The Last Hope

Scene One [1986]

3 Act One Scene One [1986] Korup. A footpath in the farmland of one of the quarters. ERA and KONDO meet from opposite directions. KONDO: Where are you going? ERA: Is that a new form of greetings? OK, you, too, where are you going? You find me already in your territory and all you can ask is [Mimicking nasally.], “Where are you going?” Is it a taboo for a cousin to pay his cousin a visit? KONDO: I’m asking because I’m coming for that my thing. You know it has stayed for so long, and times are getting really tough on me. ERA: Kondo, what thing again? Every time we meet you bring demands of this thing or that thing. [Scratches his head in recollection.] I know. But is that what you can visit me for? Me, I pay you visits—you and Eko—but you seldom visit me. Is it because, as you feel, I don’t have enough food to prepare you some- thing nice? Anyway do you know if I’ve brought it with me? [Searching the trousers pockets.] I seem to have left those stupid notes. [...] But why must you embarrass me like this? Eh? Besides in our tradition, is it not said that you don’t ask for your debt in the bush? Wait until we reach your house. What I have brought with me is more important. KONDO: What can be more important than my money, Era? What on earth can be more important? 4 ERA: Leave that thing! Take me to your house. [They start walking in the direction KONDO came.] Even if it were a million that I owe you… […]. Is it up to the cost of the radio cassette that my son has just bought? KONDO [Stops abruptly and taps ERA on the shoulder.]: Your son? Radio cassette? ERA: Yes. Twelve-battery radio cassette. [With emphasis.] Twelve-battery. Not the four battery toys that people carry about here, disturbing my ears every day and night. They continue walking. KONDO [Clicks his tongue in surprise.]: Twelve battery! Where did he get the...? Why could he not help you pay your debts? I hear you owe so many people nowadays. Possibly because of the recent court cases. Borrowing money left and right. Ask your son to help you pay your debts. ERA: Do what? Do I need my son to pay my debts for me? How do you see me? That is why I’ve always said you need your eyes examined. In fact, we should arrange for a check-up before you lose your sight completely. KONDO: Did I hear you say check-up? ERA: This is not meant to be an insult, Kondo. We all can contribute some money to help you go to Acha Tugi. [Kondo gives a derisive smile.] Well…But am I not still strong enough to...? I mean, what is all this? Have I not told you that I have brought you something far more precious than the twenty thousand francs for which you’re ranting like a...like 5 a... whatever it is called? KONDO: Where have you carried it? Eh? Where is the bag? Or is it that small thing you are carrying? ERA: You may even call it a purser. [A short pause. Pointing to his head.] Look, everything is in here. It contains more than what millions upon millions of those large Ghana Must Go bags can contain. KONDO: My brother, I don’t think I understand you. I fear you must have joined that bad gang of rascals. ERA: I’m getting tired of correcting you on this. They say cousin, not brother. That is why I often remind you of what you are missing. I know it’s too late for you now. No, not really. They say no one is too old for education. In fact, if we were in some advanced country I would advise you to start attending one of those Literacy Centres. KONDO: Literacy what? ERA: I know if they put you there for one full century you will come out dry like a dry stick that is submerged in water after it is smeared with too much grease. Never mind, your children can do it for you. I have advised you to send some...Those ones that are already big...Send them to live with me. So that they can start going...