaman and dance is performed. The narrator comes
back on stage)

48
NARRATOR

Gyeabour is dead, and a fitting funeral was organised for him. After 9 months of
continued stay in the womb of his mother, a bouncing baby boy was delivered by
Akosua Obiaa. A great naming ceremony was held, and Obibini named Gyeabour’
s son, ei, his first son, after Bediako, Obiaa’s brother, and for that matter, the boy’
s uncle.(Demonstrates how to name a child in the Akan Tradition.). “When you
taste water, say it is water; when you taste alcohol, say it is alcohol. Let your Yes
be Yes; and your No be No... You were born on a Friday, I therefore name you
after your own uncle Kofi Bediako” and the people were very happy. As I stand
here, the boy is seventeen years old, very handsome and charming. Sooner, or
later, he is going to be twenty years, and a great feast will be organised for his
20th birth-day, as tradition demands. It will also be the occasion to invite his
uncle, the Great Bediako to join them in the celebration. The question is, who can
find Bediako the warrior? The onus has fallen on me, to try very hard, and find
him, and that is the job, I am going to execute presently... If you waste time, time
will waste you. Ladies and Gentlemen, into the wilderness, I go in search of
Bediako, the warrior ……. (Sound he exits speedily)

Lights go off

49
 MOVEMENT FIVE

In the forest, Bediako has been surrounded by eight (8) forest creatures bearing
the Totems of the various Akan clans. They look like human beings. They move
in a circular form and they conjure unseen charms. As they conjure the charms
they placed them on the head of Bediako. Bediako is in a trance as the calabash
bearer of the creatures steps out with a thunderous voice and making libation
declares:

THE CALABASH BEARER

(The totem of the Aduana clan which is a carved dog with fire in the mouth is
displayed)

(The totem of the Agona clan, the parrot is displayed)

(The totem of the Asakyir clan, the vulture is displayed)

(The totem of the Asenee clan, the bat is displayed)

(The totem of Bretuo clan, the Tiger is displayed)

(The totem of the Ekoona clan, the Buffalo is displayed)

(The totem of the Oyokoo clan, the hawk is displayed)

(The totem of Asona clan, the Crow is displayed)

CALABASH BEARER
50
The divine women and custodians of our clan totems, I salute you. (They bow in
response) Our Traditional life dominated, by religion and surrounded by
innumerable gods and spirits, with whom, the lives of mortals interact. Let’s
drink. (Pours)

ALL

EeeiZiom

Below you deities are spirits including the spirits of the departed ancestors. You
all come for drink. (Pours)

ALL

EeeiZiom

Apart from you, the Supreme Deity, Onyankopon Twedeampong who is never
represented by a carving of stool, or mask, because mankind does not know
what you look like, other gods and ancestral spirits are represented by masks,
stools and statues which are kept in shrines where they are worshipped. Patrons
of hunting, and fishing, guardians of our roads, you are the creative essence. You
are at once destroyers, and at once creative creators. You are enigmatic
symbols! Come, you spirits. Come for drink and protect us. (Pours finally)

ALL

Eeeeei Ziom

CALABASH BEARER

(In frenzy) Bediako. Nobody is your devil. Your own weakness, your lack of
courage, the problems you cannot face has made you so. You are your own devil.

51
For two decades now, we have been training you, and anybody who has
undergone this training, is as powerful as me, the leader of these powerful clans.
Because you have been a good and obedient servant for all these years, we are
going to reward you. Your reward is this mask and amulet (produces them) you
wear the mask (Gives it to Bediako), and I hang the amulet around your neck.
With these on your face and neck, no god or human, either living or dead can
overpower you. Anytime, you are in danger, or you want to visit any place, just
shout (All the clan bearers shout with the Calabash Bearer) ‘SUYEE’ and you will
be carried there with ease. We have been informed through our messenger of air,
that your people need you badly; we cannot send you back home. All you have to
do is to shout (Joined by all the Totem bearers) ‘SUYEE’. Now, close your eyes.
(Bediako closes his eyes) tightly (The Totem bearers circle around him and
gradually vanish from the scene. The Narrator tiptoes closely to Bediako whose
eyes are still closed and taps his shoulders. Bediako startles and shouts ‘SU…’)

NARRATOR

Don’t add the ‘YEE’ (Teases Bediako), and he calls himself a brave man

BEDIAKO

Hm! Did you see them?

