Director's Note

To Return from the Void is a critical stocktaking of the Nigerian

experience right from the colonial days to the present times,

while casting similar allusions on the continent of Black

Africa. Exploring the media of dance and drama to

complement its musical orientation, the musical drama

addresses the attitude of Nigerian leaders and its citizens to

governance after independence. The three major ethnic

groups in Nigeria; Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are the focus of

the satirical attack of the musical drama being the visible

political gladiators of the Nigerian polity. Set in the fictional

Dentarea country, Dankwushi, Awotoye and Nneka

respectively typify these ethnic groups in the musical drama.

Through flamboyant exhibition of Nigerian cultural heritage

and free-flowing sonorous poetic songs, the musical drama

establishes the political rivalry that exists among the three

major ethnic groups in Nigeria occasioned by their taste of

free-rule which they found "sweeter than honey".

Preoccupied with the plundering of the country's riches

and lust for power, they forget their responsibility to the

masses that now wallow in abject poverty. No one is sure of

tomorrow anymore with the incessant military takeovers that

pretend to have the answer to the people's problem. The

musical drama concludes that the inability of the people,

especially the tribal leaders, to "let common sense prevail in

all their actions" is the bane of the country. It takes an

organized and determined will of the people coupled with

divine intervention to come out of the political quagmire in

order to move forward. The musical drama, To Return from

the Void, thrives in symbols, icons, satirical snipes, colours,

probing poetic songs and integrated theatrical approach to

make its point. What is your stake in the Nigerian project?

Sunday Ododo.

Notes for the Artistic and Music Directors

To Return from the Void is conceived as a Performance Script

in which drama, music and dance have rich presence. As an

epigrammatic piece, the music medium is richly explored to

give sonorous cushioning to the hard knocks that form the

cornerstones of the drama. As it stands in written form,

music constitutes about seventy-five per cent of the script,

while twenty-five per cent are laced with pure dramatic

elements and nuances. But in performance, the songs only

become vehicles for elevated dramatic expressions as they

are rendered with interpretative emotions, gestures, facial

expressions and movements. Added to this, is the

interpretation of many of the songs in choreographed and

free dance movements utilizing corresponding dance forms

to cohere with the melodies. All of these present a kinetic

picture of simultaneity of drama, music and dance in motion

and in unison with one artistic mission. This is the notion

behind my concept of a performance script. The challenge

for the artistic director therefore is how to blend the three

media of drama, music and dance in production without

contradistinction but to flow with an organic spine. It is,

however, important to stress that music is the foundation of

this musical drama; once the music is right, it is easy to

integrate the other media of drama and dance to form a

compact artistic fusion.

The libretto consists of set pieces interspersed with spoken

lines. Songs are set in different keys chosen randomly and

based in part on its premiere performance in 2002. The music

director is at liberty to transpose pieces to convenient keys

for singers, Metronome marks are indicated throughout the

score to set the tempo for each piece. However, where the

metronome marks are not indicated particularly, what is

meant is that no change of tempo is required from the

previous piece; that the piece should therefore be performed

with the previous metronome speed. Expression marks,

where necessary, have also been included to aid interpreta-

tion. Again, the director is at liberty to make alterations as

he/she deems fit. The Music Director should also be careful

in the transition from speech to song to avoid off-pitch

attack.

However, an ambitious music director may want to realize

this piece as an opera, in which case all the dramatic features

herein would have to be given musical interpretation, and

all together rendered in a chosen operatic fashion.

Characters
Mother Earth

Forerunner
Colonial Master

Narrator

Dankwushi Hausa

Dentarean Leaders (Political/

Awotoye

Yoruba

National Leaders)

Nneka

Igbo

Doctor

Marabouts/Mallams

Prophetess

Sorcerer/Herbalist

Angelic Spirit

Healers

Bulldozer - Young Social Activist

Military Leader

Soldiers

Protesters

Colonial Master's Guards/Policemen

Hausa

Igbo

Major Tribes

Horuba

Minority Tribal Groups

Mother Earth's Children/Subjects

Woman

Man

Cultural Entertainers

Hausa Dancers

Yoruba Dancers

Igbo Dancers

Musical Orchestra with assortment of modern and tradi

tional musical instruments.

(NOTE ALL BOLD AND ITALIZED WORD ARE SONG)

Tableau:
Lights come on stage as heavy rolls of drum envelope the air.

Eight subjects come on stage in attires of their different cultures.

Another roll of drum ushers in FORERUNNER - a dancer in

green, white and green attire; he freezes down stage right.

MOTHER EARTH comes in amidst the sound effects of

simulation of nature. She begins to deliver her lines as the drum

and FORERUNNER interpret the lines in sound and movement

respectively.

MOTHER EARTH: (Song chants.)

We have come a long way

We have come a long way

Our country Nigeria is a melting pot! (Song chant ends.)

(Speech.)

Our country Nigeria is a melting pot

Here we are connected.

Well connected with ancient history

Apart from Mali, Ghana and Songhai

We are proud of our ancient Empires.

The Benin Empire of ancient Civilization

The Oyo and Ife model of civil culture

The Caliphate in Sokoto

And Jaja of Opobo.

The colonial masters came,

They came and imposed themselves on us

They seized the rulers' crowns

But we resisted them

They forced them to sign their own treaties

They exploited and vandalized our treasures

Our youths and able bodies enslaved

Across the oceans to Diaspora. (Speech ends.)

(Song - dirge.)

ai micki na na domo o

ai mio mo de o

ai makpo eya ko o.

(She starts the dirge as the subjects exit. She finally exits

with the dancer in a melancholic mood.)

