Volume Editors Jane Plastow & Martin Banham

African Theatre
Six Plays from
East& West Africa
 Published titles in the series:
African Theate in Development
Afrtean Theatre: Playurights & Politics
African Theatre: Womnen
African Theate: Southern Africa
African Theate: Soyinka: Blackout, Blouout &Beyond
African Theatre: Youth
African Theatre 7: Companies
African Theatre 8: Diasporas
African Theatre 9: Histories 1850-1950
African Theatre 10: Media & Perfomance
African Theate 11: Festivals
African Theatre 12: Shakespeare in & out of Africa
African Theatre 13: Ngrig+ wa Thiong'o & Wole Soyinka
African Theatre 14: Contemporary Women
African Theatre 15: China, India & the Eastern World
African Theatre 16: Six Plays from East & West Africa
Forthcoming:
African Theatre 17: Contemporary Dance

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Contributors 2017
Playscripts copyright information. For all
enquiries for
contact the
copyright holders: performance or
reproduction plecase
Morountodun Femi Osofisan. First
Nigeria Limited. published in Morountodun & Other
Plays, 1982, Longnman
The Guest(Engida) © Manyazewal Endeshaw. Not
If: A Tragedy of the Ruled © Rotimi
Foundation.
previously published.
Books (NIG.) Ltd. First published 1983. Heinemann Educational
Mother Uganda & Her Children ©
Rose Mbowa. First
publication 2017. See pp. 3-4. performed 1987, first transcribed for
Majangwa: A Promise of Rain © The Estate of Robert
African Publishing House Serumaga. First published 1974 East
The Legend of Wagadu as Seen by Sia Yatabere by Moussa
in French by L'Harmattan as La Diagana L'Harmattan. First
into Légende du
English by Richard Miller, 1991 Wagadu Vue par Sia Yatabéré, 1989; published
translated
All Rights Reserved. Except as
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or
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British
or
appropriate.
Library Cataloguing in
A
catalogue record for this bookPublication Data
is available on
request from the British Library
ISBN
978-1-84701-173-2 (James Currey
ISBN Africa-only paperback edition)
978-1-84701-172-5 (James Currey cloth
edition)
This
publication is printed on acid free paper
 The Guest
(Engida)
A One Act Play

MANYAZEWAL E N D E S H A W

On the backdrop ther

(As the audience enters
the hall, soft nostalgic music is playing.
In the middle of a garden ihere is a raised platfom an
is an atmospheric sunset glow.
To the right is a raised veranda and the front door af
which a table and chairs are set.
the to the ofstage gate. Lights go out and in the dark
an
the
old house, and to left way
a cigarette is lit stage left. After a while a woman's voice is heard singing a lullaby.
Oh my baby,
I have you on my back
as I perform my household chores,
The skin on my back is injured,
Please come down.
The light on stage is switched and a wonan (the wife) wearing a short skirt that
on
double take she
shows her shapely legs crosses the stage from left to right. With a
notices a man (the husband) Iying on a reclining chair wearing sunglasses and smoking
a cigarette.)
Wife What's wrong?
Husband (Without turning.) What's wrong?
Wife Why were you sitting in the dark?
Husband There is nothing new to be seen in this compound. I know every
tne
plant and its location like the back of my hand. So what do I need
light for?
Wife Shall I turn it off then?
Husband But now you are here! (He places the cigarette on the ashtra
Wife Do you mean to say that you don't know me?
(She places the fruit she was carrying and a newspaper on the platform.)
Husband (Moving cdose to her.) If the first man does not know the first
woman... (He embraces
Wife Adam knew his wife Eve!
her from behind.)
Husband She took of the fruit and
gave unto her husband; and he did et
Engida in Amharic, the official language in Ethiopia, both 'guest and
It can also be a name. means
suta

98
 The Guest (Engida): A One Act Play 99

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were
A n a

nakea. her
naked.
on neck and she laughs. After fooling around, she takes
the
a grape and
kisses
He
her
hand
hand toward
touward his imouth, but when he is about to eat, she eats it herself.
does this
does this once more, he grabs her hand and eats the grape.)
Whenshe
usband (Pause.) ve been sitting here thinking.
Wife What about?
Husband About you.

there about me to think?

Wife What is
hand (Extinguishing his cigarette on the ashtray.) I was
trying to
imagine
what you could have done after you left.
Wife (Teasing, speaking in a slow draun outfashion.) OK, what was I doing?
Husband But now you are here, so you should tell me.
Wife Why don't you tell me first?
(Silence. While suspenseful music plays, he looks at her intensely. He moves closer
and leaning fonward looks tnto her eyes. Hethensteps back and studies herfgure a
Cunves towards her back; moves doser to her neck and smells it. During this process,
the wife obviouslyfeels uncomfortable. Standing night behind her, he slowly
her hands to shoulder level, and probes her body; when he touches her breasts she
shuddes. He then continues feling her body dowmwards; after reaching her ankle,
he holds one of her legs and his hands move upuards; when he reaches into
he stops.)
Wife Why did you stop?
Husband Shall I go on?
Wife Go on! (He hesitates for a moment, and releases her leg. She pushes him to
thefloor.) Don't start something that you can't finish!
Leaving the bag and newspaper, she takes the grapes and crosses into the house.)
Husband (Walking around the garden.) When you went out earlier, did you
immediately get a taxi?
Wife Yes.
Husband You went into the City Hall Theatre and bought a ticket..
Now tell me the location of your seat so that I can see you with my
mind's eye.
house.) I the balcony, on the left.
wite (From within the was on
Coordinating his moves with the rhythmic music playing, he cdoses his eyes and taps

his forehead.)
Husband Balcony ... balcony... the left balcony ... yes on the left..
and on your left I see
OK the hall is full, therefore you are standing,
...

. I see someone it's a man! You didn't notice him at first

standing and
he looks he looks masculine!..
later that you saw him;
. . .

. It was . . .

to talk to you;
because you liked his
Creating some pretext he started with enthusiasm; I think you
approach and his voice, you responded
Were even trying to seduce him.

