ABOUT THE PLAY WRIGHT:
Mr. Peter Omovigho Dugbo hails
from Owhrode in Udu Local Govt.
Area of Delta State, Nigeria.
WONDERS OF
Late Moment
He attended Owhrode Primary school, Opete Primary
School, Enerhen, and Owhrode Mixed Secondary
School from 1977 to 1988. He proceeded to the Delta
State University, Abraka for his first degree in English
Education in 1990.
The author has taught English Language and Literature
in English in various public and private schools, like Top
Tutors College, Enerhen, Warri, Delta State; Jextoban
Secondary School, Ketu, Lagos.
He is author of Flying Colours in English (WASSCE,
GCE with Question/Answer & Oral English)
THE PLAY
James, an only son, is greatly loved by his father, Dr
Okoro, so much that his father buys a T.V . set for him. But
watching bad films late into the night makes him wakes up
late daily. He goes late to school, does no assignment. His
teacher, Mr . Alapere, noticing this trend in him, advices
him and James turn over a new leaf. His performance
improves but he is finally spoilt as he joins bad gangs and
fail his final examination. James who is out for a robbery
operation is read in the news as executed to the listening
ears of his father. Mr. Okoro collapses and dies. The
deaths of a son and father become the tragic wonders of
late moment efforts to correct wrong actions. Its moralistic
poise, tendencies and artistic craft (techniques) give it an
edge over many other plays.
Pe t e r O m ov i g h o D u g b o
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
Note
WONDERS OF LATE MOMENTS
CHARACTERS
JAMES
A Student
AMINA
His only younger sister
DR. OKORO
His Father
MRS. OKORO
His Mother
MR. ALAPERE
James Teacher
CHIEF BAYO
A Business Tycoon
MRS. BAYO
His Wife
OBI
TITI
FELIX
ANNA
James Classmates
SEGUN
MABEL
BOSS FIRESTONE:
The gang leader, an armed robber
IST POLICEMAN
2ND POLICEMAN
3RD POLICEMAN
NARRATOR
STUDENTS
NEIGHBOURS
42
I
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
The play, formerly titled “TOO LATE” was first
staged by Jextoban Secondary School Drama Group at
Note
1, Ibadan Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos in 1998, directed
by Mr. Peter Omovigho Dugbo (English Teacher)
The Original Cast:
Nwosu Ikenna
as James Okoro
Sadiat Ojo
as Amina
Ayodeji Jayeoba
as Dr. Okoro
Kafayat Ojo
as Mrs. Okoro
Samuel Darko
as Mr. Alapere
Emmanuel Darko
as Obi
Annabel Ezewele
as Titi
Olamide Oshinubi
as Felix
Abiodun Oke
as Anna
Kareem Omotunde
as Segun
Tolani Ayodele
as Mabel
Atopitar Robert
as Boss Firestone
Baba Femi Sogbesan
as 1 Policeman
Femi Ogunade
as 2 Policeman
Promise Ijetemoh
as 3 Policeman
Olajide Adebayo
as Narrator
st
nd
rd
ii
41
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
(James bows his head in greeting and leaves stage)There are
clapping, hailing and shouting from the audience. These die
down gradually and light fades away.
Enter Narrator. Bows his head as he walks up stage and shakes it
now and again and remains very sorrowful. A tear or two drop
from his eyes.
Narrator:
This is the end of my tale, not a happy one though.
A king David once lamented a great man, a hero,
an achiever when he said “How are mighty fallen,
and the weapons of war perished”. Another hero
has fallen before our very eyes. This time it is the
great poet, the honourable Award winner in
recitation, James Okoro the only son of his father,
but if my tale has ended with that death alone,
perhaps, my grief would have been little. But fate
has laden us with grief that is beyond measure for
it is the death of a son and a father at his prime. Tell
me what greater calamity, what immeasurable
misfortune exceed this! What? What? (Pauses and
sobs and slowly walks off the stage)
ACT ONE Scene 1
In the dinning room. Dr. Okoro and his wife, Mrs. Okoro are
Discussing about their children. Dr. Okoro has just finished
taking His lunch and Mrs. Okoro comes in to clear the dining
table.
Dr. Okoro:
Mrs. Okoro:
Dr. Okoro:
Mrs. Okoro:
Dr. Okoro:
What?.......................... What?..................................
What?..........................What?...................................
Mrs. Okoro:
END.
Dr. Okoro:
Ah, my lunch was very delicious, Darling. It's
Like you studied Food and Nutrition; am I right?
Not at all. It's just a natural gift and perhaps,
diligence on my part in having an eye on my mum
whenever she cooked. But death, brutal death, has
robbed me of my dear mum.
(Sadly) Oh, how wicked and cruel those armed
robbers were to have shot a helpless woman after
robbing all her livelihood. But Honey, let's forget
about that now. (swiftly changing the topic) Eh-hhow would you evaluate our son?
James is a good boy but you know, Amina his sister,
is preferable to me.
(shocked) May be you didn't hear me well. I am
talking about James our only son and not Amina.
Don't I know that Amina is our daughter?
I agree James is our only son but you must realize
that Amina my daughter is our only daughter too.
Okay, let's not argue about that. (remembers
suddenly) Eh-h, that aside, it's high time our kids
returned from school.
(There is a rushing noise as James and Amina hurl themselves at
their parents arms. James goes to his father while Amina goes to
40
1
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
her mother. They are back from School. Their school bags are
on their backs. James prostrates in greetings, Amina Kneels)
James:
Dr. Okoro:
Amina:
Mrs. Okoro:
Amina:
Dr. Okoro:
James:
Dr. Okoro:
James:
Daddy, we are back from school (rising up.)