NARRATOR

Yes I saw them...

BEDIAKO

Well never mind. What is your mission here? You intruder!

NARRATOR

52
The king and the people of Mpiti have sent me to come for you. The good news
is that, your only sister, Akosua Obiaa, through her own efforts, has given birth.
She has given birth to a handsome boy, and the boy has been named after you.
The boy is now twenty years of age, and will be celebrating his 20th birth-day two
weeks from the coming Sunday, as tradition demands. People from all walks of
life have been invited to the great feast.

BEDIAKO

Are you sure of what you are saying?

NARRATOR

Sure. It is perfectly true.

BEDIAKO

Am I dreaming? Don’t let me wake up to find this a dream. Please, don’t let this
become a nightmare.

NARRATOR

Your sister became pregnant just after you left. The seed remained in her
precious part for 9 months. Then, came one night, when we heard of an infant cry.
(ngaa...ngaaa...ngaaa). It was a boy.

BEDIAKO

I shall accompany you to Mpiti . My nephew, be blessed, Akosua Obiaa, Gyamfi

and all the people of MPITI, enjoy, for the lost Bediako is back with a mission.
Come close to me narrator, hold my shoulders and close your eyes (The narrator

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holds Bediako’s shoulders and both shout ‘Suyee’ but they could not vanish
Bediako seals the mouth of the narrator with his hand and shouts again, ‘Suyee‘.
sound and they vanish lights fade off)

MOVEMENT SIX

At Mpiti, AfuaNipanka a palm-wine seller is seated by her stuff Singing and

plaiting her hair all by herself. The thread falls down. As she tries to search for it,
with her hand on the floor, Yaa Kroama who was looking at her picks it for her
and both of them laugh. They then help each other and they set off.

SONG

Obiara meto bioo, Obiara met bioo, Obiara meto bio na me woadee eye

Me nsa nyinaa nama nama, nama nama,

M’ade nyinaa nama, nama

Me nsa nyinaa nama, nama ..a obiara meto bioo na mewo adee oyee

Meaning: Everybody should come and buy my stuff, for it is good.

AFUA NIPANKA

Thank you my sister. It’s you who will come to my aid, who else?

YAA KROAMA

That is what our elders have said. The left washes the right and the right also
washes the left. (Enter Gyamfi from farm. Apparently, he passes by the seller’
place to have a drink and fetch some for his container.)

GYAMFI

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Good day, noble women of Mpiti.

WOMEN

Good day. Agya Gyamfi.

GYAMFI

Oh! Women. It is very unhygienic for you to plait your hair here...You will
contaminate the palm wine...

AFUA NIPANKA

Well, I know ... but, this is the only time, I can do this ...Yaa Kroama, hurry up ...I
am going out to-night ... Agya Gyamfi. Should I serve you?

GYAMFI

Well, one calabash, please... (Afua Nipanka serves him. He drinks) Ah! Good stuff
... for a hot afternoon. So refreshing... (Afua sings again)

AFUA NIPANKA

Ehe! Agya Gyamfi, is it true that Bediako, your nephew, who voluntarily banished
himself from Mpiti has returned?

GYAMFI

Who told you?

AFUA NIPANKA

There is no secret in this Village.

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GYAMFI

Well, he has arrived. He was protected by our God’s and Ancestors

YAA KROAMA

Did he come with his wife?

AFUA NIPANKA

Ei... Yaa Kroama. Why are you asking about that? Why?

YAA KROAMA:

Afua ... let me ask. For all you know, he came with no one and erm erm... you
know...hm ... Such a strong man...for.... you...

AFUA NIPANKA

For me? (Giggles) Well... I accept it in good faith...

YAA KROAMA

In what faith? Is that why you are plaiting your hair? Calling me... “Yaa Kroama
eee come and plait my hair for me ...” Then, please, I cannot fix it for you...I am
also going to have mine plaited....

AFUA NIPANKA

Oh! I am only joking...