Genesis, Chapter 4.
 100 Manyazewal Endeshaw

the balcony of the theatre; at first ue only hear lher

.
CThe wife is on voice)
If you have already seen the play, why do you
Wife (Whispers.) want
it again?
Guest (We only hear his voice.) You have seen the actress playing the ro
to se

the wifc, right? I find her acting very impressive

Wife (A spot light fnds them.) Ts t only her acting that imprese
think T'm impressed by her looks?
Guest Do you
is flawless.
Wife Her bcauty
it w e r e just
If
looks, I'd prefer you.
Guest chest. But suddenly hee.
Flirtatious/y
she leans
laughing.
on
the man hreaking hr
tourards the husband on stage.)
laughter she looks too far? How could I throw myself on.
Wife Haven'tyou gonc
Just met?

leaves unnoticed.)
(The guest Don't you pcople say that love is blind?!.Or.
Husband Why not?
self-control.
vou lost your
Wife It's vou who's
lost control' This is beyond jealousy!
would I be Jealous? |
am not Othello, nor are vo
Husband Why with
wouldn't be ditficult tor me to smother you
Desdemona. Perhaps it
would kill myself afterwards, you are
but if you think that I
a

a piliow: Love, honour, and the like are

in days gone by!
fool' That, my dear, was was over, you invited your
outdated!
when the
(Pause.) Anyway, play
so
nice time with you.
here in the evening and have a
man to c o m e
Wife And what did he say?
have
gesture.) I would really
Husband (Playing the guest with exaggerated but with sincere apologies, I
lady,
enjoyed your company, my pretty
have to decline, for I have a previous
engagement!
Wife Wrong
(Husband freezes as he was bouing with outstretched hands.)
he immediately
how
of his position.) But
come
out
Husband (Slouy coming
accepted your offer?
the article about getng
you read
me
can
wile I brought you a newspaper, have

divorccd betore getting married? (He stares at her questioningly.)I

the tide, but didn't have time to read
it.
seen
too busy seducing you
Husband You didn't have time? Maybe you
were

new friend
Wife (Shghtly angry) Forget it in fright as ifhe
wee c0se
(He makes a threatening gesture, and she noves back d the
starts to read while moving ar
He pcks the neuspaper, dears his throat and
garden. She leaves the balcony without attracting attention.) cense

saw this incident while visiting a friend

at the marriage
HusbandI
office. The bride with family and friends was waiting tor the groom. hest
a while the groom arrived clad in tuxedo and accompanied Dy to lauh
started
men. The bride stared at him with
unbelieving eyes and
so hard that she could not stop. When the groom real1zed tnat d
 The Guest
(Engida): A One Act Play 101
hwsterics and running out ot
breath, he slapped her and
everyone was waiting in slence to learm the saved her life. As
hride said, "What a pity! reason for her
hat I
...
It's a laughter, the
loved you when I saw you pity to realize at this critical
and when you kissed me, it waswearnng that old uniform in themoment,
the smell of
mixed with your sweat that made me oil, grease and garage.
lose control. But lubricant
know you! Say1ng this now I
really
When her shocked maidsshe lett the dazed groom and don't
of honour
tried to catch started runnins
shoes and threw them at her
friends her, she took off her
and escaped. Is the
uniform a true
motuve, or did she story of the old
actually
reason? Has he gone to her in his old change her mind for another
they separated for good: I would be uniform and made
grateful if anyone couldpeace,
or are
outcome of this story. Zebdewos. tell me the
Wife (Entering.) Had it been
you, what
Husband Well, I wouldn't have fallen atwould you have done?
her feet and
Wife Are you sure? begged her.
HusbandWhy are you asking me this?
Wife No reason.
Husband You certainly have a reason. What
Wife I think I know the man I met in the are you
thinking about?
And when asked hinm whether theatre, but I couldn't place him.
he knew
Husband You must have been mistaken. me, he denied it!
Wife But when I saw him,
my heart missed a beat.
Husband Is he handsome?
Wife You know I don't care for
looks.
Husband What do you care for then?
Wife (Stretching her hands and
crossing
towards him.) You. You and (She embraces
him.) only you!
Husband Are you serious?
Wife Don't I look it?
Husband (Getting out of her
turn
embrace.) In that case, let's beg his pardon and
today's guest away.
Wife (Slightly angry.) And
why would that be?
Husband I had a premonition
today. On the way to my friends, a woman
carrying an empty pot crossed my path.' I felt that it was just accidental,
but then a black cat ran
on my foot from the same direction. That was
why I came back.
Wife Since when did you start believing so irrationally? You used to call
Such
superstition "the belief of the stupid."
Husband That's exactly what I'm saying! Why am I frightened by something
watI have never believed in? That's why it disturbed me!
e Don't you think it's rude to send someone back after inviting him?

radationally it is taken as a bad omen when a woman carrying an empty pot

crosses one's way.
 102 Manyazewal Endeslhaw

ated. he mumbles and moves away. But then crosses towavde

She stands her ground.) her as
if
knock her down. to
Husband But if he gets
on
my nerves, Il give him a punch he nose.
will punch who when the time comes
Wife We'll see who
(Playfully she touches his nose. n e n ne threatens to punch her.

and makes the.sound of an angry cat. He backs heshstretches her

fingers towards his face, way)
that you don't like to stay at ho
Husband (Pause.) Why is it
Wife And why do you hate going out?
Husband What doI need to go out for? T have a wife like voul

Wife And when I'm not in?

Husband1 just wait for you. (Mumbles to himself.) Yes, wait for you. I don't
wait for you
get bored while I
. . .

(Afier trying to get the right tone, he starts to sing an old love song )
I don't get bored while waiting for you,
I don't feel tired while waiting for you,
Oh my love,when shall I see you?
Oh my beauty, when shall I meet you?
Shall I wait for you on Monday?
Promise me not to stay away,
And on Sunday, my dearest dream,
The whole day 1'll stay home!
(After the first couple of lines, she joins in the singing and they dance. Holding hands
they spin around like children. They laugh out loud, and separate and still laughing,
take seats
apart from each other. Their laughter slowly subsides and his face becomes
serious.)
Husband Sometimes I think that you go out to stay away from me. soi
myself, "Can there be anything that I didn't fulfill, that she
all the time?" flies away
Wife (Picks up a
fan and with a flourish.) I like to take fresh air. The
sunhght
the
evening wind, the full moon... as a human
fellow humans gives being, the company or
Husband Don't I give
me
pleasure.
we living together?
you pleasure? (She gives him a sarcastic smile.) Wny a
WifeWhy are you
Husband When wasasking
I
this now?
Wife At the supposed to ask you?
Husband It beginning.
hadn't occurredto me then.
Wife And to m
it's too late!
now
Husband (Pause.) (Pause.) What made you think it
Wife If1 told Would you of now- hen?
have told me the truth, had I asked
you, what would you
Husband you have done?
Wife WhatDepends
ifI told
on
your answer.
Husbandl could have you that I don't love
Wife And ifI lied? stopped it there andyou?then!
Husband What for?
 The Guest
(FEngida): A One Act
Play 103
you
to lose
Wife Not
Husband Without loving me?
think all these people live
Wife You together because they love each
Not at all. It's habit, custom, rules, tradition. other?
hand But
Husband they don't love each other,
But ififthey they will certainly
Wife That wouldn't change anything. separate.
Husband Intensely looks at her, and shakes his head.) You wouldn't feel
thing it we parted company. any-
Wife I didn't say that.
Husband You live to be appreciated by others.
Wife Everyone does it
Husband I ive for myself!
Wife If that was truc,. you would have asked me
straight, the
why we should live together.
at
beginning.
Husband (Imitated.) I told you that it didn't occur to me! (Pause.) Besides,
it was my belief
that...that you loved me, so ..
Wife And now, do you doubt my love?
Husband 1 didn't say that.
Wife ShallI tell you the real reason why you didn't ask me? You were afraid!
Husband What would I be afraid of?
Wife If I told you that I would be willing to live with
you even without
love. you would have found it difficult to decide. So
you chose not to
know.
Husband If that was true, I wouldn't have asked you now.
Wife O ..k. What would you do ifI told
you now?
Husband (Pause.) I don't know...
Wife In that case, it's
what can I do?... after all this time..
useless to know the truth. (Pause.) l've met only one
man who lived for himself.
Husband Why didn't you marry him then?
Wife I admire such a
strong person, but I hate his selfishness. What is the
meaning of life, unless one lives for the sake of others too? Humans are
like fire.
Husband (He fnishes it for her.) They warm us, they burn us.
wife He who doesn't know hate, cannot understand love!
1usband We love as much as we hate! (Long pause.) How 5 the guest to
find our house?
WifeC s the one who gave me a ride. Oh, you remind me that I should

