TWO SIDES OF FAITH

__________________________

A Gospel full-length play

By EMEKA ONWUKWE

9/8/2016
 ii.

CAST OF CHARACTERS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

1. MRS. DANIELS

2. PAULA

3. MR. DANIELS

4. JUNIOR

5. SILAS

6. POLICE OFFICER 1

7. POLICE OFFICER 2

8. KODO

9. CHIEF OF STAFF

10. LOCO

11. ESOSA

12. DUDUS

13. TIME KEEPER

14. INMATES

15. ABEL

16. JANE

17. DAVIDSON

18 RUTH

19. NATASHA

20. HENRY

21. MR. WILFRED

22. SUSIE
 ACT 1
SCENE 1
A sitting room tastefully furnished
but exhibits a taste of simplicity.
On close observation we can see
that it is a Christian home as we
see Christian pictures on the wall.
At one side of the stage is the
dining room. MRS. DANIELS and her
daughter PAULA are dressing the
table for a special occasion.

PAULA
I still ask mum, how soon will he be here?
MRS. DANIELS
(Smiles)
If am to answer your question child, I would say he is acting
like the bride.
Both of them burst into fits of
laughter.
PAULA
And so when is Ruth coming home?
MRS. DANIELS
This evening. Your Abel will be going to pick her up from the
airport.
PAULA
I guess she is as excited as he is.
MRS. DANIELS
You bet.
PAULA
Will Silas be allowed to be here?
Mrs. Daniels remains silent.
PAULA
Wrong question I guess. Tell me mum, how did it feel when you
were to get married to Dad?
Mrs. Daniels smiles, places a plate
carefully on the table and then
sits in nostalgia.
MRS. DANIELS
It was magical. Your father was so handsome then, or should I
say beautiful.
PAULA
Beautiful?
 2.

MRS. DANIELS
Yes. Courtship then was very simple and memorable because
every educated man was gentle especially to the ladies.
PAULA
Wow, what a world that must have been.
MRS. DANIELS
It was a generation of true character, I mean if you were
lucky enough to be a student, you were expected by the
community to be a role model to everyone. Communities paid
for the few intelligent indigenes to go to school.
PAULA
And Daddy was among the lucky few?
MRS. DANIELS
He wasn’t lucky, he was intelligent.
PAULA
Now tell me about the magical moment. Spare no details mum.
MRS. DANIELS
Papa and Mama had been telling me about this handsome and
brilliant man that they wanted me to meet.
PAULA
Hold on mum, it was arranged by Grandpa and Grandma?
Mrs. Daniels nods.
PAULA
I hope you were not coerced into marriage mum?
MRS. DANIELS
No, it was my choice. I fell in love with your father the
first time I met him.
PAULA
Now mum am going to ask a silly question so pardon me.
MRS. DANIELS
Shoot, you are already pardoned.
PAULA
Did you kiss Dad on your first date?
Mr. DANIELS and JUNIOR enter
bearing grocery items in packs.
MR. DANIELS
Who is kissing who?
Both women adjust themselves. Mrs.
Daniels smiles broadly.
MRS. DANIELS
Welcome dears, you are home so soon.
MR. DANIELS
(Sternly)
I thought I heard someone say something about kiss.
MRS. DANIELS
We were just having women conversation...
 3.

MR. DANIELS
(Persistent)
I heard kiss...
PAULA
I was asking...
MRS. DANIELS
(Cautions)
Paula...
MR. DANIELS
Let her speak.
PAULA
I was asking if you kissed mum on your first date?
There is silence in the sitting
room. Mr. Daniels looks at Mrs.
Daniels uncomfortably and then back
at Paula.
MR. DANIELS
(Changing the subject)
The groceries are here, make good use of them.
Mr. Daniels places his pack on the
table and hurries out of the
sitting room. Junior places his own
pack on the table too.
PAULA
When will Daddy ever stop being uptight?
JUNIOR
Be careful what you say about Daddy. The walls have ears.
PAULA
This is our home not a spy ground.
Paula observes Mrs. Daniels as she
sits like one dejected and lost in
subdued thought. Paula tries to
brighten up the atmosphere.
PAULA
Junior, Mummy was telling me about her courtship with Dad.
JUNIOR
Courtship? Did they ever court?
PAULA
Of course they did, according to mum.
JUNIOR
I don’t see Dad as a romantic.
MR. DANIELS
(Entering)
And I don’t see you people working. Our guests will soon be
arriving!
 4.

Everyone makes to start working.

PAULA
(Grumbling)
Someone did not answer a simple question.
Mr. Daniels turns to Paula and
walks fiercely towards her.

MR. DANIELS
What did you say?
Mrs. Daniels blocks his way.
MRS. DANIELS
Sweet heart please.
MR. DANIELS
Is this what you are teaching her now? How to be free minded?
How to ask silly questions? How to be a western girl,
imbibing their immoral culture?
MRS. DANIELS
I’m sorry about this honey I will talk to her.
MR. DANIELS
What are you going to talk to her about? How we kissed as
youths during courtship? You are contaminating the minds of
our kids.
JUNIOR
Count me out Dad.
MR. DANIELS
(Snaps)
Count you out yet you recognized that am not a romantic.
JUNIOR
Sorry about that Daddy.
MR. DANIELS
Sorry for yourself boy. Kids of nowadays want to taste the
fruit at an early age.
PAULA
Am not a kid anymore.
Mr. Daniels turns to Paula.
MR. DANIELS
Oh really, you are not a kid anymore. What are you then?
PAULA
Am 18 so am an adult.
MRS. DANIELS
(Cautions)
Paula.
MR. DANIELS
Don’t caution her. This is the outcome of your verbal
integration.
 5.

JUNIOR
It’s so unfortunate.
PAULA
Don’t act like you are better Junior because you have
concealed the fact that you have a girl friend.
Mr. Daniels turns to Junior in
horror.
MR. DANIELS
What? Junior, you have a girl friend!
JUNIOR
She is just a friend.
PAULA
Who is a girl.
MRS. DANIELS
But honey Junior is 23 I think he is...
MR. DANIELS
Old enough to be a man? Old enough to have a woman and get
her pregnant then my name will be shamed?
JUNIOR
(Timidly)
Like I said she is just a friend.
MR. DANIELS
Then bring her home let us see this friend of yours. Let us
know who she is. Her family background, her religious
background, her tribe...
JUNIOR
She is a Nigerian.
MR. DANIELS
Yes of course she is but what part of Nigeria?
JUNIOR
Daddy she is just a friend not my fiancee.
MR. DANIELS
Just a friend not your fiancee, now answer me, have you or
have you not consummated your relationship with her?
JUNIOR
Dad this is so embarrassing.
PAULA
I think he doesn’t understand the question Dad. Just ask him
if he is till a virgin.
MR. DANIELS
Shut up! Now Junior if you lie to me this very moment you lie
against yourself and God, so have you or have you not
consummated your relationship with that girl, what’s her
name?
PAULA
Susie.
 6.

