Evil Meal of Evil

Scene 1. Njukebim, Sunyin’s father is in his ‘‘Talih.’’

4 Kehbuma Langmia Scene 1 Njukebim, Sunyin’s father is in his ‘‘Talih.’’ (Dohbani arrives bearing a jug of palm wine to begin traditional wooing rites for Sunyin. Njukebim calls out for Sunyin to introduce her to Dohbani, her future husband. Sunyin bursts into tears in resentment.) Njukebim (Alone in his ‘Talih’) Wonderful! The sun is almost coming out from its shell. I believe Dohbani could not have been deceiving me when he proposed that he would come this morning and take Sunyin who is now giving me a lot of trouble. She is already grown up with hair on her armpit. It’s time for me to get rich! She must go! But, first, I must have my money. Ah! Money! The one thing that can make men happy, even the jailed. I want a big stomach like my friends. Who is Sunyin to decide for herself? I am her father (hitting his chest); even her mother has no control over her. If Nadoh were to go away, she would not follow her. She would stay back here with me. Therefore, I have power over her… But where is this Dohbani? The young have no regard for the old nowadays! (As he picks up his calabash, rope and cutlass in preparation to go to the farm, Dohbani arrives carrying a jug calabash of palm wine. Njukebim helps him put down the calabash then looks for his traditional cup and immediately gulps down two cups.) I thought you might have been beaten by an antelope. Dohbani No! Not at all! I got up at very early in the morning, arrived at my first palm wine tree at cock crow only to find that rain had diluted the original content. So I dashed to Nkob-Ndeng at Njenmoh to collect this one especially for you. Your tongue has accepted the taste, I think. Njukebim (Drinks more) This ‘Mbuh’, it has been a year since I tasted a drop. Here in ‘Bu,’ we tap only the raffia. Our tongues have rejected its taste. It now has a negative appeal and only strangers find it satisfactory. So 5 An Evil Meal of Evil what news do you bring from Ntisong? Dohbani The spread of chicken pox has affected almost all the youth in our community. You can even see it on my body. (Showing his back to Njukebim) That is why I keep on scratching my body… Oh! I almost forgot. (Laughing) Something interesting happened. Sumson was disgracefully beaten by his wife the other day. Njukebim Sumson! That old drummer with whitlows on his fingers? What was the matter? (Laughing mockingly) Dohbani She complained that Sumson had consumed all her corn foo-foo in the past dry season. Now that the rain has come and men are supposed to cut the grass on their wives farms and cultivate together with them, Sumson spends all his precious time in the ‘Buh’ bar conversing with other women. Njukebim I, Njukebim, can never be beaten by a woman, a thing that sits down before she urinates? Eh! They are only good for caring for their husbands and bearing children. Whether they bring forth ten or more children, they have to care for them. Let me wait for about ten minutes without Nadoh bringing my usual morning foo-foo, then we will see whether she is the head of this household or me. Since when did wives begin to beat their husbands? The world must be turning upside down. This same Sumson could not even wrestle during the last fight with Wabila. Has he not got his gods at home? Dohbani (Laughing) His gods are as weak as himself… Now, to the pertinent issue. Where is she? Njukebim I’ll call for her. Let us resolve the issue before she comes. Dohbani (Giving him money) I’ve borrowed this from my friend. It should not be surprising to you that I’ve brought only half the sum you requested to oil your lips. More will come during the traditional wedding ceremony. 6 Kehbuma Langmia Here it is. (presenting it) Njukebim (Counts, shrugs his shoulders to show partial satisfaction) When she comes, speak like an elegant young man whose blood is strong and active.Sunyin! Sunyin!! Sunyin (Answering from offstage) Bah, Bah! Njukebim (Directing her to sit beside Dohbani) As from today, you are no longer a girl but a woman. Look here! This is now...