Okwute (ACT ONE, Scene 3)

|A Play About An Adventure|

written by Tochukwu Chike Muonagolu

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ACT ONE

Scene 3

(Lights fade in to reveal the Dibia’s hut. Ikedinobi wears a solemn look as he watches the Dibia stamp about, uttering incantations.)

Ekwensu - Igbo trickster god of trade, chaos and war

The Dibia: I am the voice that echoes the spirits, and the spirits are the waters that I imbibe! But you are the masquerade that dances in the night, the one that rides on the winds of Kanem, the magnificent tree that shadows the children of Iruwelle! Nye m oji ma nye m ji, nye m ose ha ji eri Anyara <Bring me kola nuts and bring me yams, bring me that paste used to eat garden eggs>, and I will teach you the secrets of a land beyond! Step into my shrine; do not be afraid! Sit by my flames, and I shall inspire your heart! The rising of the sun begins another day, so whip that child that refuses to go to the stream! It is the man who brings that will collect! The servant with a good master will not complain! The sky sends rains, and the harvest is plenty! When war comes, strength is measured! The appointed ones do not beat empty gongs! How can he say he is running from the gods! Even when he is going, he is coming!

(The Dibia stops, exhausted. He sits on his stool.)

Th Dibia: My son, the spirits are happy that you have decided to answer their call. They say, even as far as Ihiala, the women sing your war song.

Ikedinobi: Thank you, Onye isi.

The Dibia: Yes, and I see a successful journey ahead of you, so there is nothing to fear.

Ikedinobi: Thank you, Onye isi. I shall return your kindness once I return.

The Dibia: Ah, my son, it is not me you should repay, but the gods. And do not think you can run faster than them. As we speak, they are already asking for their share.

Ikedinobi: Whatever the gods ask, Onye isi. I am willing to give anything to the gods.

The Dibia: Yes, but it is Ekwensu, and he asks for your most beloved son.

(Ikedinobi stands.)

Ikedinobi: The gods must be mad, Onye isi.

The Dibia: It is Ekwensu who governs the gates at the crossroads. You cannot pass through without him. He is the darkness you must encounter.

Ikedinobi: But Onye isi, do you not think he is asking for too much?

The Dibia: When the left-hand washes the right-hand, it is expected that the right does the same. The gods are the law, my son, and they measure the scale of justice better than us. You will find the Okwute, but you must wet the palm of the gods first.

Ikedinobi: And must I do so with the blood of my son!

The Dibia: Yes, with the blood of your son. It is the way it is, Ikedinobi.

(Lights)

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