Welcome, my precious son (holding his hand)
Mummy, we are back from school
Welcome, Oh my darling daughter, my angel.
How was school today?
Everything was fine. Thank you, mum (Exit Mrs.
Okoro and Amina.)
(Placing his hand on James head). James, my
Son.
Yes, Daddy.
James, you see, you are my only son. Make Sure
you keep your good character. “Evil
Communications”, they say, “Corrupt good
manners”. Don't associate with bad company.
Also, be serious with your studies. I promise to
buy you whatever you want, whatever you ask
me. I just like you. Is that alright?
Yes, Daddy.
(CURTAIN)
ACT ONE Scene 2
In the school compound. Next day. The bell rings for the long
Break period. James and his friends are playing and discussing.
They are seen eating snacks and fruits such as bananas,
Oranges, etc.
2
Sads soul, take comfort nor forget. The sunrise never failed us yet
– Celia Laighton Thaxter
Better limp all the way to heaven than not get there at all-Billy
Sunday
Friendship, of itself a holy tie, is made more sacred by adversity
–John Dryden
A true friend is the gift of God, and He only who made hearts can
unite them-Sir Philip Sidney
A friend is one who has an attraction of spirit, who is willing to
make an Investment of value and is willing to identify with us
publicly-David l. Burnham
Age is deformed, youth unkind, we scorn their bodies, they our
minds- Thomas Bastard
Better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it
and remove all doubt-Mark Twain
The English people never expect anyone to be original-Walter
Bagehot
O God, give us serenity to accept what cannot be changed, the
courage to change what should be changed, and wisdom to
distinguish the one from the other-Reinhold Niebuhr
Let us contemplate our fore-fathers, and posterity, and resolve to
maintain the rights bequeathed to us by the former for the sake of
the latter- Samuel Adams
Fear of change causes some persons to be comfortable in misery,
secure in their mediocrity and paralysed in their prejudicesHenderson O. Bello
39
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
General Issues:
Take time to find out what other people want and then spend your
time helping them to get it and you will be successful-GlennBland
James:
(Tapping Felix on his shoulder). Felix, do you know
that my Dad has promised to buy me whatever I ask
him? What do you think I should ask?
For every action there would be a reaction-GlennBland
Felix:
Give me a minute to think (knocks his head, Looks
up)
Conformity destroys a man's initiative and independenceGlennBland
Titi:
Tell your dad to buy every book you need for all your
subjects.
The secret of success is constancy to purpose-Benjamin Disraeli
James:
High aims from high characters, and great objects bring out great
minds-Tryon Edwards
That's a good idea. (to Segun) and you, what do you
suggest?
Segun:
A bicycle.
Mabel:
I will suggest a nice-looking pet - a dog.
Obi:
(cutting in) What does he need a bicycle or a dog for?
James, tell your dad you want N50,000.00
All:
Aaaaaaa! That's too mu-u-u-ch-ch!
James:
Anna, What's your idea?
Anna:
I can't really say. To make a reasonable and wise
suggestion, one needs much time to think and make
up one's mind.
Felix:
(Moves closer to James to whisper in his ears. He
communicates a word to him. James nods in
excitement. The others are displeaded). I have got an
idea (to all).
All:
Felix:
Speak out your idea.
Let James father buy him a television set.
Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence or
learning- Frederick William Faber
Anna:
That is not the best, I disagree. After all, James father
has a T.V. set in their sitting room.
Say you are well, or all is well with you, and God shall hear your
words and make them true-Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
James:
I want my personal T.V. in my room so that I can
watch films anytime I want.
You will become as small as your controlling desire, as great as
your dominant aspirations -James Allen
If you wish to reach the highest, begin at the lowest-Publius Syrus
If one advances confidently in the directions of his dreams, and
endeavours to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet
with success unexpected in common hours-Henry David Threau
The man who works for gold in the job rather than for money in
the pay envelope, is the fellow who gets on-Joseph French
Johnson
We judge our success by how much we help others to succeed in
life- Henry Ward
A useless life is only on early death-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
The best use of life is only an early death-Williams James
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3
Wonders of Late Moment
Obi:
Segun:
James:
Wonders of Late Moment
T.V.is okay.
I support that.
Thank you all for your advice. I shall ask my
father to buy me a T.V. (They disperse as the
bell goes for end of the break period).
ACT ONE Scene 3
James room
James is watching a film on the screen and Mrs. Okoro comes
in dressed in loose house wear, a gown. The T.V. set is at the
centre of the room on a table. On the top of the T.V. is a vase.
James is excited and he is talking aloud the actors in the film.
Reading makes a man sane, writing makes a an exact man-Sir
Fracis Bacon
I will read, study; I will work hard and wait for the job. It shall
surely come - Abraham Lincoln (Best American President)
A book is a riverbank for the river of language. Language without
the riverbank is only television talk-a free fall, a loose splash, a
spill-Cynthia Ozick
On Truth:
The truth that makes men free, that part of truth is what men
prefer not to hear-Herbert Agar
The truth is rarely pure, and never simple-Oscar Wilde
James:
Ah! See the actor, yes, see the boss; they are
fighting! Geesh! Geesh!! Geesh!!!
On Politics:
People will believe anything that provides solution to awkward
social and political problems-Balogh
Mrs. Okoro:
(Opens the door and walks in suddenly. James
Is startled) James.
