MASKS
A play by
STANSLAUS
KIKUVI KYENZE
Characters:
Mujomba- He is the patriarch of the
family A pastor
Mbeke: Mujomba’s Wife
Kalekye: Mujomba’s Daughter
Pastor David: (PD) A con witch
doctor (WD) who doubles up as an assistant pastor in Mujomba’s church
Kyalo: An orphan. Kalekye’s
boyfriend as leader of the church youth choir
PROLOGUE
The action in this scene takes
place about a year before the action in the rest of the play. Mujomba is a
struggling “preacher “who enlists the help of a witch doctor because his “church”
is not doing well. The setting shows an isolated hut. It is nothing much more
than a grass thatched hut from the outside. The status of the roof and the
overall appearance depicts that it had seen better days. The compound is
unkempt, the grass overgrown and the fence is rotting away, sagging under the
weight of an enormous passion fruit tree. The compound appears totally desolate
save for a solitary person- Mujomba -seated on a bench near the passion fruit
tree.
The witch doctor can be heard
chanting off stage.
WD: (chanting) what a day
for the seeker of wealth.
What a day for the birds to chirp
in the brushes
What an hour for
the soul that craves for more
The hearts of men
are nothing but bottomless pits
Riddled with lust,
insatiable cravings
Evil to the core
(WD has reached the door of the
hut. On his face is a large scary mask. One can’t tell the face behind the
mask. His body is covered in various items but most prominent is feathers
draped all over his body. A small gourd can be seen dangling from his neck.)
It appears we have a visitor. (The
mask has covered his mouth and one can’t tell the natural voice of the
speaker.)
MUJOMBA: Yes
WD: Alright, come in (he says this as he goes inside the house.
Mujomba follows him) Disrespect,
disrespect mortal. Supplicate don’t mistake this shrine for your house. (Mujomba
supplicates immediately.) Now that’s
better, much better. What brings you here?
MUJOMBA: (hesitant) great...great... eyes...
My business is not doing well
WD: Do I look like a profit and loss analyst to you?
JOMBA: I thought you would help me.
WD: (Threateningly)
Hahaha! As if you could think! You simply
can’t think. You are an empty skull in the face of the great eye. (He
unties a gourd from his neck and places it next to Mujomba’s head)
Put seven pieces of silver there. (Mujomba
raises his head)Supplicate mortal. Don’t raise that pumpkin you pass
for a head (Mujomba extends his hand and drops the coins inside the gourd) that’s
better empty skull. Much better! What business do you run mortal?
MUJOMBA :( unsteady voice) I
touch men’s souls
WD: what about their bodies?
MUJOMBA: No great one. I am a minister of the word.
WD: Bone head, I don’t have time to mull over your meaning. What
word, or is it Word of mouth?
MUJOMBA: Not really. I am a
preacher; I preach the good news only that I am not getting followers.
WD: Uh I see. You know well I can’t follow you. What do you want
from me?
MUJOMBA: I would really appreciate full pews. I am a pastor, I
preach, I quote the texts but they don’t follow me.
WD: Poor creature. (He takes a small gourd from somewhere
inside his elaborate costume. Shakes it several times and pours the contents
onto the ground. He looks at the pebbles which have fallen from the gourd
keenly. His lips are moving visibly but no words can be heard. Mujomba is
trembling visibly goes on to dramatically chant gibberish for about a minute,
then he stops almost as suddenly as he started,)Mortal, you are in
plenty of ill luck, you see this pebble here
(Mujomba raises his head to look. The WD pushes his head down). Pumpkin
head keep your head down.WD continues) This pebble means you
are going to fail miserably. (silence) Wait, wait a bit, you there
is a glimmer of hope.
In the near future, you will, you
will succeed but it involves an assistant. You need an assistant who comes
laden with good fortune. The tide will change; the wind will fill your sails
and the ship with gather speed.
MUJOMBA: (Mujomba
raises his head slightly) Honestly, I do not have any one in mind
WD: (pushes Mujomba’s head back onto the floor) Pumpkin head have you
no memory. You are just an empty gourd at the mercy of the great eye. Do you
understand?
MUJOMBA: Yes great one. (he is trembling more and more)
WD: People are thirsty, your people need hope. Just Listen to their
cry and answer to that mortal. (WD produces another gourd) Now put
two goats into that gourd. (Mujomba extends his hand once more and
stuffs paper money into the gourd.)
Careful, careful with that, unlike
some things you may know my vessel is clearly marked handle with care, though
in invisible ink!
