The Lord of Anomy

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Langaa Research and Publishing Common Initiative Group PO Box 902 Mankon Bamenda North West Region Cameroon “… a gripping dramatization of the age old conflict between African Traditional Religion and Christianity, has the makings of a family saga with its court intrigues, the problematic of fratricide and the struggle for hegemony which situates the drama within a historical and allegorical context.” Dr. Roselyne M. Jua, Senior Lecturer in American Literature, University of Buea, Cameroon “Basil Diki’s scant and expert use of poetry, eclogue and juxtaposition of contradictory elements is masterly. The play’s level of debate is highly judicial and academic. The story itself provokes debate, both academic and religious, while enhancing judgmental skills.” Dr. W. Mupamombe Chuma, Senior English Lecturer, Midlands State University, Gweru Zimbabwe In 1875 the Rozvi Kingdom, now in present day Zimbabwe, is indistinctly besieged from within by the convergence of a missionary, Rev. Holbrook, a militant British bourgeoisie aspiring for knighthood, Sir Crowler, and an immorally amorous war emissary allegedly from King Cetshwayo of the feared Zulu Kingdom. The ‘Zulu’ ambassador uncompromisingly makes painstaking demands. While Rev. Holbrook is earnest in his endeavours, Sir Crowler is adamant the natives are enemies of both God and Britain meant for annihilation. The elders cannot consult the oracles; all diviners having fled before the arrival of the foreigners. An enigmatic and malicious hermit comes to the fore in the calamitous confusion that ensues. But nobody can tell with certainty if the hermit is messianic or anarchical. Basil Diki, born in Kadoma, Zimbabwe in 1971, is an iconic prolific dramatist who has written, performed and directed numerous plays. In 1988 he pioneered the founding of Rimuka Performing Arts, a theatre company, and in 1991 founded Kadoma Actors and Writers Organisation. He has won several awards for his daring and outstanding dramaturge, notably the 2001 Writing & Publishing Award, Special Mention; Poetry and Drama from the Zimbabwe Book Publishers Association for the play The Tribe of Graves. In 2004 he won the Best Achievement & Production Award from the Zimbabwe Invitational Drama Festival Society for directing his play Behind the Façade. ...