God governs in the affairs of man; and if a sparrow cannot fall to
the ground without his notice, is it possible that an empire can rise
without His aid? –Benjamin Franklin
James:
Yes, Mum.
Mrs. Okoro:
it's after ten already. Aren't you sleeping now?
James:
(Still sitting on his bed. Now moves towards
the T.V. to off it.) Alright, I will sleep off in a
moment. I'm sorry, Mother.
Goodnight.
Mrs. Okoro:
We can only change the world by changing men-Charles Wells
Goodnight.
It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the
Bible- George Washington (US President)
I always have said, and always will says, that the studious perusal
of the sacred volume will make better citizens, better fathers and
better husbands-Thomas Jefferson
I have known Ninety-five great men of the world in my time and of
these, eighty-seven were followers of the Bible-William Ewart
Gladstone
4
37
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
What you are is greater than what you have, because what you
have is a product of what you are-Achonwa
On Words and Faith:
Men of few words are the best men-William Shakespeare
No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean; for
words are slippery and thought is viscious - Henry Brooks Adams
Fear is a perfect faith to failure-Albert Spiff
(Mrs. Okoro leaves but James gets up from bed. He walks towards
the T.V. He remembers the door is not locked. He turns back to lock up
the door properly, and returns to put on the T.V., wipes his faces and
soliloquizes.)
James:
The deeds we do, the words we say, into still air they seem to fleet;
we count them ever past, but they shall last. In the dread
judgement, they and we shall meet-John Keble
when you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are
slamming the door in the face f God-Charles L. Allen
Make no little or no pain. They have no magic to stir men's blood.
Make big plans; aim high in hope and work-Daniel Hudson
Burnham
Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will held create the
fact -Williams James
For they conquer who believe they can-John Dryden
Have confidence that if you have done a little thing well, you can
do a bigger thing well too-Storey
True prosperity is the result of well-placed confidence in ourselves
and over fellow man-Burt
There can be no greater inconsistency than orthodoxy of words
and an unorthodoxy of life-Billy Graham
On Reading and Writing:
The future belongs to those who can correctly read the sign of the
times and pay the price through informed preparation-Mr.
Olurotimi Ajibowo
36
I must not go to bed now. I must watch the horror
film as well as the war film this night.
(Lights fade slowly as James sits on his bed watching
a film.)
ACT TWO Scene 1
Classroom. The next day. A lesson is on. James comes late to school.
The students are sitted on chairs and desks facing the blackboard.
Mr. Alapere the Economics teacher is explaining a topic.
Mr. Alapere: Apart from the definition of Division of Labour
which I have already given you, we are also going
to learn the factors of production. There are four
factors of production, namely: Land, Labour,
Capital and Entrepreneur. We shall take them one
By – (sees James just coming into the classroom.)
James! Coming to school twenty – five minutes
Past nine! Come here! (flogs him thrice. The bell
Continue from there when we meet next. Is that
all right?
Class:
Yes Sir!
5
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
Mr. Alapere: Good Afternoon Class
Class:
Good Afternoon, Sir.
Mr. Alapere: (to James looking annoyed but calm.) James,
follow me to my office (leaves with James to
his office.)
ACT TWO Scene 2
Mr. Alapere's Office. James is sitted facing Mr. Alapere who is
also sitted. James is remorseful, bows head. Some books are on
the table that separates both of them.
Mr. Alapere: I have observed that of recent you come late
to School and you are careless about your
studies. James, tell me (looking straight into
his eyes). Why all this? You have been one of
my best students academically and morally.
But you will agree with me you have changed.
Am I telling lies?
James:
(almost sobbing, very remorseful) No, Sir. I
watch T.V. every night, so I wake up late. That
is the reason behind my lateness to school
often. (pauses) As for my bad character,
perhaps, it is the influence of my friends or the
T.V. or even both. But sir, I'm sorry. I promise to
turn over a new leaf.
Mr. Alapere: Do you promise me so?
James:
Yes, Sir.
A hundred men may make an encampment but it takes a woman
to make a home-Chinese Proverb
What is a home?... The only spot on earth where faults and
failings of human fallen humanity are hidden under the mantle of
charity…-Anonymous
A place without affection is a poor hovel, and the meanest hut
with love In its is a place for the soul-Robert Green Ingersoll
God has placed the genius of women in their hearts; because the
works of this genius are always the works of love-Alfonse De
Lamrtine
There is no worse evil than a bad woman; and nothing has ever
been produced better than a good one-Euriphides: Melanippe
A beautiful and a shaste woman is the perfect workmanship of
God… -George Hermes
Marriage Is that relationship between a man and woman in which
the independence is equal, the dependence mutual, and the
obligation reciprocal-Loiuse k. Anspacher
Well married, a man is winged: ill-matched, he is shackled-Henry
Ward Beecher
A man's children are pieces of himself, but his wife is himself.
As this is a reason why husbands should love their wives, so it is
reason on why they should not put away their wives; for no man
ever yet hated His own flesh, or cut if off, but nourishes and
cherishes it, and does all he can to preserve it. The two shall be one
therefore there must be but one wife, for God made one Eve for
one Adam-Mathew Henry
Mr. Alapere: Alright. You may go to your class.
