hPLAYWRIGHT: EBI ROBERT
BOOK: AN EMPTY KINGDOM
GENRE: DRAMA
Plot overview
The death of the evil King, Timi the iv, with no child to succeed him, paves way for a revolution in Egweama. The youths decides that it is time to change the old ways that brings nothing but sorrow and to crown a king of their choice. It is a welcome idea, as even the traditional King-makers support the revolution. But unfortunately for the people of Egweama, the uncle of the late king has eyes on the throne and would do anything to get it, including bribery and blackmail.
He tries unsuccessfully to bribe the youth leaders, but this fail as they have their proposed king strongly in mind and a vision of better days cemented in their hearts. And so he rears his ugly head towards the chief King-maker, blackmailing him to do his bidding.
On coronation day, the people are joyful, expecting the crowning of Tuaton, their unanimous choice. But all hell breaks loose as the Chief King-maker, blackmailed, crowns Duadogi, uncle of the late king, as king.
The people are thrown into agony again as their hope, Tuaton is banished from the land. Surprisingly, the people choose to follow Tuaton to any other land and have him rule over them than to stay any longer under tyranny. Thus leaving Duadogi, a king of an Empty Kingdom
-Amabebe Alexander
ACT BY ACT SUMMARY
ACT ONE (SCENE 1)
The act (scene) starts with Sikigbo, the chief of the youths calling a meeting of youths in the community after the passing of their king, Timi the IV.
Surprisingly, even the old of the community attends. The meeting starts a bit off point as Sikigbo, trying to start the meeting refers to his lowly state and gratitude for the turn up, but he is stopped by an old man who brings him back to point and he agrees, being advised by Finta to not engage the elders in a war of words.
“Sikigbo: … If we are to count those of lordship in this land, I do not think my name will be uttered by the counters. You know why, because am no lord. No lord among the noble men of this land…yet I called, and you answered…
Old man 3: [cuts in] I hereby plead that you use well the time in your stead…use it now while you may, but on what concerns us now, and not on the history of your life…
Finita: I implore you. Control your tongue, else these old men will tear you apart with words…They are ready to say everything about the world…”
Finally, Sikigbo goes to the point, he tells the people that it is time for them to select a king. Different from the “old way”. The old of the community strongly disagree with it, saying the old ways are full of wisdom. The youths, disagree, saying if they depend on the five kingmakers to choose kings for them, they would remain trapped, so they suggest a new way, instead of dying in an old way, because it kills them.
Finally, the old men and women agree to it and ask for the youth’s choice…
“Sikigbo: Tuaton the Fisherman. The stranger that was made son, Tuaton the giver of yam. Tuaton, who runs errands for the mothers, he who leads our fishing trail and keeps our harvest fruitful. Tuaton the finest of all that is good in nets.”
The old disagrees on this, saying, that Tuaton is not a son of the soil. In the end, the Sikigbo convinces them that they were looking for a king, not a son and he possesses every quality they need. The scene ends with the old agreeing to it, and the youths promising to let Suaton know about their decision
.
“Sikigbo: egberi fa oo"
ACT ONE (SCENE TWO)
“Sikigbo: egberi fa oo"
ACT ONE (SCENE TWO)
The scene opens in the house of Tuaton, he is having a conversation with his pregnant wife until Sikigbo and Finita enters. He asks them about the meeting at the village square because he was unable to attend. They break the good news to him, that the people themselves have made a king, surprising him.
“Sikigbo: … The kingdom needs a king and the kingdom has made a king
Tuaton: … Who may that be? The dead Timi had no seed.
Sikigbo: We have planted a seed, but the seed is not of a royal fruit, neither is it of a royal tree…
Tuaton: A seed? A seed made? What about the king-makers.
Sikigbo: The king-makers made none. For this day, the people have made the king and his makers.”
Finally, they tell him the people’s choice: that he is being chosen to be king. At first, he disbelieves them, and then disagrees until he finally agrees to be the servant of the people.
Though he shows restraint because of Duadogi, the uncle to the last Timi, the last of the royal bloodline, Sikigbo and Finita tells him the people will speak to him and that he (Duadogi) will understand.