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YAA KROAMA

Joking about what? As if I do not know you and your lots. Your voice alone can
lure a lion home. As for this one, I shall not make another mistake... Ehe Gyamfi,
have you told him everything?

GYAMFI

Everything like what?

YAA KROAMA

Like the taboo in your household

GYAMFI

Shut up you imbecile, gossip.

AFUA NIPANKA

But Gyamfi, the village is aware of Akosua Obiaa, your niece’s evil deeds. Why do
you want to conceal it? Mother’s baby...Father’s may Be

YAA KROAMA

Father’s May Be ... (They laugh... Gyamfi attempts to leave but he is restrained by
Nipanka)

AFUA NIPANKA

So, Bediako is coming for the out-dooring ceremony for Bediako Junior. What a
great day, that day will be... They say young Bediako is going to exhibit his
powerful dancing skills with the Village royal dancer...
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YAA KROAMA

They say he dances like Nii Quaye Sowah (OOni) and Owusuaa also dances like
Ante Akua Abloso, and they will dance to entertain us. Agya Gyamfi, is it also true
that Yaa Owusuaa, the royal dancer of the land has been betrothed to Bediako
Junior?

GYAMFI

Ei women. How do you get your information?

YAA KROAMA:

But we are women. Our ears are always on the ground for hovering news...and

YAA KROAMA & AFUA NIPANKA

We catch and record them...

YAA KROAMA

But this one, we were not sure. Or am I lying my sister?

AFUA NIPANKA

How can you be lying? It is perfectly true ...

GYAMFI

Yes. It is true. They are engaged, and both of them will dance together to
welcome the warrior back home.

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AFUA NIPANKA

My sister, let’s begin preparation for the great day. Gyamfi, we shall meet at the
durbar grounds. Please, let Bediako, the Warrior know that I, Afua Nipanka, am
still around. I think your family is going to gain their pride in this village once
again. (Gyamfi begins to leave)

YAA KROAMA

AgyaGyamfi, AgyaGyamfi, please, wait for me. I want to buy something from your
sister. (Leaves with Gyamfi. Afua Nipanka stares at them and the Lights go off)

(They exeunt)

ENTER THE NARRATOR

Ladies and Gentlemen, my story continues. The king and the elders of Mpiti and
the household of Bediako have fully prepared for the major feast. They have
warned that, since there is going to be plenty to eat and drink, nobody should eat
from his or her house. This is manifested from the fact that, all goats and sheep
in the village have been killed for the occasion. Gifts of various kinds and shapes
are being showered on Akosua Obiaa and her son, Bediako Junior. The
atmosphere is charged. They say people have stopped breathing. The Durbar
grounds is being decorated according to how I am going to direct. (As he directs,
the stage hands set the properties as such) The great king of Mpiti and Fosua,
the Queen mother will sit here (points to the middle and a messenger places the
king’s stool there), Akosua Obiaa and her uncle, Gyamfi will sit there (Points).
Bediako Junior and his wife to be, Owusuaa will also sit there, facing Akosua

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Obiaa and Gyamfi. Erm.. What about Bediako the warrior? Ahaa! He will sit there
and, I will perch somewhere there and watch the royal dancers. You the audience
will remain where you are. (Drums are sounded and the king and his entourage
appear. They sit down and give way for the royal dancers to dance. Life appears
and in a flash, Death also appears with his cohorts. He holds his mortal box as
usual and moves from place to place. It should be noted that characters in the
play do not see death and life. Life who is also hovering about confronts death)

LIFE

Hei Death, what do you want here?

DEATH

I am here because you are also here. Wherever you are, I also am.

LIFE

I believe you are not going to destroy this beautiful gathering. This is an
important occasion. Why don’t you put out of sight your mournful face and allow
the living to enjoy.

DEATH

Man’s extremism invites me to their gatherings. They become so excited during

such occasions that, they are too careless, and make silly mistakes. Due to this,
my presence with my Mortal Box is very necessary.

LIFE

I command you to leave this place immediately. This place does not shake
hands with wicked objects like you. They are going to be very careful. They have

60
known you and your wicked ways and I know they will not allow you to exercise
your powers here.., Man has had a lot of sorrows from your deeds.

DEATH

And, I will continue with my deeds, because man has not changed...And they
take you life for granted...