James:
Thank you, Sir. (Exit)
6
On Man:
Man is an embodiment of concessions and contradictions-Charles
Caleb Colton
35
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
This poem, which is the last, is titled “Death”
This is the end of my dirge
Marking the death of a Jambite
When on St. Matric morning
Into that cult you did go
An initiation into the Acada forum
Where the system's tide
You must allow continually to flow
………through your mouth drown
………through your leg lost
………through your brain shaken
………through your tail cut
But let the fresher float
But let the flower grow
'till the fresher know
'tis a river of sadistic bloom
ACT TWO Scene 3
In the sitting room. Dr. Okoro is sitted and Mrs. Okro emerges In the
sitting room. Dr. Okoro is sitted and Mrs. Okoro emerges from a
room. She hands a letter to Dr. Okoro. He examines the letter in
astonishment.
Mrs. Okoro:
Here's a for you, Darling (handing it over)
Dr. Okoro:
(surprised and worried) Where must it has come
from? (He opens it and reads out loud.) “Dear
Dr. Okoro, Recently, I found out that your son,
James, has changed for bad in his studies. He is
no longer serious with his academic work. Also, he
comes late to school. His character is
deteriorating. Let me suggest that perhaps if you stop
him from watching television, he may improve. The T.V.
has done more harm than good to our children in the
society at large. I look forward to your positive
response. Yours faithfully, J.K. Alapere. (Class Teacher).
Like gold is refined on fire
So their best radiance will emerge.
(Pauses and continues)
Now, I move on to outstanding quotes
from outstanding voices
“Dear, do you hear that? How can I stop the boy from
watching what I promised and bought him. The
teacher's suggestion is not acceptable at all. As
for lateness to school, I shall talk to James about it
whether he can change. The T.V. is never the
cause of his lateness. We always make sure the
entire family go to bed as early as 10p.m daily. So, it's
not the T.V. or what do you think.
On marriage and the Home:
He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who find peace in his
home -Johan Wolfgang Von Goethe
Home is the most popular, and will be the most enduring of all
earthly establishments-Channing Pollock
Home is where the heart is - Pling the Elder
34
Mrs. Okoro:
I don't think it's the T.V either since we all sleep early.
7
Wonders of Late Moment
Dr. Okoro:
Wonders of Late Moment
Now, I shall write the teacher back and let him
know T.V. is not the cause and that he should find
some other way to make James improve in his
academics. Afterall, it's the responsibility of
teachers to make students perform well. Tell
James to get the reply from me for Mr. Alapere
tomorrow morning, Okay?
Mrs. Okoro:
Yes, Darling. (She leaves)
Dr. Okoro:
(alone) What is making my son to wake up late
Every morning? What? and why all these bad
reports about my only son? (raises voice) why?
(exit).
Enter Narrator, dressed as an old man, holding a
walking stick, wearing a singlet and putting on a
wrapper. He walks slowly to the stage mumbling
some words until he gets to the stage.
Narrator:
Do you know what? I will tell you stories, many,
many stories about the Okoro's family who live
right here in Ketu, Lagos. Their son James is
attending Albright International College at
Palmgrove. James has been a very intelligent
student, always topping his class. But as soon as
his father bought him a T.V. and he started
watching films late into the night, he goes late to
school becomes very bad. He also keeps
company with some fellow students whose
characters are questionable. And like the words
of our elders, “Evil communications corrupt
good manners.” His teacher has noticed all
these in James and advised him. James has
changed for good once more again.
8
Men at night who wipe all tears
With a handkerchief of determination
For the coming of day
See, she is coming back
Setting to work with all her heart
And the songs she carried
All the stars are melted together
Sets up this monuments of light.
“My Teacher”
Oh my teacher, Oh my teacher,
The person who teaches us what to be future,
The person who does not spare the rod when need be,
The person who correct us.
Oh my teacher, Oh my teacher,
The person who helps us when we make mistakes,
The stern-looking man who kills our fears,
The person who loves to see us rejoice.
Oh my teacher, Oh my teacher,
Tiny-looking and short he may be,
But brainy and intelligent he is,
And nice-looking is he.
Oh my teacher, Oh my teacher,
What a good man to behold,
Happy are we when we see him,
I owe a lot to him.
(Pauses as he recites the last poem; moves closer to the
audience,
Gesticulates and moves about as ever).
33
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
Courageous fellow, player of Goodwill,
Breaks down whenever he is ill,
Thou noisy animal with obedience,
Being created with intelligence and sense,
A pride to the people if favours.
James enters Mr. Alapere office to collect his second term result
Seeing the vehicle forms a question in me,
What is the limit of its pace?
Can it be alive all day
If taken care of and loved
By its loving, caring creators?
Mr. Alapere: James, here is your result (hands a paper over to
James.) You see, your performance has improved.
(Shakes his hands.) That is your Second Term result.
Keep it up.
“The Coming of Noonday”
Beneath the blessed silence of a glowing city
Children choked and mother wept
A woman stood agape behind the city
We were shrouded in the mist of grief
And men shaded their doubtful eyes.
James:
(CURTAIN)
ACT TWO Scene 4
Okay Sir. (opens result) Ah! Thank God! I have come
back to my former performance(he hurries out of the
office in excitement.)
ACT TWO Scene 3
That day had dawned
And darkness fled
Then higher and higher
The royal sun climbed
But noon was yet to come
Mrs. Okoro:
Where ghastly figures sat
Dreaming of night
Certain uncertainties of misshaped minds
of human tears, pleasure boats
of aching eyes till night swallowed us all.
(looking straight at Dr. Okoro with concern)
Darling how about the operation you said you
Would carry out on the patient with appendicitis?
Was it successful?
Dr. Okoro:
(with head bowed and sad) Not quite (pauses.)
The man died. We didn't except that. I felt
shocked. I and my men have operated similar and
even worse cases before.
Later in the day. In Dr. Okoro's sitting room. Dr. Okoro and Mrs.