(WD takes up a tiny object from
his pocket and hands it to Mujomba) Place that at the entrance to your
premises. Do you understand?
MUJOMBA: Yes great one
WD: Off you go mortal. (Mujomba tries to stand up.)Crawl,
you must crawl out of the shrine. (Mujomba crawls out)
SCENE 1
The action in this scene takes place at
Mujomba's home. The compound shows two simple houses. Mujomba scurries into one
of the houses brandishing a thick stick. His wife is sitting by the fireplace.
MUJOMBA: (slowly)
what have you just told me woman?
(Makes as if to hit her)
MBEKE: (scared) Please control your temper
MUJOMBA: Kalekye? (Pauses)
Pregnant?
(Raising the stick once more stick)
MBEKE: (visibly
trembling) my…my husbands, Pl…Pl… please check your anger.
MUJOMBA: (he holds her by the collar of her dress. He speaks very loudly and
angrily)
My temper should be the least of your
concerns. Sooner than you can discern you might have rising temperatures on
your backside to keep your hands occupied.
(He lets go of her)
MBEKE: (Pleadingly) my husband,
please do not raise your voice. Our neighbors might hear you.
MUJOMBA: (pointing at her with the stick)
Consider yourself lucky if they do. Otherwise, If they don't, (silence)
I am afraid that they are the same people who will plant you six feet under.
MBEKE: You know I came to you because I needed
your counsel. I thought…
MUJOMBA: (Interposes) you
thought wrong then. (Walking towards the door) I swear by
the God of the Old Testament...
MBEKE: (Interrupts) please
don't say that. For heaven’s sake you are a man of God!
MUJOMBA: (Mujomba stops and turns around) oh yes, for once you are right, a man of God and a man
of action too. Tell me, (he walks towards her) just tell
me, am I the father of that Good for nothing, God forsaken daughter of the
devil?
MBEKE: (she is Shocked and covers her
mouth with her hands) What?
MUJOMBA: (Visibly angry) are you
hard of hearing? Who sired that sorry excuse of a daughter?
MBEKE: My husband, I don't think that is the
subject of our discussion.
MUJOMBA: (Advancing
menacingly) Woman, since when did you start steering discussions in
this house? Who chooses the subject of discussion here?
MBEKE: But…
MUJOMBA: (Interrupting) shut up!
Let me remind you something which seems to have slipped off your empty skull.
(Drops the stick and now pulling her ears) Among my belonging is a banana plantation, two grass thatched
huts, a church,(pauses) and though I am no longer sure, a useless piece of
feminine creation you pass for my blood and flesh and, note this (pauses)
and you, yes, you too. Obviously, I am in charge here. Do you understand?
MBEKE: (scared) yes, I
understand.
MUJOMBA: You
better do or soon you won't be able to stand after I am finished with you.
MBEKE: (She says this pleadingly) my
husband, but she is our daughter, we can’t turn our backs on her in her hour of
need.
MUJOMBA: Our what?
Can you really hear yourself? (Mimicking her) Our daughter? Aren't
you even ashamed of associating me with such sin? Are you even sure that I
sired that wayward sinner you pass for my own kindred?
MBEKE: (Offended) My husband, are
you doubting my fidelity? Are you?
MUJOMBA: (he says this as he steps out of the door. However as he finishes the
statement, Mbeke grabs him by the hand) The product of your womb speaks for itself.
MBEKE: I
challenge you to state out rightly that you doubt my fidelity. Go on. Do it!
MUJOMBA: (Exasperated,
he breaks away from her grasp, turns around to face her and Mbeke in turn makes
a step or two from him)
Oh God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
Did Adam have to put up with this insanity? Lord, My God answer me, had you not
extracted that defective rib from Adam would he have Lived long enough to bear
the curse of the original sin. I am
really tempted to break the fifth commandment.
MBEKE: Yes!
MUJOMBA: (Glaring at
her) Descendant of eve! Can’t I have a meaningful consultation with the
powers that be without your interposing with unsolicited for confirmations? Who
asked you to confirm my thoughts to him anyway?
MBEKE: I only tried to tell
you that Kalekye is your daughter.
MUJOMBA: what? King Solomon,
wisest of all men who ever lived, Husband to seven hundred wives and keeper of
three hundred concubines. How did you remain sane?
MBEKE: (She walks
towards him and lays her hand on his shoulder) my husband, you can’t
afford to get angry now.
MUJOMBA: (Pointing at
her) Oh yes I can lose my temper, I am and I should be angry. All my
life I have dreamt of pearly gates and perhaps a one on one with Saint Peter.
