Happy Grey Hair

By Chris Wilson

One basic problem facing most rapidly developing countries is the need to preserve good traditions, and at the same time graft upon them.
That is why in Africa, for example, there are several cultural organizations. These encourage not only the local arts, but also widen the scope to include the arts of the neighboring countries of Europe, and other parts of the world.
These organizations should not only focus on the arts which please the African mind generally, but they need to take into account that which appeals to the intellect and moral aspect of man. As a matter of fact, we travelled to six West African countries to prepare our research. From our research we came up with a lot of information, and we decided to put it in a simple play so it can be easily understood by all.
It is our hope that this play will be of interest to the general public, and may help in a way to give a genuine impression that the various West African communities have many problems, feelings and interests in common.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Wilson
• Release date: Apr 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311838650

Chris Wilson

Adress 46 st Catherines Close Douglas IOM IM1 4JBEmail [e-mail] [e-mail]

Book preview

ON RISE:

SCENE 1

INT. UDO'S HOUSE - MORNING

(UDO is sitting on a chair looking worried. NGOZI walks in.)

NGOZI

Grandpa, is everything all right? You look very sad.

UDO

(in a low voice)

Why shouldn't I look in despair, when I remember my youthful years?

NGOZI

You are the most elderly man in this village. Why worry so much about youthful years, or the good old days? You can't turn back days, can you?

UDO

What do you know, young woman? You are young! Believe me or not, in my day we were taught to love and respect our elders. We obeyed that instruction; but it is not so in these days of cruelty.

NGOZI

But I respect you as an elder; does that not make a difference?

UDO

No! Most youths do not realize that one day they will grow old. Their lack of respect and care for elders makes me sick. My so-called look at me; do I look like an old man with good grandsons? I am lonely and unhappy because they don't love or care for me.

NGOZI

I understand. Remembering the regular torment because of the boys will certainly kill you before your time.

UDO

I'm dead already, it's just that my eyes are open.

NGOZI

How could you say a thing like this? No one is praying for you to die!

UDO

The boys do!

NGOZI

God will help you and bless you. I believe that the boys will change one day.

UDO

When? Death took away my loving and helpful son, and I was left at the mercy of his two sons.

NGOZI

God gives everything, Grandpa. You did all you could do to help them. Right now it seems there is no hope, but keep trying. Why not talk to them again?

UDO

(laughing)

To whom? Do you think that they will listen to me? Are you dreaming? Forget that.

NGOZI

That's enough; can I bring your food now?

UDO

Food? Do I speak like a man who is hungry now? Do I? I cannot eat.

NGOZI

If you are not ready to eat, well, can I call the boys?

UDO

Don't waste your time, my child. I will try.

UDO (CONT'D)

All right, go. I know what will happen.

(Ngozi leaves udo's room, finds EZE and CHIKE sleeping in the sitting room, snoring.)

NGOZI

My God! So these lazy men left their room to sleep here; they will see.

NGOZI (CONT'D)

(tapping them)

Wake up!

EZE & CHIKE

(alarmed, both men jump up)

What!!!

NGOZI

Is this the right place to be sleeping at this time?

EZE

Is this your house?

CHIKE

Is this your business?

NGOZI

Young men, your grandfather wants to see you.

EZE

Are you out of your mind? Oh! Who gave you the right to disturb my beauty sleep? All because of that good-for-nothing old man. I was dreaming about how I married the king's daughter!

CHIKE

I was dreaming about how I became very rich, richer than anyone in the world.

(Eze & Chike lie back on their chairs.)

NGOZI

What are you doing? Won't you see your grandfather?

CHIKE

Going back to sleep to complete the dream, do you not know? It's dangerous not to complete a dream?

NGOZI

Your mates are working, you are dreaming.

EZE

An incomplete dream brings bad luck! So, woman, I advise you to go back to the kitchen, for that's where you belong. Or go back to your old man.

CHIKE

Look, woman! We are in a good mood, so leave us in peace now.

NGOZI

I will go, lay-about! Remain in your dream. Good-for-nothing men! May God have mercy on the grandsons of Udo.

EZE

Say whatever you like, woman; you will tell me if this is your house that you can give orders, or a common servant who takes orders!

CHIKE

Can you imagine? Your grandfather wants to see you. Which grandfather? Interrupting my beauty sleep, all for that man...

NGOZI

(leaves)

Kings of the house!

EZE

Busybody!

CHIKE

Good woman! Mrs. Special Adviser.

EZE

What was she thinking? This woman is growing wings every day. Don't worry, I will help her to fly one day; straight to the moon!

(MUSIC)

SCENE 2

EXT. - BY THE ROADSIDE – NOON

(An OLD WOMAN carrying a big bundle, coughing while walking to her home meets eze and chike who were whispering and laughing.)

OLD WOMAN

My children, please help me to carry some of my things, for this bundle is too heavy for me.

EZE

(enraged)

Who are your children, woman? Don't you have something better to do with your life? You should have known better than to go about coughing and carrying a heavy bundle, asking for help from us.

CHIKE

If you have lost your children, go! Look for them somewhere else. We don't look like them and you don't look like you have even one. So pray to God for lots of children, for it is never too late, "Madam Help me!!

OLD WOMAN

I-I-I did not say anything wrong for you to treat me this way.

CHIKE

How did we treat you?

EZE

In the best way we could, we gave advice.

OLD WOMAN

Grandsons of Udo, when will you two change your ways of life?

EZE

Change? Oh! Yes, change your life first, woman; bring change to your own life first. When you do

that, then we'll think of ourselves.

CHIKE

I don't understand why elderly people like you can't stop annoying people. What is your business with our lives?

OLD WOMAN

Your grandfather and late father have none of these characteristics you children display, and--

EZE

(interrupts)

What? Who made you a Preacher? Watch your tongue, woman! Be very careful and say nothing of our late father or grandfather again, or I will throw you off this road!

OLD WOMAN

May God have mercy on you young men and forgive your sins, for none of you know what you