Okoro are sitted chatting. James enters.
We have seen another morrow
Who dark forehead ache with thinking
32
9
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
Mrs. Okoro:
Oh, it's a pity. The man must have been
unfortunate. What was his occupation?
Dr. Okoro:
He was a renown business man. He was
admitted – (pauses as he sights James coming)
two days ago. (to James as he enters) James
you look excited and happy this evening.
James:
Daddy, Mummy, I have distinction in all my
Subjects! Here is my result. (hands it over
to Dr. Okoro.)
Mrs. Okoro:
It’s true? Please, let's see it together (moves
closer to Dr. Okoro. Both of them inspect the
result sheet.)
Dr. Okoro:
Oh, this is an excellent result. My son, you
are good. God will bless you. You will
succeed in life. You will be richer than I. You
will achieve greater heights than I. May God
be with you. (embraces him) Um-m. (looks
looks straight at him in his face.) Boy, what do
you want to read after your SSCE which
comes up in four months time?
James:
I am good in the Arts and would want to read
Law or Personnel Management to become
Either a Lawyer or a Manager.
Dr. Okoro:
That's good anyway. But it means you don't
Intend to become a Medical doctor like me.
Why, son?
James:
Dr. Okoro:
Dad, 'Cos I'm better in the Arts than in the
Sciences.
Then, may your dream come true.
10
Mummy separates,
Only to see them
In that play again.
“Ode to the Wind”
Why does the wind so want to be
Here in my little home with me?
Thou has all the world to blow about
But just because I keep him out
thou cannot be a moment of still,
and sometimes brings a noisy rain
to help thou batter at the pone.
Upon my door thou comes to knock
Thou rattles, rattles at the lock
And it lidts the latch and stirs the key.
Then waits a moment breathlessly,
And soon, more fiercely than before,
Thous shakes my little trembling door
And though “Come in, Come in!” I say,
You neither come nor go away.
“Ode to Faithful Vehicle”
Oh! Thou moveth with a powerful noise,
Fuming round the road with a jerk,
Machinery built to serve faithfully
Carrying a lot of load like the earth
That was created by father God.
Moving beast of the whole world,
Talking down the lane with a mind
Running after his mates like a child,
Is he a god or man? That I can't tell,
Having heavy and powerful intestines to sustain it.
31
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
Mum was out-out sometimes
For days, for weeks, and
Even for months to feed her
Son's and her stomach.
These are joyful tears of sorrow.
So when my God comes at the end
And comforts his own
I see joyful tears grouping out
Of mine eyes
When in my Saviour's eternal
Loving arms I am found
“A scene I enjoy seeing”
Hungry though
They shout and chat together
Eating meals, they do together
Sitting, jumping, laughing in unity,
They also run, smile
And sometimes, cry together.
James:
Enter Narrator.
Narrator:
You know that box called the T.V. is still there
with James in his room. You won't be surprised
that even though he has changed for good, yet,
once in a while he still stay awake till midnight
to watch films that can pollute his innocent mind
and destroy all his dream and future. He watches
the horror, the pornographic as well as criminal
films. James has now learn the tactics of
robbery. He told his father he wants to become
either a Lawyer or a Manager. Let us see
whether his dream comes true. (Exit)
ACT THREE Scene 2
Four months later. James school premises. James, Obi and Felix
are smoking cigarettes and gisting about films. Anna enters.
James:
Guys, I nearly ran out of my room after watching
that latest horror film “Dracula” and “The Oracle”
But the most interesting package was the tough
war film, “Dead Men” and “Rituals” (smokes into
the air).
Obi:
(taking his cigarette from his mouth and holding
it) James can you tell us the gist of those films?
James:
Okay, let's go into one of those vacant classes to
avoid the principal and more especially, Mr.
Alapere. (they make to go into a class.)
Felix:
James, that reminds me. Mr. Alapere said that
Tony, hungry, drops a tear
Kemi, on-looking, deeply thoughtful,
Sober and sad, pats him on head
Embraces her beloved
Comforts him by crying too.
Munmmy's comfort is final.
Food is ready.
Tony, playing and laughing
Hits his dear sister
Kemi takes her turn
And down they roll joyfully
30
Amen, Thank you, Dad. (the three exit)
11
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
today is the deadline for all to submit the
Economics assignment. Is yours ready? Mine is
not ready yet. Ah (knocks his head.)
James:
Enter Anna
Anna:
‘
James:
What can he do? For your information, mine is
Not ready also, and I don't care about that.
(they Move on.)
You boys. Are you people serious at all?
When everybody is busy running to the
Admin. Block to copy the SSCE time table,
you are here discussing nothing but – (pauses)
I think – (pauses again) irrelevant things. The
SSCE Exam kicks off with English Language,
Tuesday, next week. You hear? You should get
the time table and start reading.
if we don't read we can still pass the exams.
Or don't you think so, Obi?
Obi:
Oh yes. Don't mind her, let's go and hear the
Gist of those films from you.
Anna:
(shaking her head and placing her hand on
her check) James, ah, James, so this is you
(she hisses and leaves) (the rest leave).
Six months later after the exams. James and
Obi meet suddenly at Ikeja. Obi passes James
who is standing. Obi does not notice James.
James:
(reaching out to touch Obi on the shoulder)
Obi! Obi! This is me!
12
… Angels throw open
the gates of paradise
joy descends in golden cascades
announcing a glorious dawn,
our dawn …
“Oh my God”
Oh my God
When shall I see your favour
In the midst of this
Darkness?