Then, that abomination which remains as a beacon of the miracle of procreation,
conception and birth gone haywire has erased my lifelong dreams. Your daughter’s
pregnancy has placed all that I have worked for my entire life on a knife’s
edge
MBEKE: (Kneels down by him,
holding his hand) we are on the same boat my husband. I am in your
vessel too.
MUJOMBA: No wonder the waves of the sea threaten to capsize it.
Jonah! You have no business here ;( pushing her away. She tumbles and sits
on the floor) off you go to the land of Nineveh. Or better still I
should redeem myself from this abode of sin. The only place I can get solace is
the in the house of the lord. At least if no one understands me, the pews will.
(Mujomba hurries towards the
door. He bumps to Pastor David who is about to knock the door.)
P.D (Looking at the fuming Mujomba) Quite a day, uh!
MUJOMBA: It’s actually like a summer in hell.
MBEKE: (from within the house). Is that David?
MUJOMBA: (over his shoulder) No, it’s Uriah!
P.D: (with a tone of urgency in his voice) I know you didn’t expect
me but it’s very important that I speak to you now.
P.D: The sponsors called today.
MUJOMBA: Then?
P.D: I spoke to their representative who told me that, due to the
many applications they are handling, they have decided to push forward the
interview date. Hence they would come to interview our applicants next week
MUJOMBA: (Shocked) how could you agree to
such a plan?
PD: I tried to suggest a later date bearing in mind the upcoming
youth league conference but the representative insisted that it must be next
week.
MUJOMBA: (Looking confused.
Reflectively) Pastor David, I
don’t know what to make of this situation.
P.D: What do you mean?
MUJOMBA: we have sponsors coming to interview the applicants and
yet…
P.D: (interrupts) don’t worry pastor, your daughter and Kyalo are
very bright. Am convinced they will impress the interviewers.
MUJOMBA: Have you read the list of requirements properly? It is
expressly indicated that the applicants should be youth of proven good morals
and actively involved in the activities of their home church.
P.D: Our candidates have met the criteria already….
MUJOMBA: (interrupting)
not any more. At least one of them hasn’t.
P.D: What do you mean?
MUJOMBA: (bitterly) I don’t know how what to
make of this, yet my daughter has gone ahead and made herself pregnant.
P.D: (Shocked. Covers his face with hands) what?
MUJOMBA: this is the situation my colleague. My daughter has
effectively disqualified herself from the scholarship programme.
P.D: Are you sure of what you are saying?
MUJOMBA: When did I become a joker?
P.D: Holy Jesus!
MUJOMBA: (Mujomba stands and
starts pacing up and down) It’s a disaster my friend, it’s a disaster.
My well brought up daughter, the perfect pastors daughter, and every parents
dream child. How could she, how could she stab me like that? How could she rip
off my heart so brutally? It seems just like yesterday, she would nestle on my
laps as I read to her passages from the bible story, I would teach her songs
and we would pray together. All this seems to be yesterday and yet I turn my
face and attention for a second and she gets pregnant.
PD: Spilt the milk my colleague. We have to act fast and rectify
the situation my friend
MUJOMBA: Pastor David, I
wish there was an easy way. I wish I could close my eyes, open them and realize
that it was just a horrible nightmare. However, that remains but mere wishful
thinking. I am fully awake, I am walking and breathing and living every other
father’s nightmare.
P.D: (Pastor David responds stands up
and walks towards Mujomba. He lays his hand on Mujomba’s shoulder and speaks
reflectively) I understand your pain Mujomba. However my friend we must
try our best to salvage the situation the soonest possible. All is not lost;
all is not lost my dear friend.
MUJOMBA: (he turns around and faces Mujomba) How
could it not be Pastor David. This one scandal has potentially ruined my
daughter’s future. Moreover, it’s like standing on quicksand; her reputation
has gone down the drain and along with it mine too. A failed parent can’t stand
in front of those people and offer any guidance.
PD: I agree my friend; we
have so much at stake. We can’t allow years of hard work go down the drain that
easily. Maybe, just maybe we could use some herbs…you know
MUJOMBA: Please don’t tell me we are killing my daughter in this
plot
PD: No my colleague (Silence)
I mean she can accidentally miscarry….. There are herbs, things she can eat,
you know……
MUJOMBA: I am a pastor for heaven’s sake
PD: We pull this off and manage to
stifle a possible calamity
MUJOMBA: You must be crazy to even
think about it David!
PD: The church would go!
MUJOMBA: No, no, I can’t!