MOVEMENT I
Scene One
Colonial Arrogance
The scene opens with Wole Soyinka's Ballad of Nigerian

Philosophy (The Ogbugbu of Gbu) led by one of the female

protesters in the auditorium while the Attendants of the Colonial

Master set the stage for action.

ATTENDANT:

My Lord,

The National Leaders of the People

Are here to see you.

COLONIAL MASTER: Let them in.

ATTENDANT:

Yes, my Lord.

DENTAREAN LEADERS: (They come in and greet together.)

Greetings your Royal Majesty.

COLONIAL MASTER: Greetings my beloved civil servants,

What brings you so hastily and

unannounced?

NNEKA & AWOTOYE: The pact.

COLONIAL MASTER: What pact? Oh ... the pact of

independence... I see.

(Looks at NNEKA for confirmation.)

NNEKA: Yes, your majesty,

Before you lorded your enthronement on us,

We agreed that we should be granted independence. The

staff of Independence must be granted to us.

AWOTOYE: More than 100 years now

Since you lord it over us and our people as our master.

COLONIAL MASTER: I see. If I may ask

Whose head is ready for the crown?

NNEKA & AWOTOYE: Mine! (They look at each other

surprised.)

"It is mine" "Mine it is," (They continue the exchange until

COLONIAL MASTER shouts to stop them.)

COLONIAL MASTER: Shut up! See those who want to wear

The crown of Authority.

Confused minds. (Laughs mockingly.)

Foolish time wasters.

(They look at him sharply.)

Don't you know?

NNEKA & AWOTOYE: That what! (Speech ends.)

COLONIAL MASTER: That I'm born to rule. (Speech, paces

and music.)

(Song begins.)

I am born to rule
I am groomed to rule

Stop to waste your time

Do not waste your time.

(Chorus takes it; he sits and crosses his legs.)

COLONIAL MASTER: I am of a special race

Whom the crown fits.

CHORUS: I am born to rule

I am groomed to rule

Stop to waste your time

Do not waste your time.

COLONIAL MASTER: Your black heads too malformed

To fit the crown of authority.

CHORUS: You are born to serve

You are doomed to serve

Stop to waste your time

Do not waste your time.

COLONIAL MASTER: Your frames too fragile

To wear the gab of authority.

CHORUS:

You are born to serve

You are doomed to serve

Stop to waste your time.

Do not waste your time.

COLONIAL MASTER: Your skulls are too numbed

To bear the wisdom of 'thority.

CHORUS: You are born to serve

You are doomed to serve

Stop to waste your time

Do not waste your time. (Song ends.)

(Speaks.)

COLONIAL. MASTER: I ask,

Can everyone be a king?

(Song resumes.)

CHORUS: No, no, no, no,

Never! 3x

He is born to rule

He is groomed to rule. (Song ends.)

(Speeches.)

COLONIAL MASTER: Foolish time wasters

Take note! (A sharp stop of music and songs.)

AWOTOYE: What arrogance!

NNEKA: Insolence!

(They both march forward to seize COLONIAL. MASTER,

the two attendants move smartly forward to stop them, they glance at
each other and shove the attendants aside. A shrill

scream rends the air; they stop action, turn back to process

the voice.)

AWOTOYE: Whose voice was that?

NNEKA: Mother.

AWOTOYE: We have neglected her for so long

(He steps down to join the other two; they confer on what to

do.)

NNEKA: We must honour her.

AWOTOYE: We must honour her.

COLONIAL MASTER: We must honour who?

NNEKA&AWOTOYE: Mother Earth.

COLONIAL MASTER: (With mocking laughter.)

Nonsensical African mumbo-jumbo!!!

NNEKA&AWOTOYE: What?
COLONIAL MASTER: Nonsensical African mumbo-

jumbo!!! (Speeches end.)

(The DENTAREAN LEADERS move towards COLONIAL

MASTER but guards stop them, COLONIAL MASTER exits

with guards and light fades out.)

MOVEMENT II
Scene One
The Protest

Low intensity light comes on gently on the national leaders of

Dentarea holding a nocturnal secret meeting. AWOTOYE,

NNEKA and DANKWUSHI are the representatives in

attendance. Each comes to attend the meeting in various

disguises and with a flashlight to find their ways through the

darkness. Light music and sound effects are created to produce

the shrilling fearful and frightening effects of their mission. The

scenic background should be made to reflect and portray the

nocturnal and eerie mood of the situation. Song starts.

CHORUS: Staring us in the face. 2x

The stories of death by hanging

On the neck

For a treasonable felony

Staring us in the face. 2x

The stories of death by hanging

On the neck

Please count us out of it! (Song ends.)

(Speeches.)

DANKWUSHI: (Flashing his torch on AWOTOYE; speaks.)

Stop! Who goes there?

AWOTOYE: It's me! (Frightened and shaken.)

And, and who... who are you by the way?

DANKWUSHI: Your friend and brother, Dankwushi, you are

welcome.

AWOTOYE: Oh God! ... You frightened me, my brother.

DANKWUSHI: No, no; you should not be frightened.

(Laughing.)

You are a national hero. And a national hero

Must be prepared to sacrifice his life.

AWOTOYE: That is if need be and no

Way of escape
Dankwushi for now, I cannot

Stand the gallows of the

Colonial masters staring me in the face.

(Looking and pointing at the scenic background paintings

of the gallows and sings.)

Staring me in the face. 2x

The stories of death by hanging

On the neck

For a treasonable felony

Please count me out of it!