Let it break forth
As the sun that sends out
Its darzling rays
At dawn-after the
Seemingly endless night
Like the weeping child
That hungers for his dear
Mum's return in the midst
Of tears rolling down
In weighty drops
Like the
Furious rain that beats its
Victim.
Then at last, the mummy comes
Place her loving caring hands
On him, bends over him
Lifts him up. Then his tears
Burst out afresh
In remembrance of loneliness,
Deprivation, hunger, when his
29
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
But must we doubt
Their professed wisdom?
For they are the elders
Who know everything and lack nothing
For they alone can reach the shrine
And to the gods they communicate
Our wishes in their name.
But we indeed
Rely on their wisdom?
“A Serenade to my Paragon”
In the warm scented night air
Gloating in the moon's enchantment
Nightgales cluster in wondrous revelry
Singing rhapsodies,
Geckos cuddle moths
Hens felicitate roaches
Lions befriend sheep
Elephants sing lullabies to lizards
Doves careen our horizon
Brandishing celestial branches
Angels dance in the sky
Playing harps and tambourines,
Mountains roll
Hills quake
Trees rock
Rivers swell
Stars glimmer a thousand tears
Celebrating the resurrection of love …
28
Obi:
(turns to see who speaks, recognizes James)
Ah, James! Long time, no see. A-a, you are
here (shakes hands with James.) We've not
seen since we finished the exams.
James:
Where have you been?
Obi:
I traveled out of Lagos for some months. I've
been in Enugu. I came back just last week
James:
Obi, have you got your result?
Obi:
yes, but-(pauses and looks down) it's too bad.
Let's not discuss that now-six F9's and three
passes. How about yours?
James:
Four F9's three passes and two credits. Ah!
what a failure! Oh, what will I do?
Obi:
Men, let's leave the issue of result. Life goes
on, result or no result.
James:
Obi, my Dad says he is taking me along to meet
our class teacher, Mr. Alapere. Let me hurry
up to be with him. See you.
See you. Bye (they shake hands and wave to
each other as they leave.)
Obi:
ACT FOUR Scene 2
Mr. Alapere's Office. Mr. Alapere is sitted busy writing. There
is a knock on the door. Dr. Okoro and James walk in.
Mr. Alapere: Come in (sighting Mr, Okoro and James.) Oh,
It's you, Dr. Okoro, Good afternoon
(simultaneously with Dr. Okoro's response)
James, you are here.
13
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
Dr. Okoro:
Good afternoon (they shake hands)
James:
Good afternoon, Sir.
Mr. Alapere: Afternoon. Have your seats
Dr. Okoro:
(sitting) Thank you. Eh, I am here on account
of my son's bad result of the recent SSC exams.
He failed woefully. I know you know that. But
what can I do? (puts hand into pocket
and brings out some notes of Naira handing
them over to Mr. Alapere) Eh-(Mr. Alapere
interrupts.)
Mr. Alapere: (jesticulating “No” with his hands) I don't
really need that, please. Finish what you have
to say.
Dr. Okoro:
Eh, I think if you help me give this money
fifteen thousand Naira to the school Principal,
he might do something to effect a change in
my son's result. Ad for you, I have something
in stock for you, also.
Mr. Alapere: (clearing his throat with a cough) Dr. Okoro
Let me be frank with you. as far as you son's
result is concerned, it is too late. There is
virtually nothing we can do about it now.
Moreover, the Principal is the type that never
accept bribe.
Dr. Okoro:
It never crossed my mind James could perform
that bad – Four F9's. three passes and only two
credits. Ah, I learnt he is even more with bad
gangs now.
Mr. Alapere: I'm not surprised. But I wrote you and advised
against his watching films in the image of that
14
And so, I drum it all the time,
Any king that sups on our blood can only
For sometime chase us into our holes,
But when we emerge, his legend shall
Only be told not even among women but Children in
their playgrounds.
See, let the incubus continue with its sorceries,
Time alone will prove it.
(Recites on).
“Interpreting the Oracle”
To whom shall we go
For the interpretation of the oracle now that the
elders of the land've failed?
They've come in many forms
But with the same result.
And they first appeared as herbalists
Who boasted knowing all the herbs
Yet on their laps the sick child died
And to our homes we went drooped
Again they came as priests
Yet couldn't understand the language
Of the gods, and they gave us
False revelation
And we're lost.
And now they have turned magicians performing
on the stage as we in ignorance applaud them
And they blindfold us
disposing us our belongings.
27
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
The afternoon manifests this feminine venture of
a peacock-like pompous nature.
That yesterd's beauty is like the marrows future
But what has the evening has for us in her closure?
deadly T.V. but – your reply baffled me.
Dr. Okoro:
And gradually it dims like a glowing-splint
That begets cold ash as it goes in length
And such is like a Sunflower myth
That none but nature has in her power
Thus, let us pause while we smile
For it is but a short while
As the Sunflower whither with time
So shall beauty cease at nature's will
(Recites another)
“Time Alone”
History is replete with their kinds
And so I have thrown my fear to the past
When Tarquin enacted his drama
We thought the end had come
But with wisdom the Romans showed him the
way.
Most of whom a king torments
Always live to dictate his end
Some “Let's bury him alive”
Others: “Bullets will do it quicker”
The reign of Akpobrisi is unrivalved, yet
not immortal-the willing hurricane
Will shred it into two in its wake
26
I think your advice was right. I'm really sorry. I shall
closely monitor him from today onwards. As for the
T.V., it's his gift from me but I withdraw it with
immediate effect. My son can't get spoilt before my
very eyes. It is not too late to stop him from watching
bad films (rising up from the chair) Thank you very
much.