MR. DANIELS
Susie, that was what her parents named her?
JUNIOR
Her name is Susan.
Junior makes a threatening face at
Paula.
MR. DANIELS
She coins it to become Susie the name of my friend’s dog?
Doesn’t she have a native name?
JUNIOR
She does but...
MR. DANIELS
But what? Where is this Susie from? Never mind I will come to
that. Now tell me, have you defiled yourself with her?
JUNIOR
I haven’t Dad. Cut me some slacks.
PAULA
How do we find out?
JUNIOR
Don’t be silly Paula.
PAULA
How do we find out that you are still a virgin?
MR. DANIELS/MRS. DANIELS
Shut up Paula.
PAULA
Dad, mum, but seriously how do we find out that a male is
still a virgin?
MR. DANIELS
(Barks)
We have to take him by his words.
JUNIOR
Thank you Dad.
MR. DANIELS
Thank me when you do not bring a pregnant girl into this
house.

MRS. DANIELS
I think we need to get to work, time is not our friend.
MR. DANIELS
Am not done. Now listen all of you even you...
He points at Mrs. Daniels.
MR. DANIELS
I will have no one dent the image I have built with integrity
and the fear of God. I have had enough of embarrassments from
one, all thanks to your brother who is out there a deranged
junkie on the streets.
 7.

As the head elder of our esteemed church and also the leader
of the family unit I will not let you kids make mockery of
what I have laboured so much to build. Paula if you so much
want to know how it feels to kiss, wait, grow up and be
successful like your elder sister. She is about to get
married, only then can you kiss to hell if you want to.
PAULA
But Dad do you ever kiss mum?
Mr. Daniels makes to pounce on her.
Mrs. Daniels blocks his way. Paula
backs up in fright.
MR. DANIELS
What effrontery?
MRS. DANIELS
Please let’s all get to work. Paula to the kitchen right now.
Paula guides herself away from Mr.
Daniels and hurries to the kitchen.
Junior makes to hurry away.
MR. DANIELS
Come here Junior.
Junior hesitates a bit.
MR. DANIELS
(Firmly)
I said come here.

Junior shuffles to him. Mr. Daniels

grabs him at the left ear.
MR. DANIELS
Listen and listen very carefully. I will not have you and
your younger sister go down the drain do you understand?
Junior nods and makes to wimp.

MR. DANIELS
Shh. Not a sound. Silas was rebellious, I had to cast him
away, I disowned him and I will not hesitate to do same to
you. Do you understand?
Junior nods. Mr. Daniels pushes him
off.
MR. DANIELS
Go out there and wash my car. You want to become a man by all
means get a job and pay your bills before getting a girl to
be your friend, foolish boy.
 8.

Junior hurries out. Mr. Daniels

picks a news paper on the central
table, opens it and walks into the
adjourning room just as Junior
enters cleaning his hand with a
hand towel.

VOICE OFF STAGE

Junior.

Junior turns and looks around to

ascertain where the voice is
resounding from.

JUNIOR
Silas?

A rough looking young man enters

the stage. He is SILAS.

JUNIOR
Silas!
Junior runs and is drowned in his
arms.

JUNIOR
I missed you brother.
SILAS
Same here.
JUNIOR
Brother you look famished. Why don’t you come back home?
SILAS
You know I can’t.
JUNIOR
Of course you can. All you have to do is ask for Dad’s
forgiveness and...
SILAS
Forgiveness? I can’t do that.
JUNIOR
Brother burry your ego and apologize.
SILAS
No. Of course you won’t understand because you were too young
to know what we had to put up with.
 9.

JUNIOR
I do. Dad is a disciplinarian we all know, I think it is for
our own good.
SILAS
You think so?
JUNIOR
Yes I think...
SILAS
Thinking is not good. You should know if it is for our good
or not. For me I know it is for no one’s good.
JUNIOR
He follows the ways of the Bible.
SILAS
Read your Bible and get to know the truth my brother.
JUNIOR
Oh you talk about the Bible, so have you quit smoking and
drinking?
Silas swallows hard and then looks
around.
SILAS
Is Ruth home yet?
JUNIOR
No.
SILAS
Where are mum and Paula?
JUNIOR
In the kitchen, preparing food.
SILAS
Perfect. Can you go in there and smuggle out some food for
me?
JUNIOR
Brother return home and you wouldn’t need to ask for food.
SILAS
No, go get a hungry brother some food.
JUNIOR
Ok, but if I may ask, where are you staying?
SILAS
That is not important. Just get me the food.
Junior nods and hurries to the
kitchen. Silas paces about, in a
short while Junior hurries out with
a polythene bag.
JUNIOR
Hurry, take this and go before Dad comes out.
 10.

Silas takes the bag and hugs

Junior.
SILAS
Thank you my brother. I haven’t eaten in days.
Junior tries to conceal his tears.
SILAS
I’ve got to go.

Silas makes to turn away just as

Mr. Daniels enters.

MR. DANIELS
Hold it right there.
Silas stops on his tracks. Mr.
Daniels walks towards him.

MR. DANIELS
I thought I made it clear that you are not welcome in this
house.
JUNIOR
Daddy he just wanted some food.
Mr. Daniels slaps Junior.

MR. DANIELS
Shut up!
(turns to Silas)
I remember also making it unequivocally clear to you that the
moment you step your feet into my house I will call the
police.

Mrs. Daniels enters with Paula.

MRS. DANIELS
What’s going on here?
MR. DANIELS
Your wayward son is here. I was going to ask if any of you
extended an invitation to him. And what is in that
polyethylene bag? Give it to me...

MRS. DANIELS
(Calmly)
Silas...
SILAS
Mum. I was about leaving.
 11.

MR. DANIELS
Not with what you are holding, and you disobeyed my order, a
stride you always cherished with your whole heart. You loved
the streets, loved to be a gang star, loved women, loved
tobacco, loved alcohol so I freed you and let you lose to
enjoy the world, now why have you come back to my house?

JUNIOR
He just needed some food.
MR. DANIELS
Junior, do you want another slap?
JUNIOR
(Backing up)
No Dad.
MR. DANIELS
Good then shut up.
PAULA
If he needs some food why don’t we let him have it?
MR. DANIELS
Paula ask Junior how the palm of my hand felt.
MRS. DANIELS
Silas you have to leave now...
PAULA
Mum, he is your son.
Mr. Daniels makes to slap Paula.
Mrs. Daniels pleads.

MRS. DANIELS
Please honey don’t.
(To Silas)
Go.
SILAS
(Softly)
I was hungry yet you did not feed me.
Mr. Daniels turns to him and
snatches the polybag from him.
MR. DANIELS
There’s a way that seems right to a foolish man but the end
there of is destruction.
SILAS
Judge not that you may not be judged.
MR. DANIELS
The wages of sin is death.
SILAS
Let he who has no sin cast the first stone.
 12.

MR. DANIELS
I’ve already cast thousands of stones on you boy. You are no
longer my son.
SILAS
Dad...
MR. DANIELS
Don’t call me that! I am not your father!
SILAS
For there is nothing hidden under the sun that will not be
disclosed and nothing concealed that will not be known or
brought out into the open.
MR. DANIELS
Even the devil can quote the scriptures.
SILAS
He who says he has no sin is a lair.
MR. DANIELS
And he who delights in sin is honest right? Ok can you prove
that you don’t have a stick of cigarette in your pocket? Or
you don’t have weed hidden somewhere in your pockets?
There’s silence. All eyes on Silas.
MR. DANIELS
I thought as much. Old sins cast long shadows.
MRS. DANIELS
Silas leave right now please.
SILAS
(To Mr. Daniels)
Your self righteousness is as bitter as bile.
MR. DANIELS
And the dark hole you will find yourself in a short while
will be as dark as the pit of hell.
MRS. DANIELS
Honey did you call the police?
MR. DANIELS
Yes, it is time this vagabond is removed from the streets for
good.
MRS. DANIELS
No you didn’t have to. He is still your son.
MR. DANIELS
Say that one more time and see...
SILAS
And see what?
(Laughs bitterly)
It shall be revealed.
PAULA
What shall be revealed?
 13.