(NNEKA flashes her torch at that point. Both DANKWUSHI

and AWOTOYE become frightened and hold on to each other

in fear and trepidation.)

DANKWUSHI & AWOTOYE: (Speak.)

Who... who... who goes there? 3x

NNEKA: (In laughter of mockery, sings.)

Who... who... who goes there! (Mimicking.)

What manner of men are you?

What kind of heroes are you?

Fearful and frightened like Agric chickens;

What manner of men are you? (Song ends.)

(Speeches.)

DANKWUSHI: (Regaining his confidence.)

Stop that joke, Nneka

AWOTOYE: Yes, this is serious state affair

Involving our people; should

Not make you shy away

Like even I, a woman shall not do.

NNEKA:

I have not shied away!

And we shall not shy away!

DANKWUSHI: This matter demands wisdom,

Strategy and diplomacy, you know!

NNEKA: Yes I agree with you. (Speeches end.)

NNEKA, DANKWUSHI & AWOTOYE: (Sing.)

CHORUS:

Staring us in the face.2x

The stories of death by hanging

On the neck

For a treasonable felony.

Staring them in the face.2x

The stories of death by hanging

On the neck

Please count them out of it! (Song ends.)

(Speeches.)

DANKWUSHI: And now straight to business;

NNEKA:

Nneka your report!

I have mobilized the women

The Aba women riot

Will be a child's play.

DANKWUSHI: Good, Nneka; and you my brother.

AWOTOYE: All segments of the society

Are involved in my mobilization:

The students, farmers, workers;

Unions, labourers, transporters

And the masses in general.

DANKWUSHI: Very good, my brother and sister, Colleagues, friends,

comrades

And fellow heroes.

We are on course.

NNEKA: What about the traditional rulers?

DANKWUSHI: I'm still trying to get their support.

AWOTOYE: They have no choice.

NNEKA:

Yes, it's a noble cause.

DANKWUSHI: Don't worry the news of our success

Will force them to support us.

AWOTOYE: The time, what is the time.

DANKWUSHI: It's 5.30 am.

NNEKA:

We have to withdraw fast. (Speeches end.)

NNEKA, DANKWUSHI & AWOTOYE: (Sing.)

Yes, we must withdraw

Fast we must withdraw

Withdraw to cover up our trial

In this act of felony.

CHORUS: Yes, they must withdraw

Fast they must withdraw 2x

Withdraw to cover up their trial

Of Dentarean peoples' protest!

(Light fades out gently as they withdraw and cock-crows are

heard ushering in a new day at dawn. As the light fades in

gently, the protest chants of Dentarean people are heard

breaking through the silent dawn as they march towards the

residence of the COLONIAL MASTER.)

PROTESTERS: (Protest songs set in rhythm of drumbeats; they

sing.)

(To the security men.)

Oyinbo servant 2x

Go tell your master

We no go gree oh 2x

We no go gree

Iya yi ti poju 2x. 3x

We no go gree

Oyinbo terror 2x

Jan gbongbo

Ko to goke
Ko to wo gotta

Jan gbongbo.

(The Protesters take stage-centre in front of the COLONIAL

MASTER's residence to chant "We no go gree oh" many times

until COLONIAL MASTER interrupts them with a stern look.)

COLONIAL MASTER: (Shouts.) Silence!

PROTESTERS: (Sing.) We protest 3x

People of Nigeria 2x

We protest

Against exorbitant taxes

We protest

Taxation of women

We protest

Resource exploitation

We protest

Oppression and slavery

We protest

Cheap labour exploitation

We protest!
(The surging crowd of protesters charge at COLONIAL

MASTER. He fires his revolver up to disperse them. The

protesters refuse to budge and so his security men stationed in

strategic positions, fire their guns at the people killing and

wounding several. The crowd of protesters take to their heels

midst cries of agony. A sudden moment of silence ensues. As

the light fades out gently; the sound of a solo flute breaks on

the silence sonorously pronouncing the tragedy of the bloody

event while the MOTHER EARTH's dirge in Movement 1 scene 1 is

hummed as the background accomplishment.)

Blackout!

Scene Two
Freedom at Last

Various tribes dance on to the stage from the auditorium with

celebration songs. The leaders step forward and stand before

the COLONIAI, MASTER to collect the staff of Independence.

I will celebrate!

Celebrate!!

I will celebrate!
Celebrate!!

We shall all celebrate

A day of joy

A day of glory

To God of all creation celebrate the day in high Heavens

Rocking Mother Earth with shouts of Joy.

(Speeches.)

COLONIAL MASTER: (Speaks.) Are you prepared and ready

for the business of governance?

AWOTOYE: Yes, we are prepared.

DENTAREAN LEADERS: And resolved to work together.

COLONIAL. MASTER: No, you cannot work together.

DENTAREAN LEADERS: Yes, we can work together.

COLONIAL MASTER: No.

DENTAREAN LEADERS: Yes.

COLONIAL MASTER: No, it can't be so.

DENTAREAN LEADERS: Yes, it will be so.

COLONIAL. MASTER: It is not possible.

AWOTOYE: It is possible.

NNEKA: And why say it's impossible?

COLONIAL MASTER: Because you are different. Different

in languages, in cultures and customs. In religions, parallel

lines that can never meet. And who says you're not

different?

NNEKA: Our differences we sink.

DANKWUSHI: Resolved and ready to work together.

DENTAREAN LEADERS: To free our people,

Freedom from colonial bondage.

COLONIAL MASTER: But you're not bonded

Oh no, no, don't say so!

DENTAREAN LEADERS: But in truth we are bonded.