PD: Kalekye’s scholarship gone
MUJOMBA: No I can’t!
PD: Years of hard work gone! Face it my
friend, No Bishop Mujomba, no more church! No more. Face it my friend.
MUJOMBA: Stop the torture Pastor David!
PD: Someone has to make the tough call.
Difficult decisions have to be made for the greater good Mujomba
MUJOMBA: It’s against the law.
PD: I didn’t know you were planning to tell the police
MUJOMBA: I don’t but…
P.D: If we don’t her
academic future is obviously ruined
MUJOMBA: There has to be another way out.
P.D: Face it Mujomba. It is the only way. If we don’t do that,
there will be ramifications. For instance, How will you advice the youth?
MUJOMBA: (Defiantly) Not
to be like my daughter
P.D: (articulating the words slowly) Moral authority. That is what
you are going to lose. You will lose
moral authority pastor.
MUJOMBA: (Poses to think) what I am going to
do? If she carries the pregnancy to term she would loose the scholarship and I…
(Pauses) I loose moral authority as you call it.
If this accident
you are talking about occurs, (Silence) my conscience, (Pauses)
Pastor David, my conscience
P.D: (aside) the conniving fool still purports to a conscience (To Mujomba)
What About it
MUJOMBA: I will never be the same again
PD: (aside) one could be fooled to think he is ever the same. He is
a chameleon that may defy nature, to turn yellow when it lands on charcoal. (To
Mujomba) My dear friend, when the
stakes are this high, you must up your game
MUJOMBA: Don’t we have any other way out?
PD: (Reflectively) Now that you insist ...yes there actually is
another way out, close the church, run away from the congregation, dip your
head in the sand and live happily ever after.
MUJOMBA: Oh, no, do you have to rub it in that way.
PD: We are wasting valuable time. Perhaps you should be talking to
your wife…you know.
MUJOMBA: (looking at the hut) I can’t do
that. How do I even think about planting the abominable idea in a stubborn
head?
PD: Easy, easy Mujomba. After all she is your wife. You must push
the right buttons (Imitating Mujomba, Pastor David raises his voice a note higher and
calls Mbeke) Mbeke, we have to talk….
MUJOMBA: (interrupting) I
am not ready to listen to any more of your jokes. Its either you assist me or I
seek counsel else where
PD: Where? (Mujomba looks at him angrily) all
right perhaps I should help you persuade your wife.
MUJOMBA: Really?
PD: Maybe, just maybe, she
might see sense if she is persuaded by two men of God.
MUJOMBA: When?
PD: How about now, it is ideal a time like any other
MUJOMBA: You mean now, as in now?
PD: We don’t have a lot of time. This thorn in the flesh…
MUJOMBA: Don’t
start your rhetoric now. Could we at least make it this evening?
PD: Your way my friend. At least you know where it
hurts.
MUJOMBA: alright, as for now I think I need some peace.
I would need to go to the church.
Let’s go
(Both men stand up and leave)
SCENE: 2
The setting of this scene reflects a beautifully decorated church. The
pews are arranged at least two metres apart. At the altar is a big beautifully
crafted oak table. On the wall hangs a massive bronze crucifix. Mujomba is
sitting on a chair near the altar. He paints an image of a deeply troubled man
as he is engrossed in thoughts. He stands up slowly and starts walking in a
dreamy manner towards the window.
MUJOMBA: (soliloquy) for a long time now, I would stand on this
alter, stare at the laity and deliver a message of hope. I would be their
comforter and a messenger of hope. Each member of my congregation would sit
glue do their chair taking in the word. Today, as I stand on this alter, I can
imagine the faces of disbelief. I can imagine the congregation condemning me,
how I have failed them and from this I altar I will suffer a grave fall from
grace. Who would have known? Who would really have guest that my only daughter
who I am proud of would do this to me. I still feel the piercing stab of my
wife’s words.
(At this point
everything freezes. Slow music playing as we transition to the flashback. The setting
shows earlier in the day. Mbeke is seen sweeping the compound. Mujomba on the
other hand enters, whistling a hymn joyfully)
MUJOMBA: (speaking
to Mbeke jokingly) hey, my in-laws daughter, it is almost noon and you are
still sweeping
MBEKE: Seven in the morning is not that late baba Kalekye.
Running after the goats is the problem. Once I open the door they all troop out
running towards the shamba. Rounding them up is a real challenge.
MUJOMBA: You should have
called Kalekye to assist you. You have dotted so much on my daughter to the
extent of spoiling her.
