Love in the time of Xenophobia

Act 1    

Scene 1

It is from the well that a village draws its life. It is from there also that early in the morning, woman meet to discuss what happened yesterday and possible predict what will happen today. Giving tomorrow its own turn when the sun rises again. There has been a lot of talk in the village, a lot of things have happened but the predominant issue is about the foreign mistress, Mukunda the teacher that bought her a bed and the rumour that Mukunda has fallen in love with a foreign lady. On stage are three women at the well.

 Woman 1

Woman of Barwa, what else do you know except to wake up at the witch’s hour leaving your half  dead husbands snoring like a roaring river after a mighty flood. Sneaking out every dawn the same way you snatched the heart of your man from the hands of a woman you knew she was twice better than you. Now in your lifeless life built out of selfishness what else can you do except to bewitch the poor man by the softness of your breast. Women of Barwa what else can you do except to talk about other people.

Woman 2

Oh!! The all wise maKhumalo, solve your life first before you try to be a solution to ours. You are old yet still selfish. You have four sons yet none of them you have allowed to marry. Why? Oh yes I know, who would want to share a broom with another woman. Go on maKhumalo marry your sons just like a chicken eats its own eggs.

Woman 3

Peace woman of Barwa, if we do not stand as sisters we will die as fools. Pulling each other in a hot pot, instead of allowing one of us to stand on top and pull us out of the fire. Slowly and surely we will escape the heat. Do no worry maKhumalo, have you not heard of the foreign mistress and her beauty? I think one of your sons might fall for her and eventually take away your reproach.

Woman 1

Never, not on my wrinkled body will any of my sons marry an alien. We have seen people eat monkeys and monkeys eat cats but we will never see a foreigner marry one of our children. Anyway who is this foreigner? 

Woman 2

Have you not heard?

Woman 1

Yes I have not heard.

Woman 2

Her name is Rachel. She was deployed by the education office to come and teach at our school. They say she is good. When she came her beauty fooled us we thought she was one of us. However hell broke loose.

Woman 1

How did people find out?

Woman 2

That is not what matters now. What matters now is that her beauty has not gone unnoticed.

Woman 1

What do you mean?

Woman 2

She has captured the heart of one of the teachers at school, Mukunda. It is said that despite warnings from fellow teachers Mukunda went on to buy a bed for the new mistress. He has been seen several times at the mistress place at night. I guess he wants to start a movement called love has no eyes it neither hears nor can smell.

(All laugh)

Woman 1

 You mean Mukunda, cousin to Mangi the gentleman to be ordained Chief.

Woman 2

Yes

Woman 1 
Pity of pities to Mukunda, what a wasted life, but his brother is a good man. We are all grateful for him. This land had gone for while without a chief and we really need him now.

Women 2  

Yes we do. People believe when Mangi comes he will order the retention of the teacher or even speak to education officer to transfer her.

 Woman 3

I know a story I heard it a long time ago, how love joined two nations. You cannot blame Mukunda for his deeds. Surely love has no eyes. It neither hears nor smells. When love takes over you forget who you are and realize that even foreigners are people like you. At least he has a heart to love.

Woman 1

Oh poor maNtuli your heart still bleeds for a man that left you years ago. People tell you everyday that Siziba is not coming back. They say he has married in the city. Surely love is blind to you.

Woman 3

I will not speak. Let me leave lest the sun sets on me at the well.

Woman 1

Yes woman of Barwa go home what else do you know, for tomorrow we shall meet again.

to be continued......

Love in the time of Xenophobia is play meant to reconcile the locals and foreign nationals existing in the same nation.

written by Hawulethu Patrice Dube

a saxjax7 production 

All rights reserved

@hawulethu on twitter

the humming bird.........

She had been stabbed twice. The first wound was on her chest close to the left breast. The second one was on her back signs that she was trying to run away. A trail of blood made its way to a pool of blood where the body was. On her left wrist were red marks most probably the killer held her hand tight before the killing. Two cups of coffee were found on the table. One was full, signs that it had not been touched the other was half empty. Red lipstick was on the half empty cup. I took a closer look at the body. The puzzle matched the half empty cup belonged to the murdered woman. The room was beautiful, small but decent for a single woman to lodge in. Two pictures hung on the wall. One of herself another of a female lion with an inscription it is the lioness that makes the kill. The window was open most probably kept open because of the beautiful view it provided and a cool summer breeze that entered the room. The room was on the third floor. A huge tree had one of its branches hanging almost inside the room with a humming bird on it. “It so beautiful’’ whispered one of the officers on the scene talking about the humming bird. ‘’It’s the first thing I saw when I came in.’’ it’s been almost three hours since the woman was found dead.