COLONIAL MASTER: With what?

DENTAREAN LEADERS: With this flag.

COLONIAL MASTER: That's the Union Jack.

AWOTOYE: With it we've been jacked.

COLONIAL MASTER: How is that true?

AWOTOYE: We cannot plan for our future.

DANKWUSHI: Cannot make our own laws.

NNEKA: Play our own politics.

DENTAREAN LEADERS: And devise our own economy.

COLONIAL MASTER: But the Union Jack is there.

DENTAREAN LEADERS: (They move back to position.) No,

no, no, not a jack union.

COLONIAL MASTER: The jack union?

DENTAREAN LEADERS: Yes, union jack.

AWOTOYE: Is a jack union.

COLONIAL MASTER: Very well, too bad if that's what you

want.

DENTAREAN LEADERS: Independence is our desire and we

want it now.

COLONIAL MASTER: The people. Are the people with you?

PEOPLE: Oh yes, we are with them.

COLONIAL. MASTER: Are you sure?

PEOPLE: Yes, we're surely with them.

WOMAN: As sure as the day follows the night and

Thunder follows lightning.

PEOPLE: Together we demand independence.

COLONIAL MASTER: Is that really so?

PEOPLE: Bring our flag, the green-white-green flag of unity

DENTAREAN LEADERS: Lower the Union Jack and

Raise high

The green-white-green flag of unity

COLONIAL MASTER: Easy, easy gentlemen. Take it easy.

Dentarean Leaders.....

Alright, blow the trumpet.

DENTAREAN LEADERS: (To the policemen on guard.)

Blow the trumpet.

And lower the Union Jack.

COLONIAL MASTER: By whose order?

DENTAREAN LEADERS: By the people's order.

(As the guards blow the trumpet, the other guards lower

and raise the two flags simultaneously amidst shouts of

jubilation and excitement by the people, followed with the

song of independence.)

DENTAREAN LEADERS & PEOPLE: Hip, hip, hip. Hurrah! 3x

(They sing song of independence.)

1. We are free today

Nigeria today independent nation

Blow the trumpet of freedom

Shout praises, praises

Praises of joy

The giant of Africa

Is free is free.

The giant of Africa

Is free today.

(The leaders dance round and COLONIAL. MASTER goes

out as the Union Jack is lowered.)

CHORUS: Oh God of creation

Help us to build a nation

Of prosperity, peace and abundance

2.Oh God of creation

Help us to build a nation

Where no man is oppressed.

All hands must be on deck

For economic viability

And political stability.

Equality, Justice and Fair play

Freed, freedom for nation building. 2x

CHORUS: Oh God of creation

Help us to build a nation

Of prosperity, peace and abundance

Oh God of creation

Help us to build a nation

Where no man is oppressed.

(They all dance out and fade-out.)

Scene Three
Nation Building

Work scene. All the tribes come in differently to contribute their

quota to nation building. This scene is organized in dance and

mime, and musical instrumentation. The economic industry that

is peculiar to each tribe should be emphasized. This should not

be limited to the major tribes alone, three or more other

minority groups should be projected. The notion is that collective

efforts shall make for a better and stronger nation rather than

individualism.

Scene Four
Oath of Joint Rulership
The music of "Independence is sweet" plays as NNEKA and

AWOTOYE meet DANKWUSHI at the forestage.

DANKWUSI, AWOTOYE & NNEKA: (Embracing one another,

they sing.)

Independence is sweet

It is so sweet

It is sweeter than honey

It is so sweet

(They laugh with joy and embrace.)

CHORUS: Independence is sweet

It is so sweet

It is sweeter than honey

It is so sweet. (Song ends.)

(Speeches.)

AWOTOYE: Dankwushi, this independence cannot be sweet

because my 10.8 billion dollars still hangs in your bank

account.

DANKWUSHI: Haba Awotoye, there is no problem we're

together.

NNEKA: Listen. You need to see my own account. It keeps

smiling at me.

DANKWUSHI: And now business of constitution. Remember,

the North belongs to me?

AWOTOYE&NNEKA: Haba, the entire North?

DANKWUSHI: Yes, no compromise and no negotiation.

AWOTOYE: And the South is mine!

NNEKA & DANKWUSHI: South?

AWOTOYE: (Laughing.) I mean South West.

NNEKA: That means the entire South East is mine.

AWOTOYE: We must swear to keep what belongs to us.

NNEKA: What about the minorities in the North.

DANKWUSI: Trespass! And trespass

Could be interpreted as treason.

AWOTOYE: The oath! Let's swear the oath of joint rulership

DANKWUSHI: Yes, for now.

DANKWUSHI, AWOTOYE & NNEKA: For now we swear!

(Speeches end and they sing.)

Independence is sweet

It is so sweet

It is sweeter than honey

It is so sweet.

CHORUS: Independence is sweet

It is so sweet

It is sweeter than honey

It is so sweet.

(They exit.)

Scene Five
The Nigerian Family
(Narrator enters the stage from the back stage and sings "We

Are the Dentarean" song to introduce the Dentarean family.)

NARRATOR: We are the Dentarean family

Gathered here for a purpose

But before you begin to poke nose

Know these about our family

On the family field

Dankwushi is to the North

Awotoye is to the West

Nneka is to the East

On the family field

Others scattered around

Pregnant with God's blessings

But at the mercy of whirlwind

This marks the beginning

Of subtle rivalry between

The West-East fertility

And the desert's oddity

Dis na the clear case of

Monkey dey work O

Baboon dey chop O

God bless Dentarea family. 2x

CHORUS:

Dis na the clear case of

Monkey dey o work O 2x

Baboon dey chop O

God bless Dentarean family.