LIFE

We shall see.

(Women sing what we call momome to usher in Bediako)

NARRATOR

Ladies and gentlemen let us welcome Bediako the warrior with a big round of
applause. (The audience applaud. some boys who have taken too much alcohol
come into the arena singing and shouting. what we call samamo... the King then
speaks}.

THE KING (OBIBINI)

Okyeame, listen and let my people know that today, we are celebrating two
important events. One, our famous son and grandson, Bediako Junior is twenty
years old today. Second, Bediako Panyin, the warrior and our protector has
returned into our midst from self-designed exile. It is therefore, a great occasion
for the people of this village to be proud of. Know that Great stars carry the Great
scars it is therefore not surprising that Bediako has to go through a lot of
problems. We of Mpiti have resolved to keep going in spite of the roadblocks

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that lay before us. Let Bediako to say a few words.

OKYEAME

People of Mpiti that is what the All-knowing, Nana Obibini says. He has placed
the cutlass at the right place. We therefore invite our brother and friend, Bediako
the wanderer to speak. Bediako, the fearful giant who can scare all the evil doers
of the village and that, your coming back has sent goose pimples on many, you
have been given the floor to express yourself to the people, open your mouth.
Mpiti listens.

BEDIAKO

Nananom and people of Mpiti, I am extremely glad to be in your midst once

again. I am sure people are not aware as to why I left this village. I left because
my only sister Akosua Obiaa was not able to have a child of her own, a child I am
to call a nephew or a niece and someone to call me uncle. But by your
continuous prayers and ancestral answers, she has been able to provide me with
one who is now twenty years of age. I know that, in my twenty years away from
this village, a lot has happened. Many are dead and gone particularly, Gyeabour,
who was a source of traditional wisdom despite his boozing nature (A few
wailing for Gyeabour) Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but we
will never lose sight of our goals. This is where I belong. This setback is
temporary. My comeback shall be widely celebrated, and I am convinced that
what makes you a winner in life is not necessarily the absence of failures, but
what you do with those failures. Failure is an opportunity to begin again, more
intelligently. If we fall twenty times and could stand up twenty-one times, we are

62
a success. My prayer is that my nephew grows up well to help build this, our
village thank you. (They all applaud)

OKYEAME

That is wisdom. (All shout and some sing in appreciation) Well Nana, those are
the wise words from your own and only one, Bediako.

THE KING

I am glad to hear his powerful voice again. Now, let us invite the young Bediako
and his wife to be, Owusuaa to take the floor before we join them together as a
husband and the wife as custom demands.

OKYEAME

Agoo..Agoo

CROWD

Ameen

OKYEAME

Young Bediako that is what the great King says. He says you have been very
truthful and obedient to stay all these years, waiting for the day the customary
rites will be performed for you to hold the succulent body of Owusuaa. Many
young people from this village could not wait to enjoy this privilege. Shame to
those reckless people. Now, Owusuaa, despite your beauty, you also did not
destroy your precious possession, you have waited for this memorable day. You
have gone through the puberty rites instituted for the girls of this village. Nana
and the people of Mpiti appreciate your superior self-control. You and your lover

63
will soon be seen together as a wife and husband. But before that, you will dance
with your lover as custom demands. People of Mpiti, Let us with one accord
welcome Bediako ketewa and Afua Owusuaa to dance for us. (They all clap with
shouts as BediakoKetewa and Owusuaa move to the arena. They dance
according to the choreographer’s choice. The durbar grounds become charged
and very ecstatic some boys and girls join the dancers. Two young men who
have taking heavy liquor join them on stage and in their happy mood carry
Bediako junior shoulder-high. Bediako junior falls from the height and breaks his
neck. Death quickly rushes to the scene with his mortal box and takes the young
man’s soul away. There is pandemonium and people run helter skelter)

LIGHTS FADE OFF.

When the lights fade in again, women in mourning costumes present a funeral
dance as composed and choreographed by the choreographer. The modern
funeral undertaker’s dance should also be choreographed alongside the
traditional mourners. The narrator comes in after the dance.