y me more beer. We have only a few in the fridge. (Looks at her

watch) Wow, it's almost time! (She picks up a bag and goes out)
usband (After watching her leaving, he recites a poe)
What went between us,
Is difficult to express.
The death of our
Is hidden love,
from all eyes.
hough I wanted to cry and shout,
 104 Manyazewal Endeshaw

To show my grief in public, I couldn't.

Forced to bury it in nmy heart,
Our love just withered away!
(Wearing sunglasses, he exenises earate moves. He then picks his glass«
raises it.)
Husband Give wine unto him that be and
of heavy hcart. Let him d
remember his misery no more. drink,
(He sips and walks about thinking. He then looks at one of the chair
to it.)
We can't sit here and stare at cach other until
my wife comes a
duces Therefore, we are obl1ged to make the
us.
Or do you have a better idea? What? A better idea? introduction o.intro-
the introduction, (He swings like a boxer.) what aboutHmmm... B
Hmmm? Would you like that? Just to seal our
a boxing
m ch
(As he is laughing uproariously, knocking is
friendship.
heard Jrom the gate, and he suddm
stops his laughter. Frightened, he looks toward the
gate, runs around the
finally hides behind one of the chairs; as he slowly peeps towards the garden a
is heard for the second time. He takes out a gate, knockin
spray for asthma from his pocket and
inhales, and does a few pushups. On the third knock, he
puts on his sunglasses, pidk
up the beer bottle and glass and heads towards the
fourth knock he freezes.)
front door of the house. On tho
Husband (In a woman's voice.) Who is it?
Guest (From outside.) Good
evening!
Husband (ln a wonan's voice.) Yes?
Guest (From outside.) Excuse me, but ...does this
house belong to Miss..
Husband Mrs.!
Guest (From outside.) Mrs...
Husband Miss! (Silence.) Come in.
(Sound of the gate opening and closing is heard, the enters slowly. He is wearing
glasses, and holding a bunch of roses in his right guest
hand. The husband stretches
his
right hand to shake hands and when he realizes that he is
his left hand holding
holding the bottle. The guest, a bit confused, shifis glass,
a he stretches
the flouers
lefi hand and takes the bottle. Then the husband to s
and stretches out his shifis the glass to his left hand
empty right hand for a shake. This time the guest gives
takes, places on the raised platfom, and comes hum
the flowers which the husband
with an outstretched hand. The bu
guest shifts the bottle to his left hand and at last tihey
manage a handshake.)
Husband (While shaking
the guest's hand
(Pauses.) Shall we be formal or friendly? vigorously) I welcome you
Guest Friendly will be
just fine.
Husband I welcome you to my humble abode!
vigorously again, the guest smiles in amazement. (As
hand he
shakes the guests
sorry! The husband stops.)
(He releases the guest's hand, and makes
way to let him pass. As the
theflowers to pick them up, the husband overtakes guest moves
him, takes the lowers and gestue
 The Guest (Engida): A One Act
Play 105

ards a seat.
While the guest limbs up the few steps on to the raised platform, the
1owarlaces the flowers on a small table next to the reclining chair. The guest puts
husbane p on
he table and when he is about to sit on the chair, centre, which looks
the .
bottle
the more comfortable than the others, the husband vhistles. The guest turns
bigger and the husband gestures with his head towards the chair on the
see
what's wrong
points to the chair to make sure, and the husband nods in agreement.
1o

right.
auest Theguest
rosses towards the chair and as he is about to sit ... .)
Husband ould you like to join me?
Guest (He straightens.) Join you?
I mean, shall offer you beer: Or do you prefer something else?
usband
Guest Beer
is fine with me, especially if it's Saint George.
Husband (Shaking his head with appreciation.) Our taste is one and the same!
and raising his glass.) Cheers!
Getting closer to the guest,
With what?
Guest (Confused.)
Husband Oh sorry!
crosses to the front door. When the guest is about to
(Leaving his glass on the table,
turns and with a loud voice .)
sit, the husband
. . .

Husband Please take your scat, Sir!

(The guest is bewildered and straitens,
but when he realizes that it was only an

invitation, hecalmly starts to sit. But again the husband turns....)

Husband Feel at home!
before, and the husband goes in to
reacts as the house. While the guest
(The guest
looks around the garden, the husband comes back with a bottle of beer and a glass on
a tray, and pours the beer in
such a way that the glass isfilled with foam. He gives it
to the guest. When the guest is about to take a sip ....)
Husband (ln a loud voice.) Give wine unto him that be of heavy heart. Let
him drink, and remember his misery no more.

(1They clink glasses and the husband takes a sip, while the guest finds it dificult to
take a sip as his glass is full of foam. But because it's only polite to take a sip, he
manages The husband points at his owrm lips, the guest mimes to say "what?",
one.
the husband points at the guest who mimnes again to mean "what about me?" The
husband then points at and wipes his lips. This time the guest understands, and after
while they look each
upng his lips, shous his appreciation with a gesture. For a at

other with a smile ... Silence.)

