OSUPA DUDU (Black Moon)

ACT 2: Help From Within

(Raven walks to her chair staring at her laptop. As if talking to herself)

Osupa Dudu. An unfinished fantasy play I found on Goodreads, a site where authors write books in real time. (She stands up again. This time facing the audience, her voice becoming more energetic)

I discovered it this morning after finishing everything on my to-be-read-list, and then surfing the internet for more books by my favorite author, a mysterious figure who goes by the initials CR. There is no website or bio anywhere for this author and I was thrilled to discover this partially finished yoruba fictional story after rolling through her catalog over a period of three days! I assume CR is a woman. (She walks back to where her laptop is) It features the ultimate, non-redeemable character, Ogigi agadi ologun. That is Shadow warrior of Osupa Dudu town. Whose soul is so black the sun can't warm it's depth. The violent, huge warrior rules a Kingdom where there is no daylight, only the fog and grayness of twilight. He spends his lifetime in battles and dismantle anyone in his path.

There is no peace, no love, no hope in Osupa Dudu, only death and destruction and a warrior who doesn't know mercy or forgiveness. I love it! (She swigs around then sits on the couch again) the book speaks to me, which is why I keep hitting refresh on my browser in the hopes that the author has updated more chapters. Thinking about the warrior makes me shiver, he is definitely not civilized, which fits my unhappy mood today. (She glance at the television and sits up straight , exhausted. A knock is heard. She opens the door as Ronke enters)

Ronke: Oh my God raven look at you, you are a mess, you should be over him by now. He isn't worth. You will definitely find someone who will love you unconditionally.

Raven: Thanks. Come sit.

Ronke: Tell me how was your day? You look drained out.

Raven: (Sighs) I spent the day alternatively crying and reading, I am exhausted.

Ronke: Crying yes, but reading what?

Raven: What else? My four all-time favourite plays; The Blood of a stranger, The lion and the jewel, Native son, Kunrumi, and now Osupa Dudu. I read them over and over all day.

Ronke: (Looks at her with pity) You were supposed to to be in the final stages of panning your wedding this week, not stuck in your house.

Raven: What can I say my friend (To the audience) all I can do now is spend what is left from the wedding fund on books so I can escape from my miserable life. (She bursts into tears)

Ronke: (Comforting her) Easy now, easy. How long will you continue to indulge yourself with books? (To the audience, as if whispering) A true bookworm introvert who hates leave her house. (Back to her) You need a change, a distraction asides books!

Raven: Like what?

Ronke: Exercise, outing, shopping, maybe?

Raven: My relationship with Daniel has always been like a roller coaster; a brief periods of ecstasy followed by months of despair.

Ronke: …….Okay…?

Raven: He never complimented me, always made me felt bad about myself. So outing is no option, I am a mess right now.

Ronke: ……Well that is irrelevant I think. But you can….

Raven: Exercise? I have done thirty minutes of yoga religiously everyday in my room for the past three years!

Ronke: (muttering) That is a no.

Raven: (She stands up abruptly) Books are my calling; my sav….

Ronke: ….Saviour and companion. You have repeated it countless times Raven.

(Watches her walk towards the table. Oblivious to continue reading, she walks father away to the right, drawing all the attention on her. Oblivious to Raven, she brings out picture of Raven, attached it to a book wit white clothing. She then began chanting slowly. Satisfied, she hides it under the couch.)

Ronke: This is what I can do to help. See you later Raven. (She leaves this stage after a wave from Raven)

Raven: (intrigued on her computer) Take me away mysterious CR. (To the audience, her mood suddenly brightens) Part of the fun is figuring out who is whom before the author reveals it. Just for your enlightenment, I figured out the Fool, the Betrayer, the Devoted-but-Doomed, the Revolutionist, the Villain, the Manipulative, the Diabolic, The Love Interest, the Day Dreamer, the Oppressed, A bunch of minions…(Pause) could the violent, mysterious, and scary Shadow Warrior actually be an hero? What do you think? No not possible, a creature like him can never have a compassionate interest. Why? Because no one in their right mind would want to be with him.

(Walks to the right) This is something different entirely, how can a play have no hero or love interest, only directions of conflicting issues? How can CR write such a play? The shadow warrior is not like CR previous characters. He does not fit in and somehow something about him makes me feel uneasy or should I say scared, as if he is real. Whenever I read his lines, I can almost hear his deep voice in my head. (Pause, as if searching the audience) Silly, absurd, is it not? Do not look at me that way. It is the sign of a great author, and not me going crazy. Besides what kind of a reader fears fictional stories? (She walks back reluctantly towards the couch with her laptop and sits on the part where Ronke had placed the charm, she shudders abit) I have been locked in a silent battle with him since the first act. It is difficult to read his mind, but I find myself compelled to reread every one of his lines. Ah! I am fed up! (She close the laptop, infuriated)

The last thing I need today is a story to dissect. Ronke might be right, I need a distraction, not another stupid man giving me a headache! (She stands up, looks down at the laptop) You are not making it any easier Shadow warrior, you and every other man in this planet earth! What are you waiting for, why don’t you just tell me your story like every other character does and relieve me of this puzzle? You are stressing me out you know? Of cause you are imaginary, I do not expect you to answer. I know what will make this easier, wine! (She stands up and walks to a table on the left. Sights a leftover unfinished bottle of wine and grabs it, she walks back to the couch then drinks the whole bottle)

Why cant the heroes in plays be real? I hate my life, there is no happily-ever-after in real world but misery! (To the audience, already getting tipsy, with an exhausted expression) I would give anything for a fresh start you know,another chance to be with someone worthy of a hero instead of a judgemental man with insecurity issues. I will die a crazy old woman, I am certain of it.

(Finally she succumbed and doze off on the couch. While she sleeps, low chants is heard in the background. Three women dressed in white enters. Amongst them is Ronke, a white dove in her hands. She follows the women to surround Raven, while chanting. Then she raises the dove circulating it above her head, after which the trio stands beside each other facing the audience.)

1st Woman: (To Ronke) Speak child, your desire. 0runmila hears you.

Ronke: Thank you mother. (Raises the dove up) Listen! Open your hears wide!! The shakkles that has befallen you. The misfortunes that placed itself like an apparel on you; No more shall they torment you. Go! A new world awaits you! (She release the dove)

1st&2nd Woman: Ase!

(Black out)