The chorus continues, the narrator lives the stage and the

three leaders cut the music short as a sign of dissatisfaction.

They feel satirized and want to explicate themselves. NNEKA

sings.
NNEKA:

O we are blessed

So blessed

With all shades of talent

So blessed

With all kinds of idea

So blessed

And all manners of people, so blessed

O we are blessed.2x

O we are so blessed

CHORUS:

O we are blessed

So blessed

With all shades of talent

So blessed

With all kinds of idea

So blessed

And all manners of people, so blessed

O we are blessed.2x

O we are so blessed.
NNEKA:

Count your blessings

Make we hear.

CHORUS:

O we are blessed

So blessed

With all shades of talent

So blessed

With all kinds of idea

So blessed

And all manners of people, so blessed

O we are blessed.2x

O we are so blessed

NNEKA: (Switches rhythm.) Talk of better ideas.

RESPONSE: Den dey boku.

NNEKA: Weda genuine or counterfeit.

RESPONSE: E no matter.

NNEKA: Talk of robbers.

RESPONSE: Den dey boku.

NNEKA: Weda with gun or pen.

RESPONSE: E no matter

NNEKA: Talk of drug peddlers.

RESPONSE: Den dey boku.

NNEKA: Weda cocaine or madras.

RESPONSE: E no matter.

NNEKA: 419.

RESPONSE: Dem dey yanfu yanfu.

NNEKA: Local or international.

RESPONSE: E no matter

NNEKA: Wuru wuru to de answer.

RESPONSE: E no matter.

NNEKA: Even prostitutes.

RESPONSE: Dem dey boku.

NNEKA: Social or political.

RESPONSE: E no matter.

NNEKA: Who talk say we no dey blessed?.2x

RESPONSE: Na lie dem dey talk.

(The IGBO DANCERS dance towards Down Stage to display

how richly they are blessed, while the other people from other

tribes envy them. The Igbo people go back to their position.)

(No problem song' is not scored; refer to production note please.)

DANKWUSHI: No phroblem, no phroblem.

CHORUS: No phroblem, no phroblem.

DANKWUSHI: Talk am for beggars, Alimajiri phlenty phlenty

Whether blind or crippled.

CHORUS: No phroblem, no phroblem.

DANKWUSHI: Talk am for Black Marketers

We get am phlenty phlenty

Whether money or petrol

CHORUS: No phroblem, no phroblem.

DANKWUSHI: Talk am for Normads

We get am phlenty phlenty

Whether goats or cattle.

CHORUS: No phroblem, no phroblem.

DANKWUSHI: Treasury looters, Akwuyi phlenty phlenty

In government or not.

CHORUS: No phroblem, no phroblem.

DANKWUSHI: Monopolizers of power

We get am phlenty phlenty

Whether military or civilian.

CHORUS: No phroblem, no phroblem.

DANKWUSHI: Who says we're not blessed.3x

Yes, we're blessed!

CHORUS: Who says we're not blessed.3x

Yes, we're blessed!

(The HAUSA DANCERS too dance towards Down Stage

Centre to display their own riches and as the HAUSA

DANCERS are going back to their position, AWOTOYE

stands up to sing.)

AWOTOYE:

It doesn't matter.3x

Ko matter rara rara.

CHORUS:

It doesn't matter.3x

Ko matter rara rara.

AWOTOYE: Talk of educationist

We have them gan ni

Whether in vernacular or English language

Talk of farmers

Awon na won po o
Whether lazy or not

lyen ko matter rara.

CHORUS:

It doesn't matter.3x

Ko matter rara rara.

AWOTOYE: Talk of juju makers

Aah! Won po repete

Whether genuine or fake

lyen o ko matter rara.

CHORUS:

It doesn't matter 3x

Ko matter rara rara.

AWOTOYE: Political thugs nko?

Won po jaburata

Whether old or young

lyen o matter rara.

CHORUS:

It doesn't matter

Ko matter rara rara.3x

(AWOTOYE goes to one of his Kinsmen.)

AWOTOYE & MAN (DUET): Who says we are not

blessed 2x

CHORUS: Dentarean family, we are blessed.

AWOTOYE & MAN (DUET): Dentarean family, we are

blessed O.

CHORUS: Dentarean family, we are blessed.4x

(YORUBA DANCERS dance towards Down Stage Centre to

display their wealth and as they go back to their position,

MOTHER EARTH's children who represent the minority raise

their hands up to sing but are not given a chance by

DANKWUSHI, AWOTOYE and NNEKA. A lady raises "We

are so blessed' song again.)

LADY

Oh o we are blessed

We are so blessed

With all shades of talent

All kinds of ideas

And all manner of people

Count your blessings.3x

Make we hear
Count your blessings.3x

Make we hear.

CHORUS: Oho we are blessed

We are so blessed

With all shades of talent

All kinds of ideas

And all manner of people

Count your blessings.3x

Make we hear

Count your blessings.3x

Make we hear.

(They dance out and lights fade out.)

Movement III
Scene One

Leadership Misdirection
At the State House. NNEKA and AWOTOYE confront

DANKWUSHI over the affairs of the state. They sing.

AWOTOYE & NNEKA:

Dankwushi,you have gone too far

This time around too far

You have bitten more than

You can chew

This time around, too far.

CHORUS:

Dankwushi, you have gone too far

This time around too far

You have bitten more than

You can chew

This time around, too far.

DANKWUSHI: Far but not too far

Keeping only a slim account in Swiss.