“Tuaton: … They have called, and I am answering. I will be King.
Sikigbo: Hail Tuaton, Amayanabo of Egweama.
Tuaton: …the people will no longer be ruled by a king, but by a servant, for kings are servants.
Tuaton: I pray I should not fail them. Let me not be drunk of the wine of kings and forget the servant I am.”
ACT TWO (SCENE ONE)
The act (scene) opens in Duadogi’s house. He is in a meeting with the four Alabos (king’s cabinet). Ififie, breaks the news of the happening at the village square to them. Duadogi becomes angry, that the people want to choose a different person to be king. He asks for the person, and laughs when Ififie says he is Tuaton the fisherman. Ififie advices him not to laugh because Tuaton is not an ordinary fisherman
“Duadogi: …Among the proud men of Egweama… none was chosen but Tuaton the fisherman? [Laughing]…
Oko: Perhaps he can offer more. You must be a fool to look down on that fisherman.
Duadogi: …Why should I fear a fisherman?
Ififie: That fisherman is highly respected for his generosity and cheerfulness. He gives to the poor, the old and widows. He is a fisherman, but known as a giver and a protector of the needy. He is loved by all. The youths listen to him because a good number of them work on his plantation.”
Calm, Duadogi asks what to do. Ififie suggests that Duadogi shoud visit Sikgbo and Finta and talk to them, to win them over to his side. And they the Alabos, will go to the king-makers on his behalf.
ACT TWO (SCENE TWO)
The scene opens inside Sikigbo’s house. One of the youths, Fagha, asks about the outcome of their meeting with Tuaton, to which they give him the good news.
He also asks about those that took it upon themselves to let the king-makers know about the people’s choice. Fagha expresses fear that the king-makers might snub the people’s plea. Finita assures him that even though the king-makers were not poor people, he believes they understand the people’s plight. He believes they will stand with the people.
“Finita: It is only a fool that will not let Tuaton rule. I do not think Koko and his disciples are fools. They are one of the wisest, filled with the words of ages and swathed with the wings of wisdom. They will be the last to fight against the pot that feeds our mouth. They will never fault our judgment. No! Not now! Not now that their words are with us.”
At this junction, Duadogi visits and after making them excuse Fagha for a private discussion within themselves, he tells them what brings him to Sikigbo’s house. He praises the command Sikigbo and Finita has on the youths in the community saying he needs them to win their support. But when Sikigbo and Finita, with their anger and disgust under control, pretend not to understand him, he becomes plain.
He tells them plainly that he needs the crown, seeing he is a member of the royal tree. He promises Sikigbo lands and farms with any maiden of his choice. To Finita he promises a wife, trees and hens and cocks. When they refuse, he gets angry and insults them…
“Duadogi: [furiously] What an insult! Look….look…… [Adding stress] Just look at these poor sons of some poor farmers. Fortune wants to smile upon, from the riches born of my kind gesture. This Finita who knows not what it means to be fat and Sikigbo who knows not what it pays to be born”
Sikigbo insults him and tells him to leave his house, which he does, threatening them. Fagha re-enters saying he saw Duadogi leaving in a foul mood, and they tell him what transpired. He expresses fear again about them winning the war, but Sikigbo assures him again.
“Sikigbo: We all hope for a beautiful land. But this beautiful land will only exist if we are of one mind. So far, the people have shown a spirit of oneness and love. And I know that they will not stop until victory is assured. Our hope shall not die. We shall build this beautiful land with a king by our side, chosen by the common people of this land. The government shall be ours and we, her people. We shall prevail, O’yes, we shall."
ACT TWO (SCENE 3)
The scene opens in trhe house of Koko, the chief of the king-makers. Ififie, Sia and Oko, fulfilling ther promise to help Duadogi tries to persuade the King-makers to crown Duadogi instead of Tuaton. They argue that tuaton is a stranger and so not worthy of the throne, but the King-makers refuse their request, standing by the people.
“Tompre:… I tell you, this man is good that if the people had not chosen him, I would have. So and go tell Duadogi that we, the king-maklers, choose a good route…
Pagaye: … Tell Duadogi, the king-makers have chosen the path of the common man. Tell them!