Silas makes to hurry out but bumps

into two Police men. They hold on
to him.
MR. DANIELS
Yes officers hold on to him before he eludes you.
The Police Officers grab Silas at
both sides.
JUNIOR/PAULA
Dad.
PAULA
Mummy say something.
POLICE OFFICER 1
(To Silas)
Are you the intruder?
MR. DANIELS
Yes he is.
PAULA
Hold on officers this is his home.
MR. DANIELS
Shut up Paula. Officers he is not my son. He is a street
urchin that barged into my house. A criminal.
SILAS
Officers my name is Silas. This man is my father.
OFFICER 1
(To Mr. Daniels)
Sir is this your son?

MR. DANIELS
He is not my son.
OFFICER 1
(To Silas)
Young man what are you doing in this house?
MR. DANIELS
Officer you are wasting so much time. If you need
confirmation search his pockets. He must have weed on him.
OFFICER 1
(To Officer 2)
Officer search this man.
Officer 2 frisks Silas and then
pulls out some wraps of weed. The
rest of the family look on in
disappointment.
OFFICER 2
Oga, see website oh. Na street Urchin true, true.
 14.

Officer 1 takes the wraps from him.

OFFICER 1
Very well.
MR. DANIELS
(To his family)
Can you all see? This is the man you want me to have pity
upon. Officers take him away and lock him up.
OFFICER 1
Take him away.
OFFICER 2
Oya move!

The rest plead as the police

officers drag Silas out. Mrs.
Daniels sits without uttering a
word. Mr. Daniels turns to them.

MR. DANIELS
Now listen attentively. From now on anyone who associates him
or herself with that man will be disowned by me including you
Favor.
MRS. DANIELS
(Looks up in surprise)
But...
MR. DANIELS
I mean it.

PAULA
But Dad he just wanted food and we have it in abundance.
MR. DANIELS
After smoking crack? The pangs of hunger brewing in him was
induced by nothing but hard drugs. If you continue to feed
him he will continue to use so don’t lecture me about
righteousness which none of you know anything about, and you
little rat listen, am watching you, very soon you will feel
my rage.
(Points at Mrs. Daniels)
And if you as much as go to bail him out this time, words
can’t express what I will do.

Mr. Daniels hurries out. Junior

walks out too. Paula walks to Mrs.
Daniels who is still seated
silently.
 15.

PAULA
But mummy why couldn’t you do something?
MRS. DANIELS
Sit down my child.

Paula sits.
MRS. DANIELS
Your father is the head of this home and so I have to obey.
PAULA
I don’t get it. This all means that a woman is meant to sit
and watch her husband dish out acts of wickedness? I thought
we are meant to show love?
MRS. DANIELS
He loves your brother that’s why he is hard on him.
PAULA
I don’t believe that. He should have given him food. Now he
is in Police custody and has mandated you not to go bail him
out.

Mrs. Daniel remains silent.

PAULA
Mum why do you always support Daddy?
MRS. DANIELS
When you get married you will understand.
PAULA
I don’t think I will, I can’t agree to everything my husband
does.
MRS. DANIELS
Paula, I am your mother. There are things you can’t solve by
being stubborn. There are other ways to fight.

PAULA
On one’s keens? Come on mum, you’ve practically worn out the
carpet with your knees in prayer, yet everything seems to
have fallen apart.

MRS. DANIELS
God is never too late.
Paula makes to talk.
MRS. DANIELS
(Calmly)
Don’t say another word. Please I beg of you do not rebel like
your brother. I can’t have you thrown out to the streets by
your father.
PAULA
But mum...
 16.

MRS. DANIELS
Promise me you will never stand up to your father again.

PAULA
(Heaves)
I promise.

MRS. DANIELS
Good.
(Sniffs)
What? The food is burning.
They run off to the kitchen. Mr.
Daniels hurries out.
MR. DANIELS
(Running out)
What is burning? Huh? Favor! Favor!
Mrs. Daniels hurries out.
MRS. DANIELS
Yes honey.
MR. DANIELS
What is burning?
MRS. DANIELS
The food...
MR. DANIELS
Come here.

Mrs. Daniels obliges.

MR. DANIELS
(Harshly)
You need to be more vigilant. Show good example especially to
Paula before she ends up like Silas.
Mrs. Daniels nods.
MR. DANIELS
I only thank God for Ruth and Abel. They are the ones that
listened to my instructions and they gladden my heart. Go
back to the kitchen and don’t burn the house down!
Mrs. Daniels nods as Mr. Daniels
hurries into the adjourning room.
She hurries to the kitchen.

CURTAIN CLOSES
 17.

SCENE 2
INTERROGATION ROOM
We are in an interrogation room.
There is only a table and a lamp
pointing down to the table. Silas
is led in by the Police Officers.
He is forced to a chair. Police
Officer 2 stands aloof watching
while police officer 1 bends to
Silas. He brings out the wraps of
Indian hemp and then displays
them to Silas.

POLICE OFFICER 1
We can make this as easy as possible if you just tell me your
source.
Silas looks at him without uttering
a word.

POLICE OFFICER 1
Tell me, who supplied you with this quantity of Indian hemp.

Silence.

POLICE OFFICER 1
Listen, we are looking for a notorious drug dealer called
Ghost. Is he the one supplying you with these drugs? Or do
you work for him?
Silas does not say a word.
POLICE OFFICER 1
I know the creed on the streets, don’t sell anyone out but
think about yourself. If you tell me who supplies you with
these I guarantee you your freedom.
Silas is still silent.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Your father was right. You are a criminal because it is only
criminals that do not talk even under hard torture.

Silas still remains silent.

POLICE OFFICER 1
(Hits his fist on the table)
Who is your source?
SILAS
Nature.
 18.

POLICE OFFICER 1
What?
SILAS
It is called Weed right? Which means it grows from the ground
and what makes that possible? Nature.
POLICE OFFICER 1
You think this is a joke?
SILAS
Is it?
POLICE OFFICER 1
(Holds him by the neck)
Tell me, who supplies you these Indian hemp before I choke
you to death.
Police Officer 1 is almost
choking Silas. Police Officer 2
pulls him away.

POLICE OFFICER 2
Oga you go kill am oh.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Let him die, foolish man!
POLICE OFFICER 2
Oga this man na hardened criminal. If you like drop am for
hot water him no go talk so I suggest we transfer him to hell
zone.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Very good.
(Turns to Silas)
Now after I throw you into hell zone you go beg to tell me
the truth. Oya rise am.
Police Officer 2 pulls Silas up
and then pushes him out. They
exit.

SCENE 3
THE CELL
Some inmates can be seen in a
cell. A man is seated on another
man’s back. We also see others in
unusual positions. One of the men
stand in salute to the man seated
on another. We see other inmates
in different positions. One of
them is counting his fingers
silently.
 19.