Husband We can't sit here and stare at each other until my wite comnes
and introduces us. Therefore, we are obliged to make the introduction
ourselves.
(He takes eff the sunglasses, and stretches his hand for a hand shake.)
Husband while
Theguest, who was about to shake hands, gets confused and freezes. After a
he takes the husband's hand.)
Guest Guest!
(The husband makes a vigorous handshake, suddenly stops and gestures to say

"sory")
Husband (Crosses to stage lefi, and in an aside.) I manage the introauctoy
 106 Manyazewal Endeshaw

I going to cope with the rest of th

talkingoperation?
am
well, how
What operation?... Are you
part
to m
Guest Operation? know your life's calling?
. . .

Husband Do you
Guest What?
reason, nobody comes here.
Husband Without
invited here.
Guest But I'm
Husband Invited?
To this world?
momnent coifuSion.) Oh you mcan that You
of are
Guest (After a
born 1S a miracle right.
Nobody is born
without a reason. Getting
have been so if we had not overdone itl
Husband It would
And what's your
lite's call1ng, ifI may ask?
Guest (Pause.)
was an actor. (Pause.) When I had enough of their hi.
Husband and
nagging, I quit.
Guest Who are they?
artists.
Husband The so-called
Guest But if the truth was on your side, you should have stayed and fonoh
Husband That's what you think, my friend! They wouldn't let you n
go
before they drove you crazy.
Guest Haven't you heard the saying that "the truth sets you free"?
Husband And don't you know that telling the truth gets you hanged?
Guest But I thought artists talk more openly than the rest of us.
Husband Openly? You don't know them, my friend. Everything they say
in their interviews is invented, pure fiction.
Guest How do you mean?
Husband What they tell is not the truth, but what people want to hear!
For instance, if you ask a writer why he is writing, he says, "To change
society!" But probably he writes for money, or fame. Let me tel you
what I read about a fantastic writer. This author wrote all his great noveis
to pay for debts incurred by gambling.
Guest Dostoyevsky?
(The husband shows his thumb in appreciation.
Guest What I feel is, the relationship between artists and their fans is hKe
nat of new lovers. For instance, you don't tell everything aboutyou
a gir you just started dating. There may be a few things you hide,a
a few things you lie about.
Husband (Laughs.) This is really a new angle of looking at it! Kiac
brother!
(The guest smiles with embarrassment at the
Guest Well... if
enthusiasm of the husband) not
you show your weaknesses to the pretty giri wi
yet given you her will
heart,
the image she has been building aboutyrhe
suddenly crumble! In a similar manner, fans put their idols
above
clouds, and if artists reveal that folk,
they have weaknesses like co1u on
they'll come crashing down from the clouds!
Husband (Applauding,) shake
Bravo, bravo, bravo! (Stretching his hand.)
hands!
(The guest is embarrassed.) Come on!... Lee
Please, do it for me
 The Guest (Engida): A One Act Play 107

ouest is on the raised platfom, the husband

they
ehe guest
(Becausethe brisklyinpuls
(Becase a handshake. But then he holds the guest's shoulders him down
afriendly manner as

walk about the stage.)

they you impressed me, I'm going to compose a deep and complex
andBecause
poem for you.
P aCTOss the stage pretending to create the poem then and there. He then
H e moves across

stops and with deep absorption recites.)

With anticipation of admiration, he turns towards the guest.)

Guest Sorry, but l'm not versed in such poetry.

The husband gestures to mean "Wait a minute" and takes a few moments to make
a translatiorn.)
Husband Come, come the cat of poetry,
Milk of the students' heart is flowing for thee!
guest still shows that he has no idea.) Do you understand?
(The
Guest Not at all.
Husband When I translate from an old language, how come you fail to
relate the lines to our circumstance?
(The guest gestures "VWhat can you do?")
Husband Can't you try a bit?
Guest I don't have a clue.
Husband Not even a guess
Guest I give up!
Husband Actually, it was very easy if you only asked the right qustions.
to the raised
(Crossing Who is represented by the cat? (Pouring beer
platform.) the glass
the guest 's glass.) What is represented by the milk? (Handing
to Do you
the guest.) Whose heart are we talking about? (Pause.)
of beer to
believe in coincidence?
Guest Very much.
Husband Give me an example.
I remember what my
uest (Pause.) Whenever coincidence is mentioned,
"Where were you born,
friend's son once said. He is a cunning boy.
SKS his father, "Harar" comes the answer. "And mother?" "Dessie
born in Addis Ababa."
the father. "What about me?" "You
were
CS it amazing that the three
ponders for a moment and says, "Is
not
DOy
of
should meet?
us

usband (Laughing.) He is truly a cunning boy

friend told
me,
at first when my
a u s e . ) What made me laugh met,
father never

t o feel mysterious. Let's say, if my mother and but

have otherchildren,
nhave beenborn. Separately, both can
now usea Ouy
in the ancient Ethiopian language called
Geez, which is
n
Written
Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church.
 108 Manyazewal Endeshau

never me! (The husband shakes his head in agreement.) For

look at the birth of Emperor Menclik. When she was a i stance, let
mother had a drcam and said to
her fricnds; "The Sun
womb." Menelik's grandmother sent this girl to her
came
favourite out
her favori
lenelk
it of
son'
my

But because he had an cngagement with another girl, he ve the Seifu

his elder brother Hailemelekot, and he becanme pregnant with Me girl to
If the girl had slept with Scifu, she may have got
pregnant with enchik
child, but never with Menelik, and the history of Ethiopia another
would have
been difcrent. ave
Husband (Tuly impressed.) That's a wonderful thought!
If Menelik had not raiscd the shicld against Italians,
The Abyssinians would still have been slaves!
It's amazing that the history ofa nation is determined by such coincidene
(Pause.) By the way, what's your profession? idences
Guest l'm a psychiatrist.
Husband Why did you chose that profession?
Guest Because l'm interested.
Husband How about competence, do you think you have it?
Guest (Smiles.) Well...until now l'm doing fine.
Husband Let's say, instead of psychiatry, what if you could do better at .
(Making a suing at him.) boxing? How would you know unless you tried
it?
Guest (Smiles.) Well...you can't try every protession.
Husband (Pause.) Sometimes I think people live while cheating themselves.
A peson who could make a good priest, turns out to be a soldier,
and strives all his life to do a courageous act and become a hero, but
is destined to fail. He will be the object of ridicule for his friends the
rest of his life. For instance, while you could have made a good boxer
or aviator, you spend your life as a psychiatrist whom nobody knows.
(Pause.) You know what I sometimes say to myself? "You shouldn't have
married; you could never make a good husband; you are created to bea
lover; and because you didn't know this fact, you lead a miserable hte"
That's what I say to myself. On the other hand, being a lover 1s not an

easy occupation. The secret meetings, the gossip, the harass1ment t you

are caught red handed, the blows that the husband would rain on yot
the thrashing by the guard, the punches from passersby, and tinally th
handcufis of the police! It's when I consider this that I say, "On: t

really lucky to be a husband!" (Pause.) And you?