NARRATOR

Oh! Death, Death you have struck again. We thought you were not going to cause
any havoc around here. Look at what you have done...Ladies and Gentlemen;
Bediako has lost his nephew, Akosua Obiaa, what a fate? Owusuaa, you never
tasted your love. He is gone forever. Oh! People of Mpiti, Death have robbed you
of another hero (Bediako, AkosuaObiaa and Gyamfi enter solemnly) have my
condolence; Bediako...that is what death has been doing to us… (Exits)

BEDIAKO

Now, I need your help. Death has been so cruel. He should be punished.

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AKOSUA OBIAA

How can he? Nobody has done that before. He is invisible; it is therefore, a
useless venture to talk about that. If once again, he has wickedly taken my son
from me, I will not say anything.

GYAMFI

I have something important to say. Indeed, Death has really treated us cruelly,
very badly, Hm what can we do?

BEDIAKO

Now, I need your help. Death has been so cruel. He should be punished.

AKOSUA OBIAA

How can he? Nobody has done that before. He is invisible, it is therefore, a
useless venture to talk about that. If once again, he has wickedly taken my son
from me, I will not say anything.

GYAMFI

I have something important to say. Indeed, Death has really treated us cruelly,
very badly, Hm what can we do?

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BEDIAKO

I have a solution to that. When I went away into the unknown, I met some weird
creatures who gave me powers to overpower everything on earth. Death is only a
toddler before my powers, in this case; I want to go to his camp and his followers
to capture his mortal box. All I need is your support.

GYAMFI

Bediako. What support do you need from us? You know how weak we are.

BEDIAKO

The support I need is your ability to keep whatever we are going to do a secret.

AKOSUA OBIAA

Just that? Then my brother, I support you with rest of my breath. I shall sacrifice
my last Ghana Cedi to support you because Death has been so cruel and his
so-called powers should come to a lasting end.

GYAMFI

I also render my unflinching support to you, Bediako

BEDIAKO

Then, Let us seal it. (He fetches a calabash from his sack) We are going to drink
from this calabash to show our commitment to the action and my difficult
crusade. No one should whisper a word about it. (Cuts the finger nail of each one

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of them, mixes the nails with a concoction and they all drink as they take turns in
drinking they say)

I…………. (MENTION THE NAME) DRINK THIS POTION IN SUPPORT OF BEDIAKO

TO GO AND CAPTURE DEATH AND HIS MORTAL BOX. (THEY FINISH DRINKING
AND BEDIAKO WEARS HIS MASK AND PUTS HIS AMULET ON)

BEDIAKO

Now, face each other and close your eyes. Tightly ... (HE LOOKS LEFT AND
RIGHT AND SHOUTS ‘SUYEE’ HE VANISHES)

LIGHTS GO OFF

MOVEMENT SEVEN

At Death’s Camp, as before. The 1st messenger shouts their slogan and they
respond.. “We don’t kill, yet we do, through human carelessness”. They dance

1ST DEATH-MESSENGER

Shhh. A scent of confusion can be felt here.

ALL MESSENGERS

It’s true. It is true (Enter Bediako. they all see him) who are you, where do you
come from, and what is your mission here?

BEDIAKO
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I am Bediako, the warrior from Mpiti. I have come to demand the mortal box with
which you pick the soul of innocent people

ALL

(Laughing) Nobody takes the mortal box. You cannot handle it

BEDIAKO

I command you to produce the Owuo Apakan immediately, or you face the wrath
of my powers.

2ND MESSENGER

We do not possess the mortal box. Our Master keeps it...

BEDIAKO

Call your master here. I want to deal with him first

ALL

You are joking. You cannot stand our master (a short messenger steps forward
out of the lot) not even this young messenger. Your powers are very weak...
hahaahahee...

BEDIAKO

Wait and see (He blows some white substance and all the messengers daze off
and vanish amidst noise. this attracts Death himself who appears with the
mortal box)

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DEATH

What do you want?

BEDIAKO

I want the mortal box

DEATH

For what?

BEDIAKO

For keeps. You cannot control it any longer. I am fed up with you and your
messengers.

DEATH

You cannot take my mortal Box away from me. Never! Even if I hand it over to
you, you cannot handle it. And why do you, suddenly decide to fantasize about
my great possession?