Mr. Alapere: (also rising up simultaneously with James).
You are welcome. Eh-because of my love for James, let
me advise you to buy the next GCE form and let him
prepare for the exam very well.
Dr. Okoro:
Thank you for your advice.
Mr. Alapere: Don't mention. (Exit).
ACT FIVE Scene 1
In a bush at Ajegunle. Enter James, Obi, Felix, Segun and a rough
fierce-looking fellow who appears to be the leader of the gang, Boss
Firestone. They are putting final touches to an armed robbery
operation plan. They are all dressed in black with dangerous
weapons – guns, knives etc. They put on masks.
Boss Firestone:
Now, when we get there, two of you (pointing
to Segun and Felix) are to man the gate with
your pistols. Okay?
15
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
Segun and Felix:
Yeh Zir!
Boss Firestone:
Obi! (Obi comes forward) you and James
are to follow me to attack the banker. He is
a very wealthy man and I know his house
very well. Two of you shall handle him and
stand him still after we've arrested him,
while I go for the money box. (in a
thundering voice) is that taken?!!
Obi and James:
Yeh Zir!
Boss Firestone:
I know we shall succeed. Let's go-o-o-o !!!
(they all make to go but suddenly Boss
Firestone stands still.) Wait! Wait!! All of
you! (they all stand still) Let everybody try
his gun. Quickly! (they all cock their's ready
to shoot; as Boss Firestone calls their
names one after the other, gun blasts are
released.) Obi! (Obi is positioned and
released the trigger, a deafening noise is
heard off stage – booommmm) Felix!
(booommm) Segun! (boooommm) James!
(boooommm) (Boss Firestone shoots and
his is the loudest) – (boooommm!!!) (they
all run off stage.)
16
ACT FIVE Scene 5
Light brightens on stage and Narrator emerges from the rear.
Narrator:
I would like to inform you about the happiest day in the
Life of James. It was his red-letter day. Being one of the
best of students of Mr. Alapere's class then, Mr.
Alapere chose him to represent his class in an interstate recitation competition. He won in his school and
was asked to represent his school. He also won at the
State and so proceeded to the national level where he
won laurels for himself, his school, his parents, his local
government and his state. His performance was extraordinary. Let me move aside for you to hear him
yourself. (leaves)
Flashback. James is sitted with a co-contestant. The Panel of Judges
are sitted too in the high table. Action here is in mine. The organizer
directs people to their seats.
Voice:
The next contestant in the recitation competition is
James Okoro from Albright International College,
Palmgrove, Lagos. (There is clapping in the high table
and hailing. James comes up to a platform bows his
head and speaks.)
James:
Mr. Chairman, Honourable Panel of Judges, Accurate
Time Keeper, Co-contestants, Fellow Students, Ladies
and Gentlemen, Good day. Let me begin with poems.
The title of my first poem is “The Sun Flower”. (Pauses
and stretches out his hands and recites).
We are all like Sunflower.
That is full of life in the morning show
And blossoms in beauty like the rose flower
What has nature for us in her power?
25
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
Chief Bayo:
Of cause, what you want to operate me for.
Dr. Okoro:
Alright, take heart. We have operated worse cases
in this place before and they were successful. It
will soon be over.
Chief Bayo:
Thank you (Dr. Okoro leaves as light fades away)
ACT FIVE Scene 1
The next day. At the Police station. Enter 1st policeman, 2nd
Policeman, 3rd policeman. Boss Firestone, Obi, Felix, Segun and
James are hand-cuffed and being pushed, beaten by three Policemen.
The culprits are almost naked with tattered wears. They look
exhausted.
1st policeman:
You are all dead men (pushes them violently.
2nd policeman:
You are merciless to the public and we shall be
merciless to you. Idiots, You shall all die by firing
squad (slaps, whips and pushes them; kicks
them while they groan, cry and plead.)
3rd Policeman:
(to his colleagues) This is their leader (pointing
to Boss Firestone.) You shall smell hell. (Kicks
and slaps him simultaneously. Boss Firestone
staggers and falls.)
James:
(sitted, looks up and bows his head;
looks up again spreads his hands forward) Ah,
so this is how my life shall end! Ah! Ah!!
(weeps.)
(CURTAIN)
24
17
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
ACT FIVE Scene 3
Mrs. Bayo:
I can't buy inferior rice you know. They contain stones
which if inadvertently swallowed could lead to
appendicitis. And I can't buy other run-of-the-mill
provisions either. I want our children to look pretty
well. Their appearance outside speaks volume of us as
parents.
Chief Bayo:
Woman, rice doesn't cause appendicitis. You are not
the one to educate me on health matters. Afterall, I
have my personal physician. Well, not to prolong
matters, how much do you need?
Mrs. Bayo:
Three Thousand Five Hundred Naira will do.
Chief Bayo:
You can buy the ordinary type of rice for me and buy
American rice for yourself and your children. O.K?
(hands bundles of naira notes to Mrs. Bayo).
Mrs. Bayo:
Thanks.
In the sitting room. Dr. Okoro and Mrs. Okoro are sitted
apparently worried and sad
Dr. Okoro:
Mrs. Okoro:
Amina:
Our son been out of this house now for a whole
week. He told us he was travelling to Ibadan to visit
his uncle, Uncle Okome. He is supposed to be back
by now. Well, let's hope he is enjoying himself
there.
I think he is at Ibadan, yet, he ought to come back
to fill the GCE form we've bought on his behalf and
to be reading his books. I am not sure he had even
taken any of his books along with him to read.