Guest I've never thought like that.
Husband (Teasing) Do you think you could make a good lover?
Guest (Smiling.) I've never tried it.
(Playuly the husband places a hand on theguest's shoulders, andlaughung
Husband Let's assume that you got Chance... would you be good at
Guest Do you think I haven't had a chance?
(The husband suddenly becomes serious and moves his head m age
 The uest
(lingida): A One Act
Play 10
wing a w a y t u r n s his back to the guest, who looks around the
Guest Your house Jooks pleasant, garden. Pause.
nd It belongs
to my parcnts. (Pause.) From all the
members of my
the only o n e who
family, T'm 1s it by accident?
Guest
Oh, I'm sorry...

Husband
No, by hoice... everyone is living abroad.
HusD sce ... then how come you alonc stayed behind?
Guest Ah,
Husbar What's an actor witho his stage? (Pause.) Looking at me from
de, o n e ink that l'm lucky, but l'm not. The one I
would thin
wanted
Ou is pot the woman who invited you here. But what can you do?
ae)I had a fiancéc. (Pause.) And suddenly this one falls in love with
(Paus
me: for no apparent reason, Even before I laid cyes on her, her friends
ldme that she said she'd kil herself unless she made me hers. (Pause,)
er friends begged me ... they pursued me everywhere! Believing that
she would calm down if I met her for a few days, I agreed to meether.
Guest (Pause.) What about your fiancée?
Husband I didn't tell her.I agreed to meet the girl secretly. But she was
getting worse. She even became jealous of my fiancée. Is that not absurd?
Well, I started to avoid her. When she realized this, you know what she
did? She hanged herself?
Guest (In shock.) What?!
Husband (Smiles.) H'm, if it were not for neighbours who arrived on time,
she was gone for good! Finally, I asked her, "What do want? You know
what she said? "To marry you!" was her answer. I thought about it, and
considered it from different angles. At last I said, "What is the difference
between one woman and another? Marrying this one or that one does
not make a difference." So I married her.
Guest (Pause.) How about your fiancée?
Husband (Tearfully.) Well, I gave her the ring back, and with tears we
separated. (Takes out a handkerchief and wipes his eyes.) Sometimes I ask
myself whether I did that in sound mind, or if she used black magic.

Pause.)Do believe in black

you (The guest shakes his head "no")
magic?
And you know, my former fiancée, before a year elapsed .
Guest She hanged herself:
Husband She got married.
Guest Ah, I see.
usband But now I don't regret my decision. The man she married (Laughs
trom death:
Od.) died after a year. Therefore, I feel as if I escaped
Guest What did he die of?
Husband Who knows? He died suddenly.
Guest Well, that could be just a coincidence
Husband Coincidence!
Gin Amharic, is only used in Ethiopia,
there is no chance

for o
our
r l4 language,
theatre people to survive abroad.
110 Manyazeuwal Endeshaw

Who knows?
and Adey the flower,"
Ifthe bird a spring
of
ot September?" said.
Have made rendezvous, in the month for her.
one of said
But n o w I feel pity our
poets. (Pause.)
Guest Perhaps
she may meet somebody.
Husband What about me?
Guest But you left her, didn't you?
Husband When?
left her for this one.
Guest You said you
Husband Are you talking about the other one?

the other one that you feel pity?

Guest Is it not for
She is not happy, you know. And for he-
Husband (Shakes his head.)
that might disappoint her. My sole aim.C
abstained from everything
to make her happy in every way possible. She can do anything, as ong as
and I wouldn't be offended.
it makes her happy, anything;
Guest (Ponders intensely.) You are kind! I really mean it. You are a very kind

person! I don't think there is such a husband who is as anxious for his
wife as you!
Husband How about a wife, who
is anxious for her husband?
but...
Guest You might find such a one,
Husband (Moving his head up and down.) Such people are not lucky enough
to meet each other. Treated like a princess by one, can be played upon
like a doll by another! Knowing this, I tolerate everything with patience.
But sometimes I'm embittered! (Suddenly moves toward the guest,
(Pause.)
almost pushing him physically.) I just want to fly away and leave her!
(The husband crosses to the entrance, and looks at the offstage gate.)
Husband And where is she now? (Turns his head to the guest, and whispers.)
IfI tell you a secret, would you keep it to yourself?
Guest Ifit is a secret, of course I would.
Husband (Hesitates for a moment.) The true reason why I stopped acting
.. (He senses someone coming, and as he tries to make sure, the guest stars
the cougts
coughing; the husband anxiously gestures to make him stop, but guest
again
You see, I had no life outside of theatre! When I go onto the stage,
get a kind of ecstasy that... that I don't feel even when I sleep with a
woman! What can I say? ... IfI don't act for a month, I nearly explou
That was why I got involved in 4 or 5 plays a week. If one of the play
not I wouldn't worry, because I still would pertor
pertorming,
was
the other plays. But my friends think that I did it for money. Wnnat r e
tor
don't know is, as long as willing to work
I don't go hungry, I'm Ire
(Pause.) But the problem is ... I have a condition that nobody KnO
so I decided to quit all together.
ne Adey ffower has yellow petals, is found only in Ethiopia, and grows at the begn
the spring season.
 The Guest
(lingida): A One Act Play 111
Guest (4fier.
ileBut you didn't tell me
your condition.
Husband... l'meon stage... andT forget my lines
remember but
... I try to
cant...
the other
other actor
the actorS try to
prompt me.. .but just can't hear what I
I
say..
ehe
the audience applauds tor the
auc
play to continue I feel ...

they my
back drenchec with sweat... ny hand visibly shakes... those who run
paticnce whistle... the angry ones come onto the
shout and wlh
out of
menacingly approach me shouting "Give our stage,
money back!"
anttoWay... but ny legs won't budge... "Give us our money"I
...

et closer .. the other actors, instead of protecting me,

shouting, th
rather shout at me to give their money back finally the men
...

grab
me
the neck
. . . I fight to get
by e down on the stage fHoor and one of them, wearing an
myselt free ... but it is useless...
they
throw me dowr army
kicks
shoe, kicks
my genitals ... short of breath and gasping for air ... I wake

up screanming.

wvith a handkerchief)
(Pause. Wipes hisJace
wake up
in sweat.
soak (Pause.) Every time I have a performance, on
I
morning, I have this same nightmare. (Pause.) What do vou
rhe previous
have to say about this? (Pause.) Didn't you say that you are a psychiatrist?
you go to bed
Guest (Ponders.) Perhaps, betore
. . .

in. The husband quickly gets up and picking up the flouwers,

hides
The wife comes
them behind his back.)
have you been here long?
Wife l'm very sorry,
chatting with your husband that . .

long. ActuallyI
Guest Not that
was

not amazing that the three of us should meet?"