Two rooms sandwiched the woman’s room by chance there had to be a witness. The room on her right had a balcony while the one on her left had a room with a view slightly tilted to her room. If one would stretch her head she would see what’s happening next door. Surely there had to be witness. The killer was smart he left no trail or clues only for a full cup of coffee. After hours of analysis a officer came through with two witnesses. Both of them where neighbours one from the right and the other from the left.

‘’They both claim to have heard and seen something sir’’ spoke the officer.  On giving his statement the neighbour on the right said I heard some noise and a little scream. It was unusual of her to scream so I rushed to the balcony to see. I saw nothing, I stood there for a few minutes it was quiet. The only thing I saw was the humming bird it seemed to have a full view of what was happening. The neighbour on the left also gave her statement. I too heard a scream I was busy ironing so I leaned on the wall to hear what was happening I stood for a while hoping to hear voices but I did not. So I went to the window to check if I would see anything I leaned forward to have a view but I saw no one except for the humming bird that had a clear view of what was happening.

Stories by the humming bird

Written by Hawulethu Dube

a saxjaz7 production

all rights reserved

@hawulethu

dinner for six....

There was no money, the fridge was empty and it was a Sunday morning. We all woke up knowing the situation was bad. We did not go to church because there was no fuel enough to take us the whole week. We all just prayed in our beds hoping that Jesus would save us once again.

During the good all days papa and mama would drive us to the third avenue restaurant. I loved that restaurant not because of the waiter that always smiled at me but because of the big breakfast that took me to heaven. We asked for a table for six mum and papa close to each other. After saying grace Lilly would ask for a small mozochino. A cappuccino mixed with some chocolate and mash mellows. She loved that very much she would put a huge smile on her face and you would know surely the family is happy. Mama loved toasted cheese and a cafe latte while papa would order a half done egg with whole wheat toast. We all ate like a happy big family then wrap up the day with some movies or go to the theaters. I loved my family and I still do.

Its morning we all sitting at the sitting room, papa is in his room and mama is taking a shower. Later on mama joins us and we sit. Little Lilly ask "mama are we going for our mozochino today?" "Yes we are baby; papa is going to organize all that for us. I was 19 then and starting to grow some love for men. After a while Papa rocked in the room with a smile and says "okay its time for breakfast everybody up” He is the man we all stood up and rushed to the dining room. Wow I couldn’t believe my eyes. Papa had prepared a five star breakfast the same as that we normally had at my favorite restaurant. Everything was there specially made by him not forgetting the mozochino. Mama tightly squeezed my hand and said daughter marry a man like your father. 

                                                                                                         stories from the desk

written by Hawulethu Dube
A saxjaz7 production
All rights reserved

@hawulethu

The Obama effect.

‘Whether i earned your vote or not i have listened to you, i have learned from you and you have made me a better man’’. The words of the 44th President of the United States of America Barack Obama in his re-election victory speech.

Four years ago history has repeated itself. I remember waiting anxiously for the election results when Obama first went head to head with John McCain immediately after the announcement of the elections i looked for a tape so that i could record his victory speech. As the norm his speech was amazing, inspiring, filled with hope and a glimpse of light that all man can make it regardless of colour, stature or background. I too would like to congratulate Mitt Romney for putting up such a stunning contest.

Well the big question is how did he win? I am not American and i am far from being African American but whether you believe it or not the American election affects and impacts us all. After four years of governance i fell out of love with Obama. Given a chance to choose a president i would not have chosen him but would have voted for him a paradox indeed. I have loved some of his policies but envied most. I had great expectations that he would deliver differently and to some extent change his foreign policy which personally i have not seen any change.

I believe the reason why myself and some people stuck to Obama is because of the inspiring tale he has begun and by no means none of us was willing to let it end prematurely and uninspiring as it begun. It is the story of a black man that became a president against all odds. It is a story that regardless of your background or colour ''all of us can and will succeed if we believe''. It is for some of us that live in foreign lands a letter of hope telling us to keep believing we will make it in a foreign land.

Therefore I would like to say congratulations to  Michell and Barack Obama.

 

written by Hawulethu Dube
A saxjaz7 production
all rights reserved

@hawulethu

love, murder and a stranger in town

Love, death and a stranger in town.