Miete: … Call me a fool only when I walk into a big hole that is open, even when I know it is a dangerous pit…
Yanate: … Tell them! Tell them!! It is a fool that feeds his farm with thorns, when it is season for planting.
Koko: … I am one man who is neither a stone nor a sling. Go and tell Duadogi what the king-makers see.”
ACT THREE (SCENE ONE)
The act opens in Duadogi’s house. Before Duadogi enters, the elders are discussing their disappointment at the people choosing a different path that youths lead. Oko, almost changes his mind, but they rebuke him sharply, giving him good and selfish reasons till he changes his mind back.
“Oko: [Soberly]. I have been thinking.
Oko: … The people… the people… don’t they have a good reason for refusing us? I think they do. Why don’t we allow it to be brought out of the bushel to know whether it is black or white?
Sia: … Weak hearts are for women… Have you forgotten that if Duadogi does not become King, we can never be chiefs?
Sia: … Do you conceive the honor and glory that is done to kingship and chiefdom? Is it the wine and the wives, or the bags and the yams?
Oko: … No! I was weak indeed… I will do all that is required.”
At this point, Duadogi enters and tells the elders about his encounter with Sikigbo and Finita. He tells them of how he was surprised that they could refuse his offer. Sia blames him for being stingy with his promises, but he assures him his promises were heavenly. In turn, he asks them about the King-makers, to which they tell him that the “people and King-makers are in one accord”.
Seemingly losing, they all become quiet until Duadogi breaks the silence tell them to go home and relax, that he will have everything under control. With surprises on their face they ask if he is sure of his plan, to which he gives them a stronger assurance. They leave with hopes and he soliloquizes on his plan to blackmail Koko, the chief King-maker.
“Duadogi: [Soliloquizes] Koko did what men ought not to do. I have been quiet all these years, but this day I will not. If surely he wants our ears to be deaf still to his ugly deeds, he must give befitting words to me; else he shall find himself before all the citizens of Egweama, stripped of his skin, because I shall not hesitate to reveal secrecy as it is.”
ACT THREE (SCENE TWO)
The scene opens with Duadogi visiting Koko, the chief king-maker in his house. It is clear from their opening conversation that neither regards the other as a friend. He opens up to Koko to crown him King, but Koko refuses, saying the people are greater than him and that his promises to them will stand. Duadogi then plays his trump card, and Koko becomes scared because Duadogi knows his horrible secret.
“Duadogi: I mean I have your secret safe with me. Remember... that young girl, and for fear of your sin, you killed her. O’ the mouths of the parents of that girl still cry for justice, and it is I alone who know of your evil deed.
Koko: … I will do anything within my power, in so far as no ear but yours hear of my sin.”
Duadogi then tells him to crown him king over Tuaton. Koko hesitates, pleading for another punishment, but Duadogi remains adamant that on coronation day, Koko will crown him king. He leaves Koko in a state of dilemma.
ACT THREE (SECNE THREE)
The scene opens on the coronation day. The people are joyous as the day will mark a transition to better days. They dance and welcome dignitaries into their midst. When it is time for crowning, both Duadogi and Tuaton step forward. This brings murmurings from the crowd, and Sikigbo charges at Duadogi but is held back. King Dodo of Opoama, settles everything by asking Koko, with the permission of the people, to crown the king of the people. Koko steps forward and crowns Duadogi king to the surprise and dismay of the people. Sikigbo and the people are heartbroken. Duadogi shows what the people expect…
“Duadogi: … Quiet. Quiet, fools! I am now King, and no one can stop me. I am both Lord and Law. And as long as you live in this land, you remain my subjects. Upon this, I proclaim my first Judgment. As a king who does not enjoy rivalry and will never welcome enemies, I hereby banish Tuaton, King of the fishermen, from this land.
Old woman 1: My King, why send this good man on exile? We, the old sisters of this land, may die…
Duadogi: I have spoken, and whosoever chooses to die, may die.”
He banishes Tuaton from the land but surprisingly, Sikigbo and the youths, and all the old in the community even the Alabos, Ififie, Oko and Sia, all leave the kingdom to follow Tuaton.