Husband Darling, "Is it
Wife How do you mean?
behind his back and presents them to her.)
(The husband takes the flowers from not beautiful flowers?
them to the guest.) Are these
Wife Wow! (Showing
Guest The flowers are...
and makes threatening gestures
to the guest to

(The husband hides behind the wife,

keep quiet)
Wife You were saying turns to the husband.)
"I can't say." The wife is confused and
(he guest gestures
Wife What? cards. You can join
(Pause.) Oh, we were albout to play
Husband What?
us if you like.
and the articles she bought,shie gves
would love to! (Carrying the flouers
wireI
into the house.)
without being seen, drops a caa 0 Seka or
usband (Deals out the cards, and
win.) What shall we play'
and uses to
C he later picks up
Conquer?
Guest Let it be Seka.
Husband What shall we play with
Wife With money, of course.

lwo card games monly played in Ethiopia.

 Manyazewal Endeshaw
112

Husband No, the loser will pertorm whatever

ever the
the winner
Guest Like what?

(The wife comes with single rose and placesit in

the guest's che:
commands
makes a mocking sound.)
Husband While we are watching, he or
Gesturing toward
the
wife.)
hu sband
take off all his or her clothes.
CThe wife and the guest look at each other, and then they both loal she w
at the husba
The wifelaughs out loud, while the guest miles nervously. The
to console him. The husband drops a card and dances around, atwife
t touches his hand
to look at the wife's cards. But she becomes conscious
of his intention ume time trying
cards... The husband wins and the guest is second.
tries to control it.)
The wife is a hi
covers her
Husband Mrs. Wife, get up!
(The wife does everything as she is tola. The guest observes everythina.
thing with uriosih
andforeboding).
Husband Go down and stand there... Can you loosen
vour hi
beauty? Turn your face toward me, my darling One step hair, my ...

take off your shoes my elegant girl and noW rward.

your dress... (She
...

the hem of her dress.) your dres must be (He ponders and then turns holtheds
. .

guest.) Shall we make the punishment tough or easy?

Guest Will you follow my suggestion?
Husband Maybe, tell me what it is.
Wife (Waving her hands and talking as if to very distant people.) Am I visibl:
Can you hear me?
(The men look at her, and then return to their discussion.)
Guest Maybe to listen to what I say, but then stick to
your own decision?
Husband But whether I follow your advice, or stick to my decision how
can you find out unless you try it?
(While the husband and the guest glare at each other, the uwife puts her shoes on and
her place.)
returns to
Husband What about the punishment?
Wife I gave you the chance, but you failed to use it.
Husband You're a sore loser. But from now on, the loser must perto
punishment. I'm serious!
Lurng the
second round ofthe game, the husband takes two cards and theue so
his attempt
to cheat.)
Wife You took two cards,
put one back.
Husband No, I took only one; if
you can count you nke. two
Wife (When she counts it's as he said.) But I saw you tak1ng cards.

Husband You just play the

card
Wite (7hrowing her cards douwn on the table.) I'm not playings
than
ne husband strikes her on the face with his cards. She feels more a150ad
hurt,4and leaves the table with bowed head, and goes into the houSe. 1e husbane
collects the cards.)
Guest Why did
you hit her?
 The Guest
(Engida): A Ome
Act
Play 113
-eacses to the
guest, takes the rose ont
of his
houring u i t h an exageerated gestue ) Oh,
Lord! poekeet amd suddenty
my
TmISSTON hitto Mrs. Wife just once? Will you
give me
(Pause The heshtmd smather
prtalk of the
h rose and throw* them at the guest)
the
ink T'm cuel? Forget it! There are a lot of
You

DaCe)Do you
rstand. (Pause) know fortune things that
nde

Wait, T'l show you telling with cards? (The quetest

dors not ansuY.)
Singing a caditional
traditioi song assomated with witeheraft, he wenrs
artifieial hsir sud
hrard HrHe sifs on
sits the raised piatform roveed *th
gras, and starte the fsts.
rtume
ellimg 4ftrr arrangin the cards, takes ont one card and looks
road in the dark. (7akes another cand) You'll get
at it ) Esee
ong a fortune from
ted source.(Another cad) There is a woman you
are smitten
he is also looking at you with besotted
eyes. (Another card) see
TDC. and you are not alone. (Another cand ) A man is concealed hehid

armed; he has a gun

he is he is
looking at you with terrifyin
wc ll find a remedy tor that. (Pause.) Why is your face getting
Da
you find what T'm say1ng to be true?... It's only for amusement
(Disappointed, ollects the cards.)
Guest I don't like things related to witchcraft.
Husband Are you scared?
Guest It's not that, but I don't want to fool around with things I don't
know much about. (Pause.) How much do you know about witcherait?
Husband Hey hey, take it easy my friend! We can drop it.
Silence The husband seems to spot a spider in the air, grabbing its web, drops it on
the ground, and uhile raising hisfoot to squash it, the guest makes a sound of disgust
and looks away. The husband smiles mischievously and gives the spider directions

like a tnaffu policeman.

Husband Do you know the story of Othello?
Guest I saw the play when I was in England.
one! (Pause.) I aun Otheilo:
usband Great! It's a blessing to talk to a learned
As you know the story well, you know what I mcan!
uest(Pause.) Would you agree, if I made a suggestiOn?
Husband What kind of suggestion?
you know
what it is.
uest You have to accept it before OK
with hesitation.)
and (Suspects a trick and accepts
Guest Let's change
places
Husband (Wondering.) Meaning' uke
uest You take my place, and l'll take your
youn
Husband And then?
Guest We'll see.
Husband For how
long?
Guest That, my friend, you can decide. with Jomuliy, o
Ihe husband While changing places m a
elu.teu
wlh hesitation. coat and
eates the mirrore s takes off his
ma g e of the
im4 other. The vuest
 114 Manyazeuwal Endeshaw

mood gulps his beer, and looks at the husband.)