Silas can be seen cuddled at the

far end of the room.

KODO
Chief of Staff!
CHIEF OF STAFF
(Salutes)
Yes Kodo!
KODO
Oya mak you read register so that we go know who don land for
this colony.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Yes Kodo!
The Chief of staff opens his
palms like a book and then reads
from the invincible book.

CHIEF OF STAFF
We have here Mr. Silas Daniels.
The rest clap and then start
singing. Silas stands without
moving a body.
ALL
Ekabo, Sanudezuwa anyinakele gi oga.
Silas is pushed out. He stands
and looks at the inmates. Kodo
raises his hands. Suddenly every
where is silent.
KODO
C.O.S!
CHIEF OF STAFF
Sir!
KODO
Who is this grasshopper who does not want to dance while this
wonderful choir was singing his welcome song?
CHIEF OF STAFF
He is the new inmate sir.
KODO
Oya since him no wan dance mak you give am Valium 10.
C.O.S goes and smacks Silas. He
falls. The rest laugh.
CHIEF OF STAFF
You no get sense? You know who you dey stand for him front?
 20.

There is silence in the cell.

Silas rolls on the floor in pain.

KODO
Now stand!

Silas stands.
KODO
Who you be?
SILAS
My name na Silas.
KODO
Wetin you do wey mak them bring you for here?
SILAS
I no do anything other than say dem find website for my
pocket.
Sharp reactions from everyone.

KODO
Shut up!
There is silence in the room.
KODO
(To Silas)
Correct man. You carry website come here? Oya tender.
SILAS
The greedy police officers collect every.
KODO
So wetin you bring for us? You get any rabba with you?
SILAS
No.
KODO
C.O.S.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Kodo Sir!
KODO
Tell am wetin him suppose do.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Mr. Silas you see for here if you be tear rubber you must to
dance for us. But if you no wan dance, you go settle us with
rabba. You get? Then after that you go tell us news. Mak we
know wetin wey dey happen for this country because as you
can see we no get news paper, we no get TV so we no know
wetin wey dey happen for life. So now you go pay or you go
dance?
SILAS
Dance.
 21.

CHIEF OF STAFF
Good. Oya Choir. Play.
Some of the inmates start hitting
on nearby objects. Silas starts
dancing. They all clap. After a
short while Kodo raises his
hands, the dancing stops.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Mak una clap for Mr. Silas here.
They all clap.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Mr. Si, you go answer some of these questions now. First of
all which year wey we dey?
SILAS
What?
CHIEF OF STAFF
I dey ask you which year wey we dey you dey ask me what?
SILAS
Wait you mean you don’t know the year we are in?
Everyone bursts into fits of
laughter.
ESOSA
No worry very soon you go dey here reach tili kingdom come.

DUDUS
And then you go lose track of time, the only thing you take
know say time don go na say you dey old.
LOKO
Oh boy as you don show for here you no fit know what time it
is, the day or the month from now. But we get time keeper who
dey count for us. Time keeper! Wetin be the time now.
The man who has been counting with
his fingers stands.
TIME KEEPER
I think na 5am based on my counting.
SILAS
No, I was brought from the police station to this place
sometime around 12 noon so give or take it should be 2 pm now
and today is Saturday.
KODO
Time keeper sidon. Oya Silas continue and answer our
questions don’t waste our time.
CHIEF OF STAFF
What year we dey?
 22.

SILAS
We are in...
The inmates look on in
expectations.
SILAS
2016.
There is silence in the cell. Then
loud wails can be heard. Some of
the inmates are crying.
KODO
I beg mak una wait You mean say we dey 2016 now?
Silas nods.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Lord of Mercy. We don dey here reach...
KODO
12 years.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Without trial.
SILAS
Wait oh, you mean say una dey here since 2004?
Kodo and C.O.S Nod.
KODO
Oya tell us wetin dey happen out there? Nigeria don turn to
red or blue?

SILAS
Red.

Sharp reactions from everybody.

CHIEF OF STAFF
Who be our president?
SILAS
Our president na...Haribu.

Sharp reactions.

CHIEF OF STAFF
Which party dey rule?

SILAS
PPP.

Sharp reactions.
 23.

INMATE 1
Who be the reigning musician now?
SILAS
They plenty oh. Tuface dey, Psquare...
ALL
We know these people.
SILAS
Una know Wiz kid?
ALL
Huh?
SILAS
Davido?
ALL
Huh?
SILAS
Waje?

ALL
Huh?

SILAS
Tiwa savage?

ALL
Huh?

INMATE 2
What of Panam Percy Paul?
SILAS
Him na father of gospel music. Gospel music dey sell now eh.
We have Gospel singers like Solomon Lange, Chris Morgan,
Sinach, Joe Praize and of course Frank Edwards. Dem dey mak
money now like die.
The inmates are all excited.

ALL
Yarn us more, yarn us more.

CURTAIN

SCENE 4
THE FRONT OF THE DANIELS’ HOME
Mrs. Daniels can be seen at one
part of the stage under a spot
light. She is on her knees praying.
 24.

MRS. DANIELS
Our Father in heaven, king of all kings and Lord of all
Lords, I am on my knees once again to pray to intercede for
my family. May this period be the period that all my prayers
will be answered. I pray more especially for Silas. God look
upon the blood shed by your son Jesus Christ and break the
chains of addiction and crime in his life in Jesus name. Lead
him not into temptation but lead him to a situation that will
change his life for good! May he learn from this situation.
Fix Him Lord! Fix my son! Fix him!

SCENE 5
THE CELL
The inmates are singing by now.

SONG

We shall overcome 2x
We shall overcome someday. Deep
in our hearts, I do believe, we
shall overcome someday.

KODO
We are prisoners of conscience. Locked in this cell with no
hope of an intercessor. Most of us innocent of the crimes we
are accused of committing. Most of us have been in here for
12 years. We have not heard from our families because they
don’t even know that we are here. We pray that someday we
will be heard. One day someone will come stand in the gap for
us and give us freedom and set us free from this cell.

Spot light falls on Silas as he is

on one side of the cell praying.
SILAS
God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, please forgive me! Jesus
release me from this cell. I make this pledge that if I ever
get out of here, I will be a better person and serve you as
my Lord and personal saviour.
POLICE OFFICER 1 (OFFSTAGE)
Mr. Silas.

Silas stands. All eyes on Silas.

POLICE OFFICER 1
Come out. You are free to go.
 25.

Silas stands. He is surrounded by

the inmates.

KODO
Good luck with you out there and please Mr. Silas when you go
out there tell our stories so that an intercessor will come
for us.

ALL
Yes.

SILAS
I will. Just put your faith in God and believe in his son
Jesus Christ you too will be out of here.

POLICE OFFICER 1
You no wan comot?

Silas hurries out.

CURTAIN

SCENE 5
THE INTEROGATION
Silas is led into the interogation
room. He is shoved into the seat.
Police Officer 1 bends to him.
POLICE OFFICER 1
I don’t know what has pushed me to pull you out of that cell
but whatever it is you better thank it because you would have
stayed there as long as we wish and from what I see no one
from your family would have come for you. Now a piece of
advice to you, stay away from hard drugs because the next
time you are brought here, nothing will save you.
Police Officer 2 Gives Silas his
cloths. He wears them, thanks the
police officers and hurries off.