MBEKE: (she stops sweeping and walks close to her husband.) Baba Kalekye we need to talk. (she is hesitating and appears a bit
nervous) Something has come up and we really need to talk now.
MUJOMBA: I am all ears, go on and I hope you will be
through with your speech before noon.
MBEKE: (she takes his hand and leads him by the hand to a bench that
is set under a tree) come Baba Kalekye, let’s sit here
MUJOMBA: (freeing his hand) Okay lady, I can walk, you don’t need to lead
me by the hand like a toddler.
(both of them sit on
the bench.)
MBEKE: (she looks around her nervously. The area around the tree
definitely slowly) My husband I think
this tree needs pruning. Look at all this leaves on my compound.
MUJOMBA: Did you bring me here to tell me about pruning a
tree?
MBEKE: (very nervous now) No, not really my husband, actually it is a
slight problem with our daughter
MUJOMBA: Do not tell me that she has flunked in school
MBEKE: it is just that, mmm…eehh…she is, you know
MUJOMBA: (he says this with a tinge of impatience) I don’t know, and
can you for once stop mumbling as if you trying to swallow a hot piece of
cassava.
MBEKE: it is just that, Kalekye missed her moon; (breaks down) Kalekye is
pregnant
MUJOMBA: (He is in utter shock. Suddenly furious) What?
MBEKE: Baba Kalekye, she told me today. She is about two
months gone
MUJOMBA: Kalekye…pregnant. (He stands up. Says this as he points at her furiously) Make
peace with your God, for in the next few minutes, you will be a dead woman (he
strides of angrily)
At this point we are
brought back to the church. The flashback is over
Just three words,
Kalekye is pregnant ruined my life entirely.
Kyalo enters the
church carrying an empty water container. He is a sturdy eighteen year old boy.
He notices Mujomba, smiles broadly and walks towards him. Mujomba also notice
him as the footsteps have pulled him from his deep thoughts.
Come here my good boy, how are you
KYALO: I am fine pastor. It is only that I have to water
the flowers.I am heading to the river right now
MUJOMBA: That is good my boy. You are very
industrious. Are you ready for the
scholarship interview?
KYALO: I am a bit nervous about it but I am preparing;
Reading a lot, though I am not certain what to read
MUJOMBA: fear not my son, as I told you despite academics,
you need to prove to the interviewers that you are an exceptional and virtuous
young man.
KYALO: (aside) if only he knew about me and Kalekye! (to Mujomba) I am trying pastor
MUJOMBA: I spoke to pastor David earlier today and he told
me that the interviews are slated for next week so get ready. (Pastor David
enters) Talk of the devil, Pastor David I was telling this young man to prepare
for the interview.
PD: (shaking Kayla’s hand) Young man you must thank
your lucky stars. This scholarship is bound to change your life forever
KYALO: Thank you pastor. As for now I have to get going, I
have o fetch water from the river to water the flowers.
MUJOMBA: You are free to go young man. (Kyalo leaves) What
a sterling young man. I wish I had one like him.
PD: He truly is a fine young man. I hope you are ready
to face the matter
MUJOMBA: there is no getting ready Pastor David. This is
weighty matter
PD: Mujomba I understand, but we must face it and
rectify the wrongs
MUJOMBA: who would really have thought my young girl of
yesterday would turn out like this? She was daddy’s girl just the other day. (Mujomba sinks into a reverie and
flashes back to when Kalekye was six years old. flashback)
KALEKYE: (she is
a young girl perched on her father lap playing with his beard) Daddy
what is school
MUJOMBA: (lovingly)
My sweet girl, school is where children go to learn how to sing, play
and read
KALEKYE: But daddy I already know to sing and play
MUJOMBA: Daddy’s girl, but you don’t know all the songs in
the whole wide world
KALEKYE: Then teach me daddy, I don’t want to go school, I
want you to teach me.
(at this point Mbeke
comes inand picks her)
MBEKE: Come little angel, you will be late for school
KALEKYE: (protesting) I don’t to go to school mummy, I already
know songs and how to play
MBEKE: Do you want to wear the new dress daddy bought
you?
KALEKYE: yes mummy I want to
MBEKE: let’s go then, that is your school uniform. You
will wear it today
(The flashback is over
and we are drawn to present day)
MUJOMBA: Pastor David it happens so fast, you can’t even
notice as time flies by
PD: (PD
nodes in agreement) Sure, sure pastor, time really flies
MUJOMBA: (he stands up) alright pastor David,
lets go home and face the matter at hand
(Both men leave the
church)
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