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title

The Convert

Francis B. Nyamnjoh

Publication Year: 2007

"This play tackles the theatrically attractive but ethically complex issue of Christian fundamentalism. Nyamnjoh, as a sociologist is well qualified to explore the social problems and psychological pressures which give rise to the born-again phenomenon, and the strong appeal of fundamentalist religion. The Convert, however is no schematic sociological tract. It deals with the conflicting imperatives in 21st century West Africa, which push ordinary people into extraordinary situations, and provides no easy solutions to the issues raised. Although the play revolves around the Ultimate Church of Christ and the four main characters affected by it, the audience is given a deftly sketched picture of a corrupt world beyond it, lacking in spiritual or community values. [..] The characterization. is remarkable for its avoidance of any obvious protagonist; the audience is allowed no clear character with whom to identify. The four main characters . have both virtues and flaws, each providing insights into ways the consumer-oriented materialism of modern life impacts upon African spirituality and community values. - David Kerr, Professor in Literature and Drama, University of Botswana ""At the core of the implicit philosophy in Nyamnjoh's The Convert . is the theatrical manifesto that contemporary society has not only to liberate itself, and its productive powers from 'Pentecostal', freak religions and distortion, it also has to liberate these same productive capacities from their present prostration. There is a deep, engaging humanism that pervades The Convert, but it is a humanism emblematic, to speak analogously, of the Aeschylean variety."" - Bate Besong, Africa Review of Books."

Published by: African Books Collective

Cover

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Title Page

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Copyright Page

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Author's Biographical Note

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p. iii-iii

Francis B. Nyamnjoh is Associate Professor and Head of Publications and Dissemination with the Council . . .

Contents

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Introduction

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pp. v-viii

This play tackles the theatrically attractive but ethically complex issue of Christian fundamentalism. Nyamnjoh, as a sociologist is

Characters

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p. ix-ix

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ACT ONE SCENE I

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pp. 1-8

It is afternoon. Men, women and children are assembled in a big hall in the heart of the city of Nkwagh; they form a large gathering and . . .

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ACT ONE SCENE II

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pp. 9-14

It is in the early hours of the afternoon. Charity is alone in Peter's apartment. She is knitting and singing songs of . . .

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ACT ONE SCENE III

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pp. 15-28

Once more members of the Ultimate Church of Christ have congregated in their hall of worship. With them are many new people who . . .

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ACT ONE SCENE IV

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pp. 29-33

It is night at Damien's one-room apartment. Charity is sitting on the only chair and looking through a photo album. Damien . . .

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ACT TWO SCENE I

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pp. 34-44

It is evening in Peter's house two months later. Peter is discussing the Born Again Christians with . . .

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ACT TWO SCENE II

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pp. 45-52

It is evening. Damien is sitting in his room, pondering over a mystifying educational system. He has failed the examination again and has . . .

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ACT TWO SCENE III

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pp. 53-54

It is past midnight. The Pastor is in bed sleeping. From time to time he cries and talks out in his . . .

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ACT TWO SCENE IV

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pp. 55-58

It is at night. Damien and Paul, a senior medical student, are together in the latter's room. Charity's corpse is on the bed, covered . . .

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ACT TWO SCENE V

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pp. 59-64

It is afternoon. Members of the Ultimate Church of Christ are assembled as usual, but their Pastor isn’t one of them. They are just from . . .

Back Cover

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E-ISBN-13: 9789956716586
Print-ISBN-13: 9789956558032

Page Count: 76
Publication Year: 2007

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