SCENE 6
THE DANIELS’ HOME
The table is almost set. A man and
a woman enter, it is ABEL and his
wife JANE. Able walks in anger.
 26.

ABEL
This is why I don’t like going out with you. You always cause
us to be late.
Abel looks at the empty room.
ABEL
Where is everybody?
Jane shrugs.
JANE
I told you to take easy. It seems we are the first to arrive.
ABEL
Do not justify your laxity.
(Calls)
Hello everybody. Who is home?
Mr. Daniels enters.
MR. DANIELS
My son in whom I am well pleased.
He extends his hands to him. Abel
is drowned in his hand.
ABEL
Daddy. How have you been?
MR. DANIELS
Managing this home.
JANE
Good afternoon sir.
MR. DANIELS
(Looking at Jane’s dressing)
Why is your skirt above your knee?
(To Abel)
Why is she dressed like this?
ABEL
I didn’t notice.
JANE
But sweetie I showed you the dress before I wore it and you
said it was ok.
ABEL
Shut up!
(To Mr. Daniels)
Please Dad just pardon her for today.
MR. DANIELS
Next time when you are bringing your worldly wife to my house
make sure she dresses appropriately.
ABEL
I will Dad. Where is mum and the rest?
MR. DANIELS
Your strong headed sister Paula is in the kitchen with your
mother while Junior is inside his room getting dressed.
 27.

ABEL
(Glances at his wrist watch)
Ruth will be touching down in the next 45 minutes I have to
go and pick her up from the airport.
MR. DANIELS
You run along then while I get dressed.
ABEL
Ok Daddy.
Mr. Daniels turns and walks into
the room. Abel turns to Jane and
then walks to her. In a flash he
lands slaps her on her face. The
impact throws Jane to a nearby
couch.
ABEL
Next time don’t ever make me look like a sinner in my
father’s eyes do I make myself clear?
Jane nods trying as much as
possible to conceal her tears. Abel
pulls her up and gives her a peck
on the fore head and then walks
out. Jane sits and sobs under her
breath. Paula enters into the
sitting room.
PAULA
Hey aunty Jane.

Paula goes and hugs Jane. Jane sobs

under her breath.
PAULA
Aunty Jane are you ok?
(Looks around)
Where is brother Abel?
JANE
(Amid sobs)
He has gone to pick Ruth from the airport.
PAULA
Ok, but why are you crying?
JANE
(Smiles)
Never mind. I’m fine. Please I need to use the toilet.
Jane stands and hurries away. The
door bell rings. Paula goes to the
door.
 28.

PAULA
Who is there?
MALE VOICE
Paula it’s me.
PAULA
Who?
DAVIDSON
Davidson.
Paula hurries to the door and
opens it. Enter Davidson.
PAULA
Davidson what are you doing in my house?
DAVIDSON
I missed you.
PAULA
Are you nuts?
DAVIDSON
You’ve refused to pick my calls.
PAULA
I’ve been busy. Please leave.
DAVIDSON
When do I see you again?
PAULA
I don’t know please leave.
DAVIDSON
You don’t understand.
PAULA
Yes I don’t that is why you need to leave right now.
Davidson sights the plates of food
on the table. Davidson hurries in.
DAVIDSON
Wow, are you people planing a feast?
PAULA
Davidson.
DAVIDSON
Can I have a bite?
PAULA
Go before my father sees you.
DAVIDSON
Is he in?
PAULA
Yes and he will shoot you if he sees you.
DAVIDSON
Does he have a gun?
 29.

PAULA
I don’t know but his anger is bullet enough to pass through
your stubborn skull so please go before you put me in
trouble.
MR. DAVIDSON (OFFSTAGE)
Paula!
Footsteps are heard.

PAULA
Now this is it come.

Paula drags Davidson to the back

of a couch and hides him just as
Mr. Daniels enters. He is in a
different artier.

MR. DANIELS
Paula!
PAULA
(Calmly)
Yes Daddy.

Mr. Daniels is taken aback at her

calmness. He looks at her
suspiciously.
MR. DANIELS
What is going on?
PAULA
(Smiling sheepishly)
Nothing Daddy. Daddy you look gorgeous.
MR. DANIELS
Hold on, something is not right here, why are you acting so
meek?
PAULA
Because I made a promise to myself that I will respect my
Daddy from now onwards.
MR. DANIELS
No, I don’t believe you but if that is the case good for you.
I am looking for my shoes.
Mr. Daniels makes to look under the
furniture Paula blocks his way.
PAULA
Daddy I am for real I mean this is for real. You can go back
into your room let me search everywhere for it.
 30.

MR. DANIELS
No, I want it right now.
PAULA
But Daddy...
MR. DANIELS
Get out of my way.

Mr. Daniels pushes her aside and

walks towards Davidson’s hiding
place. Paula backs up in fright
towards the door certain that
Davidson will be seen. Mr. Daniels
makes to bend...Paula is near the
door...Mrs. Daniels enters.
MRS. DANIELS
Honey.
Mr. Daniels stands and looks
towards her direction.

MR. DANIELS
What?
MRS. DANIELS
Do you have any idea how many guests we are expecting?
MR. DANIELS
Only two. Henry and his father. This is not a ceremony. It is
just a get together for them to meet each other.
MRS. DANIELS
Wow, but the food is much.
MR. DANIELS
Then we will share to our neighbors.

Mr. Daniels makes to bend to the

couch. Paula snaps.
PAULA
Neighbors? So we can share food to our neighbors but can’t
even give crumbs to Silas.
MR. DANIELS
(Snaps)
I knew it. I knew you were not for real.

PAULA
Why would you believe when you hate me! I hate you too Daddy!

MR. DANIELS
Ok this is it. I will teach you a lesson.
 31.

MRS. DANIELS
Honey please.
Mr. Daniels chases Paula out of the
sitting room. Mrs. Daniels hurries
after them. Davidson stands from
his hiding position and then
tiptoes towards the door, he stops
on his tracks, sniffs the air and
then hurries to the dinning table.
He makes to pick a meat from one of
the plates. Junior walks in and
stops short as he sees Davidson
helping himself with a meat. He
hurries to him and hits him at the
head.

JUNIOR
Who are you?
Davidson shudders and turns to him.
DAVIDSON
Hello sir. You must be Junior.
JUNIOR
Yes and who are you?
DAVIDSON
Am Davidson, Paula’s boy friend.
JUNIOR
(Brightens up)
Really?
DAVIDSON
Yes. She doesn’t talk about me?
JUNIOR
Oh yes, she does. In fact she loves you so much. Come on
where are your manners? You shouldn’t be sneaking into your
future home like tis. Come and have a seat.
DAVIDSON
(Smiles)
Thank you.
Junior leads him to a couch. He
sits. Mr. Daniels, chases Paula out
into the sitting room with Mrs.
Daniels behind them. Paula is
screaming but stops short as she
sees Davidson seated. Mr. Daniels
stops too as he sees Davidson.
 32.