Guest Hey cheer up, why are you quiet: (The husband
and isis confused
beer is finished; shallI get you another one? confused.) Oh,
Husband (Getting up.) T'l get it myself. your
Guest (Loudly.) What? ... "Tl get it myself"? .. Have vOu
before? here
Husband What?
Guest In that case, you must have visited my bedroom too!
Husband (Understands the game.) I no, today 1s my first
...

time, Ok
me a beer. get
(The guest shows his appreciation and while crossing to the front door., he ren
tricks the husband played on him earlier. When the husband is about to sithe he
turns and with a loud voice....) guest
Guest Please take your seat, Sir!
(The husband is bewildered and straitens, but when he realizes that it is his
own tridk
played upon him, he calmly starts to sit. But again the guest turns...)
Guest Feel at home!
(The guest goes into the house. The husband is confused, and tries to understand
the
situation. Suddenly the coquettish laughter of the wife is
Unable to hold out any more, he approaches the door and
heard from inside the house.
peers through a crack .
Sensing the return of the guest, he runs back and sits at his former seat, picks upa
bottle and when he is about to take a swig, realizes his mistake and moves
to his
present seat. The guest comes back with a bottle of beer and a glass on a tray, and
pours the beer in such a way that the glass is filled with foam. He gives it to the
husband, and when he is about to take a sip...)
Guest (In a loud voice.) Wine maketh glad the heart of man!
(They then go through a shorter version of the wiping lips routine. Whispers.)
Guest You love my wife, right?
Husband (In a loud voice.) Which wife?
Guest (Anxiously looks towards the house.) Shush ... take it easy, and tell me
the truth. I swear I'm not
going to be cross with you. But don't lie to me
Husband Well... it's not in the way
you just...
Guest In whatever way it is, I wouldn't be cross with you. But don't think
that you can get away with lying!
Husband (Stressed and fidgeting.) H'm..
Guest (Encouraging.) That's good,
you just give me the truth!
come on! However upsetting it migne e,
Husband Well it's not easy to talk frankly about how one feels...
(Their exchange gets faster and faster.)
Guest Prizes and
trophies, ready to be given.
Husband What I really want to
say is
Guest No prizes, no
Husband
trophies.
Since our
feeling is complex
Guest (Cuts
...

in with loud
a
voice.)) You shut up:
Husband What?
 The Guest
(Engida): A One Act Play
115
tHusband isfirst stur and then gets angry and
is met by the same ction from the guest. For
reactic energetically
a
moves
forward,
which moment
they stand face to
a fight.)
readyforhad known that
face at you are such
Guest I f I a
malicious coward, I
have asked you!
have a
wouldn't
the realizes that he has to keep on
husband
(Finally playing the game and backs
The guest takes off his glasses, and puts on the husband's
ino chair and gets comfortable. Pause. The husband crosses
to the rec
Sunglasses, crosses
to the back of
takes out a piece of costu for Othello and in a loud voice
recites from Act
Scene 2, but not in the right sequence.)
5. name it to
Husba Let me
not
you, you chaste stars!
Guest What?
Husband That handkerchiefI so loved and gave thee
Thou gavest to Cassio.
I saw my handkerchief in's hand.
o perjured woman! thou dost stone my heart,
And makest me call what I intend to do
A murder, which I thought a sacrifice:
I saw the handkerchief.
Guest Time is up!
Husband Had all his hairs been lives, my great revenge
Had stomach for them all.
Guest I said, time is up!
Husband . confess thee freely of thy sin;
For to deny each article with oath
Cannot remove nor choke the strong conception
That I do groan withal. Thou art to die.
Guest Hey you, time is up l said!
Husband I must weep,
But they are cruel tears: this sorrow's heavenly;
It strikes where it doth love.
husband throws
ne husband strangles the guest, who fights for his life; finally, the
Hest doun from the reclining chair; the guest coughs and tries to get ar
Art" said one or
Usband "There is no magic cure, for those bewitched by
Our great poets. And I'm created for the stage
e husband takes his sundlasses from the guest and on his way oul, gou

pain.) by t e
then coming back,
unseen
usband Ah! I've got a head ache! (He exits,
guest.) Do you have a wife? After a
while
rosses himself.
(He laughing.
out The guest is shocked, and atractive legs. She
looks
her
wife enters earng
wearing a Ssimple nightdress
that shows
She places the
canales
o
Crushed and carrie: candleholder with
a burning candles.
the table s
and sits.)
Wife Is he
Guest Yes. gone?
 116 Manyazewal Endeshauw

that you find his behaviour stranos

Wife I understand Please forgive him
how to put it, but his head
(Pause.) I don't know
Guest Yes, he told me.

told you?
Wife (Suprised.) He
out to buy tablets,.
Guest I think he went
Wife (Pause.) I feel sorry for him. He was a good
committed to a mental hospital. person
Guest Was he comnmitted?
Wife He sick for a long time.
was
Guest That means what he has told me is not true.
Wife What has he told you?
Guest That he had anotherfiancée and you...
Wife Would hang myselfunless he is mine? That's a
story
...

he tells
body. every.
very-
Guest Then how come you married?
Wife We're not married. (P'ause.) We
even sleep in separate beds.
are Just living together. (1Pause)
(Pause.) But he believes that we are
and wife. He even talks about our
wedding. husba
explain to him that we are not married, and the(Pause.) Once I tried
he created in his mind. He went wedding is an illusion
berserk! I was atraid that he
mad, and left the mtter at that. was going
Guest How did you come to
live together then?
Wife It's a long
story.
Guest (Looks at his
watch.) I would
Wife (Pause.) My father like you to tell me.
died before I was born.
long after I was born. When I My mother remarried not
chores. Why grew up, I had to do all the
my mother wanted me to household
to
employ maid, made
a work, while they could attord
amazing is that my mother wonder even at that time. What is more
me

Our age did not

difference is not much. Ift want my younger sister to help
my mother who asked her to pass me me
asked, not you," jumped up to do it. When I something,
my mother would said, "But it's my
Ou
I Just take
it! I used to feel say, "You want the thing, sIe
brought my friends that she rig
my sister's home, the whole daywas my stepmother. (ust If
now. In friends, she would be extra she would be
angry. Du en
Guest Howmy own house, I felt like a sweet. I don't understand
Wife long were your stranger
They were not parents married?
gesture of married. I was born
understanding.
novels. And I Pause.)
Guest You knewborrowed most of
I started
out of
wedlock.of(The guest
spending
Wife We were him even then? the books from him. my
ng most of my time
tinne eading

student, and living in the

same
other than thecould easily get neighbourhood.
like the ones books. l'm not books. But there
He was then a univversity
\

but maybe was nothing DE

in veen us
stories, becausesure,
I
have never the kind ot want is

man
nything for any man
 The Guest
(Engida): A One Act Play 117
live ia a dream world. But I preter
I used
to dreaming
oy reading If my mother saw light in
in the
daytime:
my bed room
I'm
inking that l'in
night
wasting money, she would be at
night,
angry. So I
candles sheneverI
whe got moncy, and read by candlelight. bought
be time when you fell in love with candles.
Thatust
G u e s

have becn.
have
t

It
must1st ally, I quarreled
with my sister, and I
Wife
Then my with
mothe
a her beat me
stick. I got sick. He slapped
was the or
her.
who took
e to hospital. He had graduated and was one
as Only him and my step father who visited meemployed
in the
at the
Guest How come tha you haven't fallen in lovewi him after allhospital
time