AWOTOYE & NNEKA: Dankwushi, you have gone too far

CHORUS:

This time around too far

The people are suffering in silence

This time around, too far.

Dankwushi, you have gone too far

This time around too far

You have bitten more than

You can chew

This time around, too far.

(Speeches.)

DANKWUSHI: (Exhibits anger)

Leave the people alone!

AWOTOYE: Leave the people alone ehn, and allow them to

pour sand sand into our garri?

DANKWUSHI: Please let go, since they are not complaining!

NNEKA: Dankwushi, let go, let go,

Let go and they will start protesting.

AWOTOYE: True! Let go! Let go! Let go!!

And they will start protesting.

DANKWUSHI: (Suddenly realizing his folly.)

That is true faa!

What do we do

quick?

AWOTOYE & NNEKA: Let's organize a day of honour for

Mother Earth to appease them.

DANKWUSHI: (Later joined by both NNEKA and AWOTOYE

in a show of mockery.)

Otherwise they will soon march to the street shouting:

We protest 3x

People of Nigeria 2x

We protest!

(He brings them some bags of money, and they sing.)

Dankwushi you have done so well

This time around so well

This is so good

You have done so well

This time around so well.

(AWOTOYE and NNEKA leave the stage with the bags of

money happy as DANKWUSHI laughs at them mockingly.

Fade-out.)

Scene Two

Honour for Mother Earth

The scene opens with the light fading in gently on stage.

DANKWUSHI, AWOTOYE and NNEKA lead their various

peoples to take position for the celebration. MOTHER EARTH

takes a vantage position, stage-centre. The leaders are on a

platform slightly higher than those of the followers. The

followers' platform is placed in balanced set-position for an

effective and beautiful picturization. Musical instrumentation

could be used to fill-up the gaps in the movements of the players

on stage.

OTHER CHILDREN: (Sing.) Today

We give honour

To our mother

We give honour 2x

To her this hour

We give honour.

NNEKA:

We salute your courage

In absorbing our wastage

Mother of patience

Your patience we task

Knowing it's a wasteful task

Without your presence

In our quest for peace.

CHORUS:

Today

We give honour

To our mother

We give honour

To her this hour

We give honour.

DANKWUSHI: Holy is your name

Pure is your fame

Majestic your grace

Treasure to your race 2x

Our acts of shame

We want to retrace.

CHORUS:

Today

We give honour

To our mother

We give honour

To her this hour

We give honour.
AWOTOYE: Your torch of vision

We want to watch

Your crest of mission

We want to touch

Your mood of tension

We want to ease

Your feet of passion

We want to kiss.

CHORUS:

Today

We give honour

To our mother

We give honour

To her this hour

We give honour.

(One of the OTHER CHILDREN stops the music seeing that

MOTHER EARTH is not happy. MOTHER EARTH then

begins to sing expressing her anger; a terrific sound rends

the air as they all fall on their faces as a result of MOTHER

EARTH's anger.)
MOTHER: (Sings.)

I am Mother Earth

The field of fortunes

My bowel endowed with 2x

Sedimentary riches

Here am I

Empty in pains

Your greed

Your recklessness

Your avarice

Your senselessness

Your selfishness

Your wickedness

Hooked me to the amber of sorrow

Melting the shine of my 'morrow

Another life I cannot borrow.

(Piano Interlude.)

I am mother earth

The field of fortunes

My bowel endowed with

Sedimentary riches.

OTHER CHILDREN: Holy is your name

Pure is your fame

Majestic your grace

Treasure to our race

Our acts of shame

We want to retrace.

(They all bow before her feet to kiss them. As she bends to

place her hands on them, a gunshot is heard, she falls and

confusion ensues. Six military officers come in to further

plunder MOTHER EARTH of her precious ornaments; there

is a slight resistance from her children but they are

overwhelmed by the gun-carrying soldiers and they retreat

into the wings peeping out. MOTHER EARTH screams in

pain as the military officers remove more ornaments from

her. They carry their loot, matching and singing.)

OFFICER: (Speaks.) Please grant us a little smile

Don't consider our action vile

For we have a motion to file.

CHORUS-SOLDIERS: (Sing.) Democracy and militocracy

Are twin brothers

Endowed with craze at infancy

OFFICER: (Speaks.) They demonstrate craziness

While we crazily

Militate against craziness.

CHORUS-SOLDIERS: (Sing.) Democracy and militocracy

Are twin brothers

Endowed with craze at infancy.

(The song is rendered several times leading to the coup d'état

speech of the MILITARY LEADER He enters from up stage

centre, sits on a platform centre stage as he begins the speech.)

MILITARY LEADER: Fellow Dentareans. In consequence of

the ethnicity chaos, disorder, mismanagement and

misappropriation by the political leaders. The Absolute

Military Force (AMF) has taken over. It has come to our

notice that the country is drifting politically, economically

and socially as a result of the myopic sight of the political

leaders. From now on, all the management boards of

public institutions and parastatals are hereby dissolved. A

special task force has been put in place to take care of

your needs. However, all international agreements remain

intact, and it is important to note that our country is a

sovereign state, therefore all external interventions will

be vehemently resisted. All airports and seaports are hereby

closed till further notice. Dentareans are advised to go

about their daily businesses, peacefully. Long live the

Absolute Military Force, long live Dentareans.

(They dance out victoriously singing 'Democracy and

militocracy' and those who have been hiding in the wings

rush out to lift MOTHER EARTH, light fades on them.)