PAULA
What?
DAVIDSON
(Smiles)
Hi.
MR. DANIELS
Who are you?
Paula shivers in fright.
DAVIDSON
I am...
JUNIOR
He is...
Junior looks at Paula who is
already overwhelmed by fright
JUNIOR
He is my friend.
MR. DANIELS
Ok. How are you boy?
DAVIDSON
I am fine sir.
MR. DANIELS
Are you a devote Christian?
DAVIDSON
Yes sir.
MR. DANIELS
Good. Well Junior since your friend is here, he can join us
in the small get together.
PAULA
No.
MR. DANIELS
(Snaps)
Did I ask you to speak?
PAULA
I thought this is only for family members.
MR. DANIELS
There is so much to go around. And you Paula, this is not
over yet.
Mr. Daniels walks back in.
MRS. DANIELS
What’s your name?
DAVIDSON
Davidson.
MRS. DANIELS
You are welcome. Make yourself at home.
DAVIDSON
Thank you ma.
 33.

Davidson sits. Junior is all

smiles. He walks to Paula.
JUNIOR
(Whispers)
You owe me.
Junior walks out. Paula turns to
Davidson.
PAULA
What are you still doing here? I lured my Daddy out for you
to escape.
DAVIDSON
Am sorry but I couldn’t resist the food on the table.
PAULA
Davidson please leave now, am already in deep trouble.
DAVIDSON
But no one would know am your...
PAULA
If my father finds out that both of us are...he will kill me,
so...
(Pulls him up and drags him
to the front door)
Go. Please.
DAVIDSON
Can I just kiss you.
PAULA
Not here later.
DAVIDSON
Ok just a peck.
PAULA
(Pushes him out)
Geraout.
Davidson walks out just as Junior
enters.
JUNIOR
Pot calling kettle black. So you have a boyfriend.
PAULA
Junior he is just a friend.
JUNIOR
Are you crazy inviting him to this place when Dad is around?
PAULA
I didn’t invite him, he came on his own.
JUNIOR
Is he nuts?
PAULA
Don’t insult my boyfriend.
 34.

JUNIOR
Oh now you have agreed that he is your boyfriend and that’s a
good way of saying thank you.
PAULA
(Smiles)
Thank you.
JUNIOR
You are my sister and I love you so I couldn’t let...
PAULA
What did you say?
JUNIOR
I said that you are my sister...
PAULA
No, after that...
JUNIOR
It just slipped.
PAULA
I love you too brother. Thank you.
They hug.

CURTAIN
SCENE 7
THE DANIELS’ HOME
Abel enters with RUTH and another
lady NATASHA.
ABEL
Welcome home sweet sister.
Ruth scans the sitting room and
lets out a shallow smile. Ruth is
dressed decently but Natasha is
dressed rather indecently. Both
women speak with American accent.
RUTH
Yeah, I can see that nothing much has changed. Come on in
Natasha.
NATASHA
Thank you hon.
RUTH
Big bro this is Natasha my very good friend.
ABEL
How are you Natasha?
NATASHA
(Casually)
No sweat. Geez it’s hot in here.
 35.

ABEL
Don’t worry, we will put on the air conditioner very soon,
you know the fuel crisis these days...
NATASHA
(Hands her coat to Abel)
Hold this.
Abel holds the coat in surprise
just as Jane enters.
JANE
(To Ruth)
Hi.
RUTH
Jane.
Both of them hug.
JANE
How are you?
RUTH
Am fine. Look at you, you still look good even after being
married.
ABEL
She has me to thank for that.
Jane maintains a straight face.
JANE
(To Abel)
Whose coat are you holding?
NATASHA
It’s mine.
(Extends her hand)
Am Natasha.
JANE
(Takes her hand)
Jane.
They shake hands.
JANE
He is my husband.
NATASHA
Who cares.
Natasha turns and sits on a nearby
couch. Abel looks at the coat in
embarrassment. Ruth takes the coat
from him.
RUTH
So Jane how is marital life?
Jane looks at Abel who turns away.
She turns back to Ruth.
 36.

JANE
Well you are about to experience it first hand so you will
soon be the judge of that.

Abel looks at Jane disdainfully

after hearing that statement. Jane
turns away avoiding his gaze.
NATASHA
Geez it’s hot in here.
RUTH
Alright Natasha come on lets go to my room.
Ruth drags Natasha with her.
RUTH
Where’s everyone?
Mr. And Mrs. Daniels together with
Junior and Paula emerge.
ALL
We are here.
They all embrace Ruth. All eyes on
Natasha who stands looking at Mr.
Daniels. Mr. Daniels looks
disdainfully at Natasha. Ruth
catches his gaze.
RUTH
Daddy, this is Natasha my friend.
MR. DANIELS
Nata what?
NATASHA
Natasha.
Mr. Daniels turns away while Mrs.
Jackson smiles to Natasha.
MRS. DANIELS
You are welcome.

NATASHA
Thank you ma.
MR. DANIELS
Ruth you say she is who?
MRS. DANIELS
Honey let’s just give them time to rest their weary feet.
Ruth lead your friend to your room will you?
RUTH
Right away mum.
 37.

Ruth and Natasha walk into the room

together with Paula who is
gamboling in excitement. Junior
stands aloof all smiles. Mr.
Daniels walks to Mrs. Daniels.
MR. DANIELS
What was that about?
MRS. DANIELS
She is our guest.
MR. DANIELS
What guest? Did you see what she is wearing? How could Ruth
bring such profanity to my house and you Abel, were you blind
when you brought them here?
ABEL
Dad Ruth has been in the United states, a lot may have
happened to her over there.
MR. DANIELS
Not the Ruth I nurtured myself. Ruth is my shinning girl. The
girl after my heart. A role model to womanhood, surely she
couldn’t have brought that whore into this house. No! That
girl must leave this house this very moment.
MRS. DANIELS
Honey please...
MR. DANIELS
Don’t honey me! What? What do you think God would say about
us huh?
MRS. DANIELS
Am saying let’s talk to Ruth later ok?
ABEL
I think mum is right.
MR. DANIELS
No. She must leave this very moment.

Mr. Daniels hurries into the room.

Mrs. Daniels hurries after him.
Junior walks to Abel.

JUNIOR
Bro, who did Ruth say that girl is again? She is hot.
ABEL
Get out of here!

Junior hurries out grinning. Abel

walks to Jane.
 38.

ABEL
Why did you make that statement about marriage? Where you
referring to me?
JANE
No.
ABEL
The answer you gave to Ruth. You made the statement while
looking at me.
JANE
I was just...
Abel slaps Jane.

ABEL
You said it to make me look bad huh?
JANE
I just...
Abel slaps her again.

ABEL
Next time when you are asked about marriage say I am enjoying
my marital life do I make myself clear?
Jane nods. Abel kisses her on the
fore head.
ABEL
You know am doing this for your own good right?

Jane nods.

ABEL
And you know that I love you right?
Jane nods.

ABEL
Good.
The door bell rings.

JANE
Get the door. It should be Henry.

Jane opens the door, HENRY and his

father MR. WILFRED enter.

JANE
Hey they are here.
 39.

Abel smiles and walks to them.

ABEL
Welcome.
HENRY
Sorry for coming late, our flight was delayed.
ABEL
(To Henry’s father)
Welcome sir.
MR. WILFRED
Abel how are you?
ABEL
Am fine thank you.

MR. WILFRED
I can see that you and your lovely wife look good too.

Jane smiles.

ABEL
Please come in and sit.