I had never seen my sister smile like this since the death of her husband Tom. I wondered what is it that could make her glow like this. We sat at our usual round table close to the fish pond where we had a clear view of the sunset and a fresh breeze of air blowing all of us. I poured tea while I waited for her to share the good news. ‘’I have never seen such a gentleman in a long time’’ she spoke in soft happy voice. ‘’I met him on my way from leaving Mrs Greenwall‘s flowers. He offered to walk with me and since it was morning and I was not in a rush I said yes. We introduced each other our conversation led to us passing by 11^th avenue coffee shop for a cup of coffee. He is good with words and woman, she laughs. Maybe it’s because I have not been around man for a long time. We made a date later tonight I will be meeting him at the old restaurant close to the old train station.’’ ‘’ So how does this prince charming of yours look like?’’ I asked. ‘’He is a medium, long nose, brown eyes and was wearing a brown coat’’.

Mrs Khumalo was a close friend of my mother. Since we had no mum anymore she was the only mum I was left with. I had to rush to her home because she needed my help. On arrival there was a police car outside her gate. When I entered the house the police man was leaving. ‘’Are you alright mum’’ I asked her. ‘’Yes I am dear’’ she answered calmly. ‘’What was the policeman looking for?’’. ‘’I was giving him a statement’’. What statement? I asked. ‘’Well I guess I am a witness to a murder’’.  We made our way to the couch and she continued‘’It happened this morning, a young lady was found murdered at the old train station. I happen to go there every morning as a memorial to my late husband. There is usually no one there every morning except for myself. I know this because I have been going there for the past 13years. Today I was not alone, as I made my way to my usual spot I met a gentleman I had never seen. He was medium, long nose and he had brown eyes and was wearing a brown coat. Later on today I received a call from the Police telling me they found a lady murder at the old train station.

It all ran like a movie in front of me. I quickly asked for the phone and I called home. Ring ring the phone rang but no one picked it up………

 written by Hawulethu Dube

a saxjaz7 production

all rights reserved

follow me on twitter @hawulethu

Nomvula.....(an extract from the play Nomvula)

ELVIS      : They say the love of money is the root of all evil, be careful my friend.

RODNEY: They say poverty kills more people in Africa than malaria, be warned my friend.
(All laugh)

ELVIS       : Poverty the root and cause of Africa’s problems. I have but it’s so little to last me  the night. I hear my neighbour approach the front door. We hide our plates and wipe our mouths. ”hello my friend “he says “my family is hungry please borrow me some  bread” .I look down open my mouth and tell a lie. He goes back home I wonder what  he will say to his wife and more of, his children.

RODNEY: Poverty has made us forget ubuntu. A man and a cow both fall into a pit. A priest                  stands by and prays; a sangoma also stands and throws his bones. Eventually  the Good Samaritan comes. He rescues the cow and leaves the man.
 
ELVIS    : The greatest fight should not be between man and his kind. It should be against man  and his poverty mindset. Hopefully one day we will fight as brother to win this war. 

RODNEY: Wipe out the greediness amongst man. Who knows how the world will look like after                  that?


An extract from the play Nomvula written by Hawulethu Patrice Dube.

written and posted by Hawulethu Patrice Dube
A saxjaz7 production
All rights reserved

follow me on twitter @hawulethu

"no woman no cry''

His story was that of the beginning
He claims he was there when the creator made all.
He says he saw the red sea being filled,the mountains being lifted,
and the lion being crowned the king of the jungle.
Though the king of the jungle was there, he owned everything. The creator gave him power,
authority and dominion.
He had all,enjoyed but was not satisfied. Only one creation could fill up the void.
Bone of my bones ,flesh of  my flesh, rib of my rib.
For a while joy filled his heart but forever he lost everything.
He called her Eve and his name was Adam.

A man once i knew, five times i have heard of
He fought many battles and won many wars.
Through the strength of his hands, the town was full of cripples and widows
No spear could pierce him,no sword could break his shield
He had the strength of many bears and roared louder than a lion.
No weapon fashioned against him could prosper except for one
fashioned by him.
His name was Samson and her name; Delilah..

He was black but he remained first for a long time.
White people wished he was white.
He was so skilled ,with his hands he made a fortune.
He was named after an animal but himself, was sweet as a bird.
He never roared, no lived in the Woods ..
It was until Tiger met a Cheetah.
His name was Tiger Woods

Written by Hawulethu Dube
a saxjaz7 production
all rights reserved

follow me on twitter @hawulethu