“Sikigbo: There can only be a king when there is a kingdom, and there can only be a kingdom when there are people for the king to rule. I will never be a supporter of this corruption. I have only one king and he is Tuaton the fisherman. Any other king is a king of himself. A king shall only rule if he has his kingdom with him. I am that kingdom, therefore I shall follow my king, and he alone shall rule me."
Duadogi in shock renounces the throne but it is too late, as every native of Egweama leaves.
“Duadogi: Come back! Come back!! Good people…. I renounce the throne! Come back … … I shall renounce my throne…. Come back.
ACT THREE (SCENE FOUR)
It is the finale scene. The people follow and catch up with Tutaon’s canoe. They promise to follow him as his subject to any land.
“Tuaton: You mean you left the Land of your fathers because of me?
Finita: No! We did not leave that land because of you, but because of the people. We all believe in you, and even if we did not believe in you, it is better for us to be ruled by ourselves than to be ruled by a beast of a king. Now no one makes the law for us, but we make it ourselves. The land we leave behind was seen by our fathers first. They lived and dwelled here only because the river is good for netting, not because of any special treasure. We have not forgotten how our father, Ijo, sited the creeks and crannies of these surroundings. We are wanderers of the sea and sailors of the creeks. We shall go and dwell in any land that leases us, and we shall live and net just as our fathers did. And when our children grow, we shall them of… how our Kingdom was made empty.
Sikigbo: All hail Tuaton the King.
People: [In unison] All hail Tuaton the King.”
THE END.
Take a study break, read also - Poem: Dear future husband by Tebe-Ebiere
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
TUATON: Tuaton is a fisherman and a stranger who dwellers in Egweama. He is chosen by the people to be their king because of his generosity, trustworthiness and goodness. He at first refuses the crown, but because of his selflessness for the people’s sake, he accepts to rule over them. In the end, he leads the people out of the land they dwell to look for another.
He is used to symbolize the kind of leader every community, local government, state and every country needs. His selflessness is lacking in today’s leaders and it is what it will take to raise any falling nation. He is used by the author to task the people of the world to search for leaders of good background and leadership qualities.
DUADOGI: Duadogi is the uncle to the late and evil King. He eyes the throne and is ready to do anything to get it. He tries to bribe the youths to support and when that fails, he blackmails the Chief king-maker to get it. He is crowned king in the end, but because of his evil nature, which made the people choose Tuaton over him, he is left alone to rule an empty Kingdom.
He is used to symbolize the kind of leader many countries have. The evil and selfish kind. The kind that takes on the mantle of leadership, wihtout any leadership quality, for his own sake. The advice from the author through the character is for nations to avoid such leaders.
Sikigbo: Sikigbo is the leader of the youths. It is he who calls for a meeting of the youths to abandon the old ways and choose a leader for themselves by themselves. He refuses bribe from Duadogi to shift ground. He stands on his ground and when, he is betrayed by the Chief King-maker, he leaves the kingdom to follow Tuaton, calling on the people to follow him, which they agree.
He is used to symbolize patriotic citizen on a quest for true democracy.
Koko: Koko is the chief King-maker. He agrees to crown the choice of the people, but breaks this promise when he is blackmailed by Duadogi. Selfishly protecting his interest instead of the people, he crowns Duadogi king instead of the people’s choice, Tuaton. In the end, he goes to self-exile.
He is used by the author to advice, people in or aspiring to be in high position to clean themselves of corruption in order not to let it stop them from doing the wishes of the masses.
Other characters include:Alayingi, Godo, Dodo, Fagha, Katagbo, Alagbo, Biboye, Finta, Suoyo, Nimi, Alabo Pere, Alaere, Ififie, Oko, Sia, Yanate, Tompre, Miete, Pagaye.
THEMES
(1) The role of citizens in the search for democracy.
(2) The cancerous effect of corruption.
-Complied and edited by
Amabebe Alexander (the Minder)
READ OTHER SUMMARIES...
(1) Summary of Harvest of Betrayal by Akimua Timitimi
(2) Summary of Dance on His Grave
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