he has
done for you?
Wife You think love
because of favours? That
somcone
You can fall in love even with somcone whose behaviour
you don't like.
don't know, buti regard him as my brother. When I was about
I to leave
nital,
the hos
he offered to take me in as a sister, until sorted
I things out.
nAtffirst, refused. Since I couldn't bear the thought of seeing my mother
again, I accepted his offer and came to this house.
Keeping word, he
his
tok me in as his sister. (Her smiling face changes to a serious expression.) But
slowly he started to consider me his wife. I couldn't take it. He forced me
to sleep with him!. But I always teel as it I'm sleeping with my brother;
it's repulsive. But he won't understand. It's so horrible!
Guest (Remains sad for a while.) Why don't you leave him?
Wife Where can I go? To my mother, who is more like a stepmother?
(Pause.) Sometimes I feel like going to my father.
Guest But...you told me that he is dead.
Wife Wouldn't my dead father be better than my living mother? At times
death is better than life! When I sometimes get confused, do you know
what I ask myself? "AmI really born? What if l'm still in my mocher's
womb dreaming?" (Pause.) Who knows? Maybe we get born when we
finish this dream. What if the so called death is just the end of the dream?
You know why I think like this? I feel that there is world
is so beautiful, where life
another which
is perfect and people live without problems,
disease and pain, without crying and agony. I don't mean heaven where
virtuous people are supposed to go. If you believe in heaven, you must
also believe in hell. But what kind of God would create such a horrnble
place? On the other hand, to consider life as a mere passage trom the
mother's womb to the womb of the earth would be a bitter joke! Thats
why I take this world as a laboratory where people are tested and pass
nrough. Just like when we wake up from a terrible nightnare, and teel||

Decause it didn't really happen, we feel the same when we born| are

n the perfect world. All the blunders we committed, and the agony and

Pl1n experienced here would be forgotten. We'll become pertect:

We
born,
only be happiness, and love. So l'm eager to be
to
W peace
wake up from my dream!
in the
TOu don't have to think like that. You can't know what's
 118 Manyazewal Endeshaw

future.
Wife My problem is also not being able to know what's i
hat's
(Pause.) But I realized a long time ago that I couldn't go on the utu
in
Guest (Pause.) Is there any way that I can help you? on like this. future.
Wife I don't think you can help me. I have nowhere
to
go! Unless.
us dies .. (Pause.) one of
Guest If you are so bitter, you can come with me.
Wife Where?
Guest To my house.
Wife Are you living alone?
Guest Actually l'm not alone.
Wife You are married then.
Guest No, I'm living with my two sisters.
Wife Then what woud they say 1t you suddenly
Guest Well, I'll explain the situation.
brought a woman alones
Wife How would you do that? (Pause.) Are
you going to say, "I've knOw
this woman for less than a week, but because she n
told me how
life treated her, I brought her with me." dreadfull
Guest No, I would tell them that I've known
Wife Are you going to lie? you for a long time.
Guest So what?
Wife (Pause.) How come
you are not married?
Guest (Pause.) I've tried, but it
failed.
Wife How do you mean?
Guest I had a fiancée.
the theatre, I was (Pause.) The surprising thing is, when I saw in
overwhelmed. you
Wife I don't understand.
Guest You look
exactly like my former fiancée.
finally separated. (Pause.) Anyhow we were
Wife What happened?
Guest She was she was
Wife Did she love
...

dating someone else.

Guest I used to thinkyou?
Wife Why not? she did, but that
makes no
difference!
Guest What do
Wife Even if she you mean?
Guest And?
was
dating, she didn't dump you, right?
Wife How can
dating someone else?abandon
you a
woman you
Guest I don't love, only because siic was
Wife You shouldunderstand what you are
have given her saying!
evaluating
Guest
the other guy.
more time.
She may have
come back aafter
(Equally (Emotionally.)
whom she wasemotional.) I loved her Had you loved her truly
me!... Let's dating? My best friend, more than
who was myself!
Do you
drop it, you can't more like a to
understand it. brou
 The Guest
(Engida): A One Act
Play 119
(Softly-) I understand.
(She sits at the left edge
devotion is absolute, of the platfom
Wife
G u e s t Yoou:sec, in love, my
ould you feclfee if someone just like in religion.
and This
saying, "TH is just a
suddenly picks up the idol What
figure created by human you worship
s!" breaks it and shows mind,
you its emptiness? constructed
by human hands!"

orship it again? Wouldn't you get angry and ashamed

W. Wo
Would you
for
r n?And the idol, andbeing
would you not hate cheated
O That's what happened to me. yoursclf, the religion?
(Pause.) I believed in this girl;
e 1ny religion,
and she my
guardian love
that she could walk on it; angcl! spread my honourI
mder her feet so I surrendered
village became a place of worship, and her
her beauty; her my pride for
LnelLike a torch | burned my childhood dream for her! home my
ame ny command! My daily prayer was to recite her Her wish
to sing her hymn ot glory! (Silence.) And suddenly thistenderness and
has fallen from grace and became a human being; an holy idol of mine
2ura of glory darkened, the sacred
ordinary being, The
spirituality was
replaced
hody. I discovered her pertection to be false, her innocenceby mortal a

She turned out to be like any other fallacious.

woman, any other human. (Pause.) I
hated myselt, I gave up on love!
She slowly gets up and crosses to the
right edge of the platfom where he is
and kneels at his feet.) sitting,
Wife (Looking up at his face.) Forgive me please!
Guest(Looks at herin conjusion.) What for?
Wife For your broken heart for the sleepless
...

long nights.. for the

poisoning of your passion with hatred .. for suffering endlessly.
Guest But you haven't done anything to me.
Wife In her name give me your forgiveness!
(Holding her shoulders he raises her, kisses her brow, and she embraces him. They
stay in this position for a while.)
Wife Are you willing to take with
me
you?
Guest Yes.
Wife Then let's go right now.
Guest Aren't you taking
Wife I want nothing
anything?
hey oross to the gate, but before exiting they freeze. The husband, sr
garette, enters slowBy, and geting closer to the guest, blows smoke in his face. The
wife unhuriedly turns and heads toward the reclining chair, and later sits.)
usband Are you leaving? Sorry for my long absence. Stay for a while,
prease!I promise to see you out. (He gently pushes him towards a seat.)
You haven't even finished your beer. (Turns to the wife.) Couldn't you
Persuade him to stay, honey? Can't you entertain your own guestr
e hsband takes the enpty bottles and the burning candles intothehouse. lhe
e and the guest look at each other, and she gestures him to go out. He points in
o f the house, but she encourages him to go. When they each the exit,
e Husband returns with beer. The wife pretends that she is showing the comgpouna