BEDIAKO

Because your long hands have touched the untouchable. I pronounce judgement
on you for killing my only nephew. I know you will joke with me, and smell the
powerful pepper. I am here to capture you and your lot, render you speechless
and take the mortal box away with me.

DEATH

Do not blaspheme. No mortal being has pronounced a thing so abominable like

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this before... Get back to your home, before I am tempted to show you the mortal
box which will make you deaf and dumb. I have spoken...

BEDIAKO

No man has ever seen your mortal box. But, I Bediako, will not only see it, I shall
take it away as well. Or you bring back the soul of my nephew...

DEATH

My journey does not repeat itself. Once the soul gets to the maker of all things, it
does not come back to the loser. Whoever your nephew is. He has lost his soul
forever and ever. My voice is final. If you still insist, I shall point my box at you,
and your final knell will be knolled you stubborn creature. (Swings himself for the
mortal box and points it at Bediako)

BEDIAKO

I have no voice again to argue with you. all I say is ‘SUYEE’...

DEATH

(Startling)You are calling for trouble. Whoever you are. Change your mind before
I change mine for a devastating calamity. Go back and mend your ways. Advice
your people to avoid being careless and stupid. I say go and find answers to his
untimely death. I do not kill, yet I do through human carelessness...

BEDIAKO

I have no words. All I say is ‘SUYEE’ (Death staggers) ‘SUYEE’ (he staggers again)

70
hand over the mortal box to me at once hand it over by the count of two. ‘SUYE
E’…..(Death hands over the mortal box to Bediako as the other messengers stand
in astonishment Bediako quickly takes it away from him as death dazes and
vanishes from the scene. the skeleton figures sit with their hands supporting
their chins for a brief moment before the lights fade off.)

When the lights come back the narrator is seen at a corner

NARRATOR

EiEiEi Bediako has captured death’s mortal box (Owuo Apakan) .The message
flew like wild fire and everybody in the village of Mpiti shouting with joy. Various
songs were composed for Bediako. Owuo antumi no Owuo mposuro etc.
Children were happy. They say, Nana Bediako has conquered Death, so we won’t
die. Bediako, our saviour. Everybody was very happy. Nobody died. In fact, even,
if there was a plane crash, nobody was going to die. Fire cannot kill. Flood
cannot kill, not even earthquake. People from all walks of live came to Mpiti to
congratulate Bediako. He was given the title OKOFO BEDIAKO. This jubilation
persisted for a very long time and all seemed well. I say one day, the unexpected
happened. People began complaining terribly. (enter some very old men and old
women who are very weak and finding it difficult to walk)

OLDMAN

Please, I want to rest, I want to rest, so let me die

OLDWOMAN

Me too my bones are crushing. The world means nothing to me again ...Give me
a resting place ... (Some pregnant women move on stage suffering)

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PREGNANT WOMAN

(As lf in labour).I have been pregnant for more than three years now…. (Screams)
what is this that you have done, Bediako. Bediako send the mortal box to Death.
Ah! Children are hungry there is no food to feed them. People are suffering
because death has refused to take them away. Bediako. Send the Mortal Box.
Ah! Ah!!

NARRATOR

Dear listener, people began pestering Bediako and his family; that, Bediako had
no other choice, but to send the mortal box back to Death. …a great ritual was
performed for Death to come for the mortal box. After that, a mass funeral and
mass naming ceremonies were conducted. Tiwaa, Death, then, decided not to
offer a resting place for your grandparents, Bediako, Gyamfi, and Akosua Obiaa
and that is why they are still alive

TIWAA

I see… then, which is which? Is death a blessing or a curse to mankind?

Drumming is heard in a distance. In his full regalia, Oboadee stand with Life and
Death by His left and right

(Thunder-roll)

VOICE OF OBOADEE

O! SON OF MAN!

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I MADE DEATH FOR YOU AS GLAD TIDINGS. WHY GRIEVEST YOU OVER IT? I
MADE LIGHT FOR YOU AS GUIDANCE. WHY DO YOU HIDE FROM IT?

(Thunder-roll)

SONG: (Kwaku Gyasi): Enyem’ahooden, Onyame na w’ayeoo, Nyame na w’

ayeooW’aye me seyee....

Curtain

73