(enter Amina) Amina, I hope you have fried the
eggs and beans ready for breakfast. Have you?
Yes, Mum.
(The radio is on and the state news ti being relayed
at nine and Dr. Okoro moves to the radio; he
increases the volume, goes back and sits down.)
Dr. Okoro:
Let's listen to the news.
Voice:
Here is the state news. First, the major items. A
gang of armed robbers have been executed.
The state …
Amina:
(interrupting) Good for the wicked and
Dr. Okoro:
Ssshhh!
18
Light fades away and brightens. Chief Bayo and Dr. Okoro are in the
hospital room.
Chief Bayo:
So that was how it happened. I preferred eating the
ordinary rice. I instructed my wife to cook that type for
me. She complied-all because of the harsh economic
climate of the country. Money is not easy to come by
so, I don't believe my money should be spent
extravagantly In the name of quality. People have been
eating the ordinary type of rice before I was born so I
reasoned. They didn't die. That was why when this
sickness first started I didn't believe it's because of rice.
I was treated but the case was getting worse everyday
until one of my closest friends advised me to go for an
X-ray.
Dr. Okoro:
And the result indicated what?
23
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
Chief Bayo:
Thanks for your words of encouragement. (Looks
straight into Doctor's eyes). I just hope and pray it
will be successful. Thanks.
Dr. Okoro:
You are welcome. Eh-I still want you to answer
my question.
Chief Bayo:
On what?
Dr. Okoro:
On your late admission to the hospital
Chief Bayo:
Well, like I said, it is a long story (Pauses). Perhaps,
it all my fault. Or perhaps, its that I'm just
unfortunate to get this dreaded appendicitis. Now
listen. I don't like spending extravagantly. I regard
buying things that are costly as the direct
opposite of me. She always talks of quality, quality,
quality. We often argue and quarrel because of
our contrasting postures on spending in every
matter including foodstuff such as rice. I can still
remember some of our arguments. (Light fades)
Flashback. Chief Bayo and his wife Mrs. Bayo are seen on stage
as light brightens on them. Mrs. Bayo is dressed on loose house
wear.
Mrs. Bayo:
I need money to go for shopping for foodstuff. The
rice is gone as well as beans, and other necessary
items.
Chief Bayo:
You see: This is what I have been saying in this
house. Don't buy costly things, you won't hear.
Now, the foodstuff and provisions you bought just
two weeks ago are all gone. You talk of quality,
quality, quality. Don't you know that “quality”
means “extravagance”nowadays? (Stressing the
last two words).
22
Voice:
… the 1997 academic scholarship awards. A new
overhead bridge has been commissioned by the
State Military Administrator. Now the news in
detail. A gang of armed robbers have been executed.
The culprits were executed by firing squad yesterday
at 12:30p.m. The five-man gang whose names were
given as Segun Odeyingbo, Felix Takwo, Obi Anya,
James Okoro and Boss Firestone were rounded up by
anti-crime Police Patrol squad as they tried to escape
after robbing a rich banker at his premises in
Surulere. (voice fades away as Mrs. Okoro and Dr.
Okoro Interrupt.)
Dr. Okoro:
Eh-What?! James executed? My only James? (coughs
again and again; falls from the chair and
collapses.)
Mrs. Okoro:
(rushes to carry Dr. Okoro with Amina assisting) What
is life trying to do to me? My s o n , m y h u s b a n d !
(weeps, examine Dr. Okoro who is now motionlesshe is dead; She finds out he is dead; she rolls on the
ground while Amina runs out to call in neigbours
whose majority are women. The men carry Dr. Okoro
into the room while the women folk hold and console
Mrs. Okoro. Mrs. Okoro Amina was weeping profusely.
The women sing dirge first in Yoruba and another in
Igbo as they take Mrs. Okoro and Amina away off
stage.)
19
Wonders of Late Moment
Wonders of Late Moment
ACT FIVE Scene 4
Women:
Iku d'oro, Iku s'eka }
Iku s'eka o ma se oo }
Ha o ma se o
Jemisi omo omi o
Nibo loju re wa
Iku mumilomo lo
Ha o ma se o
20
2ce
Enter Narrator
Narrator:
Two more things and I will begin to wind up my tale. Do
you know and have you heard the details and the
secret behind the death of that great businessman.
Chief Thomas Bayo operated by late Dr. Okoro?. The
Chief told the Doctor the details.
This scene is acted on flashback.
Chief Bayo is lying on a bed in the hospital. Dr. Okoro stands over
him. The two men are seen discussing as light brightens the stage.
Dr. Okoro:
Chief Bayo (bending low to enable Chief Bayo hear
him). What really went wrong that this your case
became chronic before you started out for medical
treatment? Definitely, it is not cash. You've got aall the
money to take care of yourself. What was the matter?
Chief Bayo:
Doctor, it is a long story altogether. Let's leave that now.
Tell me, when will the operation take place?
Dr. Okoro:
We are operating on you this evening - 7pm today,
precisely
Chief Bayo:
(Very sad, shakes head and hisses) I'm afraid, I may not
see the dawn (breathes heavily and painfully). Un-n-nh.
Dr. Okoro:
(anxiously but optimistic). But why do you think so?.
Don't you trust this caliber of doctors of mine and
myself who will be there to supervise the whole show
itself ? You just let us finish the operation and you will
know that this is Save-Cross Hospital Ltd. Be rest
assured. Don't be afraid. Also, trust God in whose
hands are your life and very existence.
21