Changing Destiny by Ben Okri

Author:Ben Okri [Okri, Ben]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Other Press
Published: 2023-09-19T00:00:00+00:00

Act Three

Scene One

Sinuhe is in the fight arena. There’s the noise of spectators. This is a night scene. There is a stage for the shadow-fight. It should be conveyed that hundreds of people are gathered, and that this is the event of the season, an unprecedented event.

Sinuhe (to the audience) ​ It’s the day of the fight. I’ve never seen so many crowded in one place before. I didn’t know there were that many people in Retenu. I feel the weight of responsibility on me. If I lose, the history of this land will go backwards. Then the worst voices will win, the voices of those who hate foreigners.

Scene Two

The audience sees only the shadow forms of the two men. The fight of shadows begins. Their shadows are constantly transformed. Music of drums and flute and sistrum accompany the scene.

Sinuhe (to the audience, in the form of a running commentary)

In the shadow fights magic is involved. Listen to the drums, hypnotic flutes, and sistrum. Telluhi’s shadow is huge, like a monster. Beside him I am small as a beetle. He pounces on me.

Voice One ​ It’s over!

Voice Two ​ Sinuhe didn’t stand a chance!

Voice Three ​ It was over before it began!

The shadow fight intensifies.

Voice One ​ I told you!

Voice Two ​ Sinuhe can’t win over someone so strong!

Voice Three ​ And so skilled!

Sinuhe‘s shadow appears to gain the advantage.

Voice One ​ Sinuhe has strong magic!

Voice Two ​ Something strange is happening!

Sinuhe fells the giant. Then Sinuhe takes off the head of the giant and holds it up and shows it round.

Sinuhe (to the audience) ​ Then people carry me up high and hail me as a conqueror.

Voices ​ Sinuhe! Sinuhe! Sinuhe!

Sinuhe (to the audience) ​ Amid the uproar, I notice Denshi kneeling beside the fallen giant. What’s he doing there?

Voices ​ Sinuhe! Sinuhe! Sinuhe!

Sinuhe (to the audience) ​ I’ve won the fight, but have my real troubles begun with my victory?

Scene Three

Ammi-enshi and Sinuhe in a secret meeting.

Ammi-enshi ​ Sinuhe, it is not enough that a leader leads. They must have a vision that grows with power and beauty through time, enriching the lives of the people long after they are dust. If I were to pass into the next world now, what do you think this land needs?

Sinuhe ​ Stability?

Ammi-enshi ​ Yes. A country needs to be led by someone who has faith in it. When I am gone …

Sinuhe ​ Which will be a long time from now …

Pause.

Ammi-enshi ​ I think that leader is you.

Sinuhe ​ Me?

Ammi-enshi ​ You have been an exemplary servant of this nation. Why not you?

Sinuhe ​ But I am a foreign …

Ammi-enshi ​ You have given your blood to this land. The people love you.

Sinuhe ​ I cannot accept this gift.

Ammi-enshi ​ This is no gift. It is a double-edged sword. Keep Hotemi by your side, without her you will never succeed. Build up your spiritual strength. As is our tradition I will make an appropriate declaration of my intention to the nobles.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.