Movement IV
Scene One
Mother Earth in Distress
MOTHER EARTH lies up stage-centre on a platform critically

ill. Her children are gathered round her to find a solution.

CHILDREN: (Sing.) To God we shout 2x

For his way out

Doctors try in vain

To reduce your pain

Sacrifices we offered to no avail

As your pains still prevail

Your family degenerates

Every day to no avail

To God we shout

For his way out

Many are jobless

Many are hopeless

Many are thirsty

Many are hungry

Many are sick

Many are dying

To God we shout

For his way out.

(The last stanza with refrain is repeated several times during

which the three lineage representatives come close to put heads

together. DANKWUSHI, leading other heavily turbaned

Mallams and marabouts, recites Qur'an and pray to revive

MOTHER EARTH. No improvement. NNEKA takes over with

Christian songs and prayers; MOTHER EARTH shows signs

of improvement but caves in again. AWOTOYE conjures,

sorcerers/herbalists and Yoruba pantheon (Sango, Orunmila,

Ogun, etc.) to perform traditional healing ceremony on

MOTHER EARTH after sometime she gets up. As they go

into jubilation for victory, she collapses down very badly

DANKWUSHI, AWOTOYE and NNEKA converge around

her and sing as they tend her. In the process, the cloud

suddenly rumbles and ANGELIC SPIRIT descends in its

celestial glory. The lineage representatives disengage and squat

on the floor; the others form one body together squatting

too. All look away from ANGELIC SPIRIT as he/she sings.)

ANGELIC SPIRIT:

I am the prince of peace

In charge of God's creation.

THE THREE:

Holy one

We revere

Your presence.

ANGELIC SPIRIT:
Your dust of miseries

Has reached my dominion.

THE THREE:

Holy one

We revere

Your presence.

ANGELIC SPIRIT:

You suffer because the pillar

Of Divine order is titled.

THE THREE:

Holy one

We revere

Your presence.

ANGELIC SPIRIT:

But why disturb me 2x

When the solution

Is in your midst.

CHILDREN:

What!

ANGELIC SPIRIT:
Yes.

Only in your midst

The solution resides.

CHILDREN:

Holy one

We admit

Our ignorance.

ANGELIC SPIRIT: (Speaks.) Now listen to this

Your pot of wealth

Has been stolen

Seek out the thieves

To restore your health.

CHILDREN: (Sing.): Holy one

We revere

Your words.

ANGELIC SPIRIT:To get to the truth

Circumcize your hearts,

Let common sense prevail

In all your actions

And your goals you shall reach

Remember that

It's with the

Glory of the sun

The moon shines

To return from the void

Stop sowing among thorns

In your hands lies her future

To return from the void

Let common sense prevail

In all your actions

And your goals you shall reach.

(The children hum as the angel sings.)

ANGELIC SPIRIT:To return from the void

Stop sowing among thorns

Let love be bore aloft

To return from the void

Let common sense prevail

In all your actions

And your goals you shall reach.

(As they repeat the humming, ANGELIC SPIRIT leaves the

way she came. Everybody is now back to reality. They

dialogue in speeches.)

NNEKA:

Family members

Forgive our failings

Now that we know

What to do, let's begin.

CHILDREN: Yes, yes

Let's begin.

AWOTOYE:

To fish out the thieves

A confession session

Is my suggestion.

CHILDREN: Yes, yes

Let's begin.

DANKWUSHI: What forgiveness?

What confession?

You two have spoken

Your minds not mine.

(The argument heightens between DANKWUSHI and

AWOTOYE into a confrontation.)

CHILDREN: Let's hear yours.

DANKWUSHI: That soothsayer

Must not be believed

Who does not know

That old age brings

A lot of aches?

Old age is mother's problem.

CHILDREN:

How do we heal her?

DANKWUSHI: Continue to watch

And pray to Allah.

CHILDREN:

Ahh! Dankwushi!

AWOTOYE: Nonsensical and illogical

Nonsensical and illogical.

CHILDREN: Yes, very very

Illogical nonsensical.

AWOTOYE:

Team up with me

If you buy my idea.

(Most people rush to join AWOTOYE except DANKWUSHI's

kinsmen. While this movement takes place, DANKWUSHI

quickly bribes NNEKA to support him. She gives in.

DANKWUSHI equally bribes some of the other people to win

them to his side. AWOTOYE and others express disappoint-

ment over NNEKA's sudden change of mind. NNEKA also

later moves around them to share out money to win more

support for DANKWUSHI. As AWOTOYE's supporters

continue to diminish, he too begins to bribe to retain the few

remaining; he also shares money in DANKWUSHI's camp

but he is exhausted in no time. DANKWUSHI takes over his

remaining supporters. AWOTOYE is left alone.)

NNEKA:

Having reconsidered

Dankwushi's position,
1 found plenty of

'Ego-logical' wisdom in it.

So my people,

Why worry about

Family's field

When the logic

Of the ever rich

Is at your reach?

AWETOYE:

Nneka! Where is your pride?

NNEKA:

I'm the bride

Of every age

Not the sage

With all pride

So my people,

Why worry about

Family's field

When the logic

Of the ever rich

Is at your reach?

(BULLDOZER goes up and down until all the actions

described above are achieved. Afro-music fades in to cue

BULLDOZER to sing. He chides at the leaders first.)

BULLDOZER: All of you no dey shame? You still dey follow

all dis myopic leaders wey dey spoil our country. Anyway

sha, common sense no common at all. Make I yab dem

small, I beg. (Sings.)

Oooo... shaa!

It is a common truth

That common sense

Common sense

Is not common.

