The Dance of Shame a serial by Tunde Akingbade

Tunde Akingbade relates yet another African tale in this play that shows the differences of African cultures and values from those of other world cultures.

The King - The play is based on AMUNIWAYE, the twenty-third Alaafin or Emperor who ruled Oyo Empire. His predecessor died untimely as a result of his association with his Bashorun (The Head Chief). On his ascension to the throne, AMUNIWAYE felt that he should protect himself against the friends of the former Bashorun, whose association led to the predecessor’s death.

Oloko’s house - Oloko’s house. He is sitting on a mat, and his face is tattooed with white emulsion. He is spitting and striking a gong intermittently. At a corner of the room, there is a demarcation with palm-fronds. Behind it is a psychic object of divination, which is constantly sending out creaking sounds. Later Oloko is singing and chanting:

Jemi and Jamu are scared - A small room littered with animal hides, skins, horns etc. Jemi and Jamu sit on it. Just as spotlight beams on them, the Layabout runs on stage breathing heavily and sweating. Jemi and Jamu are scared.

a beautiful lady passes by - The Palace. Amuniwaye is looking outside. He puts on an oversized trouser, which reveals his ankle. He is seen fanning himself when a beautiful lady passes by.

carrying an earthen-pot - Ololo is seen carrying an earthen-pot and walking through the audience to the Kings palace. She is dressed in a white wrapper, which covers her breast. The pot is balanced on her head with ease as she walks along. Lighten; effects focus also on the King who is sitting on a royal stool in the palace. Ololo talks as she walks towards the palace.

In front of the Medicine man’s house - In front of the Medicine man’s house. Jemi, Jamu and the Layabout are laying ambush. They cover their faces with masks. Inside the house Ojuro is waiting to see Oloko. Before his arrival, she opens the bag containing her belongings.

along a footpath - Two women are seen struggling again along a footpath. They are pushing and chasing themselves. Afterwards the women hold themselves and rain abuses.

The Palace. - The Palace. The King is pacing up and down and when spotlight beams on him, he begins a prolonged and what seems like infectious laughter.