Titabet and the Takumbeng

Phase 3, Scene 1

32 PHASE 3, SCENE 1 [The Narrator appears on stage with very shattered looks. From his appearance one can easily detect that he is not only worried but confused. He keeps looking left and right in a spirit of fright though maintaining his stamina.] NARRATOR My blood sings the hollow note of despair. The sun may set in the west and rise in the east. I fear for my life. I fear for Takumbeng. [Sounds of distant gunshots] Takumbeng our last hope is in disarray. Women, children and men now sleep in the bushes. They have run away from their homes. They dread the tear gas, they shiver at the sound of the grenade bomb. Helicopters now cycle our skies. [Sound of helicopter and grenades approaching. He runs from one end of the stage to the other, shivering.] Masks and disguises are now common. No true enemy no true friend. Some of our brothers have joined them for money. Yes money quest will make them betray all the hiding places. Help me please. Help .... [More gunshots] The soldiers have been reinforced. But hopes are not dead yet. [Exit] [As the narrator leaves the stage the entire stage is transformed. Before the home of Titabet, Nahsala is 33 playing with Lekunga her little daughter of six. She is also feeding her with pap. The setting of the house should show Titabet as a man of influence. Nahsala is singing a lullaby to her daughter after feeding her to sleep. In her partial sleep she keeps asking for Daddy. Therés a knock on the door. CAPTAIN ATANGANA comes in disguised.] CAPTAIN ATANGANA Good morning Madam? NAHSALA Good morning. Who are you please? ATANGANA I am a messenger. NAHSALA From? ATANGANA Please could you first give me water to drink? NAHSALA [Goes in for the drink as Atangana remains and plays with Lekunga. Nahsala comes back with water in a glass.] ATANGANA You see, you are fine madam. 34 NAHSALA What do you mean by fine. ATANGANA This kind of house can only be owned by rich people. NAHSALA Are you flattering me or.... ATANGANA No I am not. I .... NAHSALA But where are you from and what is your mission here? You know my husband...... ATANGANA Ssh...Madam. I said I am a messenger. NAHSALA But from where? ATANGANA Douala NAHSALA I see. How was the operation dead city there? I mean the civil disobedience campaign? 35 ATANGANA Perfect. You know we are doing everything to get back our stolen victory. NAHSALA Ofcourse. It will come back. The government cannot continue to cheat the people for ever. ATANGANA So where did you say your husband was? NAHSALA In jail. ATANGANA Sure? I thought they just confined him to one place. NAHSALA What is one place? I went to the prison and was disallowed the privilege and right to give him water to drink. ATANGANA You are kidding madam NAHSALA I am not. Yesterday I read in the papers that my husband drinks the urine of Captain Atangana for water. ATANGANA That is not true madam. In which paper? 36 NAHSALA I can bring it to you. [Gets up to go. But is interrupted by him.] ATANGANA Later. This is sad madam. But maybe it is his way of doing things. NAHSALA What do you mean way of doing things? Is Douala doing a different thing from Bamenda? I even hear you are successful. ATANGANA But we can never beat Bamenda. Well I came to see how we can seek his release. NAHSALA That is good news. [At this time Lekunga asks for more food from her mother] Lekunga you know we are managing. Your father needs to come back before.... ATANGANA [Searching his pockets] That is no problem. Take this for her meal this evening. [Gives her a ten thousand FCFA note] 37 NAHSALA [Smiling]This is so much. You people are better off than us. ATANGANA It`s just the way we deal with situations. NAHSALA How? ATANGANA Could you take her into the room so we can talk? NAHSALA No problem. [Goes in with Lekunga and then returns.] ATANGANA [Taking her by the side] I want to help you. NAHSALA I am listening. ATANGANA I have some money here with me. NAHSALA So? ATANGANA [3.138.200.66] Project MUSE (2024-04-23 13:45...