Henry and Mr. Wilfred enter just as

Ruth walks out in anger followed by
Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, Paula and
Junior.

RUTH
Daddy she is my guest and can’t leave!
MR. DANIELS
You know me too well Ruth, she must leave!
They all stop as they see Henry and
Mr. Wilfred. There is silence in
the room.

HENRY
(Excitedly)
Ruth.
RUTH
(Casually)
Henry.

Henry runs to embrace Ruth, she

steps aside to everybody’s
surprise; avoiding his embrace. The
tension heightens.
 40.

CURTAIN

SCENE 8
OUT SIDE
Henry and Ruth are standing at the
arch of the stage.
HENRY
Sweet heart, what is going on?
RUTH
A lot.
HENRY
This was supposed to be our day.
RUTH
I know but like I said a lot has been going on.
HENRY
Tell me about a lot that has been going on?
Ruth turns to him and holds his
hand.
RUTH
I don’t want to marry you.
Henry stands rooted in shock.
HENRY
What? Hold on. I flew to Houston Texas to propose to you. Our
engagement party has been done. You said yes...
RUTH
I had to in order to please my overbearing self righteous
holier than thou father.
HENRY
Where did I go wrong huh?
RUTH
It’s not you, it’s me I guess.
HENRY
Come on cut to the chase and tell me why.
RUTH
It’s complicated.
HENRY
Is there another man?
RUTH
No.
HENRY
Then what is it? My father, your parents are in there waiting
for us to sort ourselves out. There is nothing that love
can’t fix.
 41.

RUTH
No, I don’t think it can fix this.
HENRY
Try it.
RUTH
Henry, am sorry I led you on in this but the truth is, I
can’t marry you.
HENRY
You can’t marry me or you won’t marry me.

Ruth turns away.

HENRY
I love you Ruth.
RUTH
Love is over rated get over it.
Ruth starts walking in.
HENRY
Where are you going?
RUTH
To reveal the truth.
HENRY
What truth?

Ruth hurries into the house. Henry

follows her.

SCENE 9

THE SITTING ROOM

All eyes turn to Ruth and Henry as
they enter.
MR. WILFRED
Henry what is going on?

HENRY
Daddy we are trying to sort things lout.

MR. DANIELS
Ruth enough of this dramatic show. What is going on?
RUTH
Dad, mum I don’t want to get married, at least not now.
 42.

Dramatic pause. Everyone freezes in

shock. Davidson hurries in.

DAVIDSON
Hello everybody.
All eyes on him.

DAVIDSON
I can’t hide any more.
(To Mr. Daniels)
Mr. Daniels, I am not Junior’s friend. I am Paula’s boyfriend
and I love her.
MR. AND MRS. DANIELS
What?

Susie enters. Junior turns away.

She is with her luggage.

SUSIE
Hello, is this the Daniels’ house?
Everyone is too shocked to respond.
Junior turns and makes to hide.
Susie sights him.
SUSIE
Oh there he is. Junior you can run but you can’t hide. Well I
will never abort this baby that I am carrying for you. Who
among you are his parents? I’m carrying his baby.
Mr. Daniels backs up and then falls
on the couch.
MR. WILFRED
Henry, please let us go. This is a troubled family.
HENRY
No Daddy...
MR. WILFRED
Let us go!
HENRY
Am going no where. I love Ruth!
DAVIDSON
I love Paula!
SUSIE
And am pregnant for Junior!
MR. DANIELS
(Roars)
Shut up! Shut up!
(Stands)
 43.

Now I want everybody including you my wife out of this house.

I don’t want to see any of you again.
Silas enters.
SILAS
No one is leaving.

All eyes on Silas. Paula and Junior

go and embrace him. Ruth embraces
Ruth too.
MR. DANIELS
How did you get out?
SILAS
Oh, don’t worry, while you are busy judging everybody,
someone was interceding for me.
(Turns to Mrs. Daniels)
Thank you mum. Your prayers brought me out of cell.

RUTH
You were in a cell today?

SILAS
Yes.

RUTH
Why?

SILAS
Ask our puritan father.

RUTH
Mum, why was Silas in a cell the day we were supposed to have
a get together?

MR. DANIELS
I disowned him last month because he was putting me to shame.
He has been smoking, drinking, attending parties and...the
fact is he is no longer my son and I want him to get out.
Including you lover boy...
(Points at Davidson)
...and you whore!
(Points at Susie)
Get out! All of you and Ruth go and pull that your Nata out
of my house before I kill someone.
RUTH
Come on Dad you’ve already killed all of us.
 44.

SILAS
Say it Ruth. Everyone needs to know the truth.
PAULA/JUNIOR
Know about what?
RUTH
About who our father really is. You guys were not born then.
But we were kids, he was our hero, respected by all, but he
made us watch.
MRS. DANIELS
Ruth that was in the past. Don’t dig it up.
RUTH
No mum that pain still lives in the present.
ABEL
Ruth don’t dig it up. It is irrelevant now.

RUTH
You think so?

ABEL
I know so.

JUNIOR
Please what were you people watching?

RUTH
Z world or what?

ABEL
Shut up both of you. As your elder brother I bid you to stop
this now and take back what you said about cancelling your
engagement with Henry.

RUTH
Look at you Abel, just like Dad. Look at what Dad has turned
you into. A complete replica of himself.

ABEL
(Barks)
Shut up!

RUTH
Why? What will you do? Beat me like you beat your wife?

ABEL
Shut up Ruth...
 45.

RUTH
I watched you slap her twice this evening because she made a
statement about her marital life. Whatever you do or think
Abel, you are living the life Dad put in you.
JUNIOR
Hold on, are you saying that...
RUTH
Dad used to beat mum to a pulp and he made us watch, yes
Paula that was our Z world live.
SILAS
We watched him abuse mum like she was nothing, and you know
what? He used to tell me and Abel that if we don’t discipline
our wives like that, they would grow wings and won’t submit
to us.
RUTH
Daddy was a monster. He used to quote that the Bible says
wives should submit to their husbands.

MR. DANIELS
That is Biblical...

RUTH
...and kicking your pregnant wife at the stomach is also
biblical?

Sharp reactions.
ABEL
Enough!

PAULA
Lord have mercy!

Mrs. Daniels is visibly crying by

now. Mr. Daniels falls on the
couch, face in his palms.
RUTH
Junior, there would have been a child before you but Daddy
killed it.
SILAS
And we saw it all. The constant pain that mum had to go
through.
RUTH
We all absorbed the unfortunate situation in different ways.
I and Abel were afraid of him, so I pretended to be the
perfect daughter that he wanted while Abel became him but...
 46.

SILAS
I was lost because I was angry I wanted to hurt him so much
that I did all the things he hated.
MRS. DANIELS
What has this got to do with your marriage Ruth? What you
talk about is my marriage not yours.
RUTH
And you think mine won’t be like yours? Huh? Mum you don’t
understand. There is more.
MRS. DANIELS
Why do you want to cancel your engagement?
RUTH
Why? I was scared of men. Any time a man approaches me and
professed to love me I see the gory pictures of Dad battering
you mum. Do you remember the day he burned you with a boiling
ring because the food got burnt while you were praying?
MR. DANIELS
Enough! You have not cancelled this engagement because of
what happened in the past. You are a pretender just as you
have professed. I think I know why.