CHORUS:

It is a common truth

That common sense

Common sense

Is not common.

BULLDOZER: Divine direction

We sought and found 2x

But left for the bush path.

CHORUS:

It is a common truth

That common sense

Common sense

Is not common.

BULLDOZER: Our root of miseries

We saw revealed 2x

But wants to conceal.

CHORUS:

It is a common truth

That common sense

Common sense

Is not common.

BULLDOZER: All because of kobo kobo.

RESPONSE:

Eya.

BULLDOZER: All because of Egunje.

RESPONSE:

Eya.
BULLDOZER: All because of rimari.

RESPONSE: Eya.

BULLDOZER: All because of kobo kobo.

RESPONSE: Eya.

BULLDOZER: All because of okoobi.

RESPONSE: Eya.

BULLDOZER: What a lost generation!

RESPONSE: What a lost generation!

CHORUS: It is a common truth

That common sense

Common sense

Is not common,

BULLDOZER: Shame on you all.

CHORUS:

Shame on you all 2x

BULLDOZER: For selling your will.

CHORUS:

Shame on you all.

BULLDOZER: Cheaply for no fill.

CHORUS:
Shame on you all.

BULLDOZER: What a lost generation!,

(The military suddenly comes back combat ready, the tribe

leaders also bring out their guns- a stalemate? MOTHER

EARTH comes to disarm all of them urging everyone to return

from the void through the song "To return from the void"

sings.)

To return from the void

Stop sowing among thorns

Let love be bore aloft

To return from the void

Let common sense prevail

In all your actions

And your goals you shall reach.

CHILDREN: Let common sense prevail

In all our actions

And our goals we shall reach.

(This song is repeated several times leading to well-arranged

curtain call.)

Fade-out.
Ballad of Nigerian Philosophy

11. The Ogbugbu of Gbu

(To the tune of "The Vicar of Bray".)

1. When Africa was the whiteman's grave

And none but fools came hither

I sold my subjects old and brave

For beads and ostrich feather

Impressed all treaties with my thumb

In blood at my suggestion

And here I stay till kingdom come

A king beyond all questions.

Chorus: And this is the law I do maintain

Till death, and so would you sir

That whatsoever Big Noise may reign

I'll be the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir.

2. When isms filled the daily page

And freedom was the fashion

I straddled fences, pleading age

And purged my throne of passion

Tis kingly strategy to be late

'Tis better late than never

They also serve who stand and wait

Till all the fighting's over.

Chorus: And this is the law I do maintain

Till death, and so would you sir

That whatsoever Big Noise may reign

I'll be the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir.

3. The day the Union Jack came down

I burnt my royal photos

I drove white traders out of town

Defiled the Catholic grottos

I summoned the D.O. to my court

Abused his great grandmother

Nationalism became a royal sport

Without the sweat and bother.

Chorus: And this is the law I do maintain

Till death, and so would you sir

That whatsoever Big Noise may reign

I'll be the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir.

4.Election brought reverses grim

I wept, but crossed the carpet

There's harvest ripe and rich for him

Who's wise and waits to reap it

From third to first, my chieftain grade

Was boosted and gazetted

For kings are no longer born but made

And much to man indebted.

Chorus: And this is the law I do maintain

Till death, and so would you sir

That whatsoever Big Noise may reign

I'll be the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir.

5. A minister of state who was no chief

Came once to an oba's conference

Some chiefs would, like a common thief

Eject him from our presence

But I proposed we waive the law

And offered him my cushion

Prostrated full-length on the floor

I pledged my life devotion.

Chorus: And this is the law I do maintain

Till death, and so would you sir

That whatsoever Big Noise may reign

I'll be the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir.

6. Make a confess, I sabbe shout (Sings with a strong

"pidgin" accent.)

When palava day for matter

Principle na good word for mouth

But compromise dey much better

That golden slice of national cake

"E sweet pass any woman

No donkey go work for money sake?

My friends I'm human.

Chorus: And this is the law I do maintain

Till death, and so would you sir

That whatsoever Big Noise may reign

I'll be the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir.

7. He was a disgraced academician

Imposed on me for chairman

I'm simply no match for a politician

I'm just a scholarly frontman

If I'd resigned there was many a man

In line for my bread and butter

And anyway, na my countryman (Spoken with strong

"pidgin" accent.)

And blood I thicker than water.

Chorus: And this is the law I do maintain

Till death, and so would you sir

That whatsoever Big Noise may reign

I'll be the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir.

8. Nkrumah was a case in point

The judges said, "Not guilty"

He sacked the lot and did appoint

New judges sworn to fealty

The men were doomed from the very start

The judges lost their position

So why should I blow a judicial fart

When they rape our constitution.

Chorus: And this is the law I do maintain

Till death, and so would you sir

That whatsoever Big Noise may reign

I'll be the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir

9. Emergency cost me all my wealth

In telegrams to you, sir

Congratulations, how's your health?

It's me the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir

Your loyal slave sir, hopes with speed

To learn to love you better

God rout your foes, thou friend in need

O just, God-fearing Doctor

Chorus: And this is the law I do maintain

Till death, and so would you, sir

That whatsoever Big Noise may reign

I'll be the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir.

10. These trying times demand much care

With crises, plot and tension

From six hundred quid to penny a year

Is that a decent pension?

What matters if I sell my friends?

And lick some ass's arse-hole

The new generation will make demands

I'll stay on the government payroll.

Chorus: And this is the law 1 do maintain

Till death, and so would you sir

That whatsoever Big Noise may reign

I'll be the Ogbugbu of Gbu, sir.