All eyes on Mr. Daniels.

MR. DANIELS
You are a lesbian!

Sharp reactions from everyone.

MR. DANIELS
Yes, are you going to deny it? If you are not then tell me
why you would return from that God forsaken country with a
strange woman and then tell your betrothed that you are no
longer interested in the marriage.

The silence persists.

MRS. DANIELS
Ruth, what have you got to say about this accusation?

MR. DANIELS
She can’t deny it. It is obvious.

HENRY
Ruth, is it true? Do you have a partner? Is she here? Please
say the truth.
 47.

RUTH
If you all want to know the truth, everybody should ask Daddy
about the truth he buried 25 years ago.
MRS. DANIELS
What truth?
MR. DANIELS
(To Ruth)
Answer the question. Are you a lesbian or not?

Ruth does not say a word.

MR. DANIELS
You are a disgrace.
RUTH
You are the one who disgraced God and man Dad by pretending
to be perfect.
MR. DANIELS
(Shouts)
I could kill you for being a...
RUTH
Lesbian?
MR. DANIELS
Finally she admits! You should be burned at the stakes. Now I
think I have had enough of everyone! You and your partner
should leave this house right now! Same with everyone! Get
out!
MRS. DANIELS
(To Mr. Daniels)
We will leave if you want but don’t evade the question. What
is this truth that I keep hearing?
MR. DANIELS
You want to know the truth?

MRS. DANIELS
Yes.

MR. DANIELS
The truth is that your children are all from Sodom and
Gomorrah and should be destroyed. I don’t even know if they
are from my loins. You have questions to answer, who is the
father of these children?

Henry walks towards Ruth.

 48.

MRS. DANIELS
(Shouts)
What was hidden 25 years ago and what is the truth?

Everyone is shocked at Mrs.

Daniels’ outburst. Natasha walks
out. All eyes on her.

RUTH
(Points at Natasha)
She is the truth mum. She is Dad’s daughter.
ALL
What?
Natasha turns away.

RUTH
Am not a lesbian. How can I have such form of relationship
with my half sister? And how can I be a lesbian when I have
the word of God embedded in my heart all thanks to you Dad
for teaching me all that you couldn’t practice!
MRS. DANIELS
(To Mr. Daniels)
Is it true?
Mr. Daniels turns away.
RUTH
It is true mum. Remember he was in the United states 25 years
ago on a conference, he met Natasha’s mother, had some flings
with her, got her pregnant and abandoned her and the
pregnancy. When I got into school in Houston I met her, an
acting major, we got talking...
NATASHA
I told her about my life. I was excited that she was a
Nigerian and I told her I was searching for my father.
RUTH
Unfortunately for Daddy, she has a photograph of him, her
mother and her when she was born.

Natasha pulls out a photograph and

gives it to Ruth who gives it to
Mrs. Daniels. Everyone hurries to
take a look at the picture. Mr.
Daniels hides his head in shame.
 49.

RUTH
When I saw the photograph I was devastated. I could only
confide in Silas and he advised me not to tell you mum
because It would devastate you. But I wanted so much to let
everyone know how Daddy has been masquerading as a saint to
us. And when Henry came proposing, a man Dad introduced to me
I saw the vision of the same man that made our lives
miserable in him. So I do not beg anyone’s pardon if I say I
don’t want to get married.
Henry walks to Ruth.
HENRY
I won’t be like your father. I love you.
RUTH
Just stop. That was what he told mother.
MRS. DANIELS
(To Mr. Daniels)
How could you? I suffered in your hands. Helped you to get to
the apex of your business endeavour. Yes you physically
abused me but I was ready to bear that as my cross, praying
everyday for you to change, at least I could make do with one
sin from my spouse because we all are not perfect, but to
think that you would lie to me this long and pretend to be
good is wickedness from the pit of hell.
MR. DANIELS
I am sorry.
PAULA
You are sorry?
JUNIOR
This is unbelievable.
MR. DANIELS
Please everyone forgive me. I forgive you Junior, you
Paula...
Mr. Daniels falls to his knees.
MRS. DANIELS
(Bends to him)
Stand up! You are my husband, the love of my life, the one my
heart has been beating for and will continue to beat for till
death do us path. If God can forgive me my sins by sending
his son to die on the cross of calvary for my sins to save
me, then who am I not to forgive you. It’s a thing of joy to
finally get to know the truth, maybe this can change you for
real.
Silas falls on his knees beside Mr,
Daniel.
 50.

SILAS
Father I don’t have any excuse to have done all that I did. I
learned a lot in the cell, in there I saw what it means to
lose one’s freedom and liberty, I saw men who have been
locked up without trial for more than 12 years. Men who don’t
know the time or hour of the day, men who don’t know what
year we are in or who our current president is, and so I
prayed and made a promise to God that If he delivers me from
the cell I would change, and miraculously the police freed
me. I’ve asked God for his forgiveness and I beg you to
forgive me too and accept me as your son.
Mr. Daniels holds on to Silas. Mrs.
Daniels falls to her knees lifting
her hands in praise.
MR. DANIELS
Forgive me too. I am so sorry for not listening to you son.
For causing you so much pain. I recall you as my son.
Abel falls on his knees and looks
at Jane.
ABEL
I promise in the presence of everyone here that I will treat
you as my Queen that you are and will never lay my hands on
you again.
Jane pulls him up and hugs him.
Paula and Junior kneel.

PAULA/JUNIOR
Daddy forgive us.

PAULA
I was scared to let you know I have a boyfriend. Please
forgive me. And from today I will be the meek child that
you’ve always wanted me to be.
JUNIOR
Forgive me for I lied against you and God. I was scared when
she told me she was pregnant.
MR. DANIELS
I did you all wrong my son and daughter. I pushed you all to
the frontiers of your endurance limits. Paula you are 18,
that was your mother’s age when I married her.

Sharp reactions.
 51.

MR. DANIELS
It is not a taboo to have a relationship at that age but you
have to be careful. You have a bright future ahead of you
think about it before you fall into the arms of a man who is
yet to find his way in life.

Davidson turns away in shame.

MR. DANIELS
And for you Junior, we all make mistakes, she won’t abort the
pregnancy, we will take care of the baby.

Susie smiles and then goes and hugs

Junior. Henry falls on his knees to
Ruth.
HENRY
Ruth, my father can testify. Before my mother died there was
never a day he laid his hands on her, and being his son I
will never lay a finger on you not by my might but by the
spirit of God, so please let that ring stay in your finger to
remind you of this promise that I make, Ruth, I will love you
like Christ loves the church and humanity.
Ruth pulls him up and hugs him.
HENRY
I was scared when it seemed he was right about the esbian
stuff.
RUTH
How I go be lesbian? I dey mad.

Everyone turns to Natasha who is

cuddled at a corner. They all walk
to her.
ALL
On behave of our father please we ask for your forgiveness.

Natasha looks at them without

smiling. There is silence in the
room. Her frown thaws into a smile.
NATASHA
I had forgiven my father a long time ago, this has been the
moment I have been waiting for.

She rushes and hugs everyone.

 52.

They all hold hands and bow their

heads with their heads upwards.

ALL
Lord God in heaven we have sinned and have come short of your
glory, please forgive us.

CURTAIN
END.