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Wedlock of the Gods


Wedlock of the Gods is a postcolonial style play about breaking from the oppression of tradition in a male lead society. This three act play was written by Zulu Sofola, the first published, woman playwright from Nigeria.

Scene One:

The play begins in Ogwoma’s house. Odibei enters and begins to examine the items and furniture in the room, searching for something. She wonders out loud about the death of her son when Odibei enters looking for Ogwoma. Odibei continues searching for some kind of murder weapon or poison while the two converse about her son, Adigwu’s, death. Otubo states wisely that people are born and people die and that is how life takes course but Odibei insists that her son’s wife, Ogwoma had something to do with his death. She firmly believes that Ogwoma murdered him and has hidden the cause of his death in her house. Otubo insists that Ogwoma could not have killed her husband but Odibei won’t hear it and is still searching the house, muttering to herself in somewhat of a crazed state. Odibei goes on to complain that Ogwama hasn't even been mourning her son properly during the three-month mourning period. Eventually Otubo is able to calm Odibei enough to lead her away from the Ogwoma’s house to rest. Ogwoma and Anwasia enter carrying goods back from the market. Ogwoma is dressed suitably for mourning. As they enter it is clear that they were just having a very serious conversation. Anwasia goes on to reveal that the two friends were just talking about how Ogwoma is pregnant with another man’s child even though she is still only on the second month of her three-month mourning period. Ogwoma doesn't want to talk about it but Anwasia pushes the subject saying that what she has done is unheard of in their culture and that she at least should have waited another month before letting another man in her bed. Anwasia also reminds her that it is custom for the widow to marry the brother of the deceased husband Ogwoma comes back by saying that Uloko is not just another man, she is the love of her life and because of that not she could not have waited. She goes on to say that she is not in mourning because her husband dying was no loss to her. She never felt anything for him and was forced to marry him through an arranged marriage for money. Anwasia reminds her that that is simply how it is in their culture and even goes on to say that Ogwoma should be grateful for the money the marriage brought her family because it saved her terribly ill brothers life. Anwasia warns Ogwoma about her mother in law, Odibei, when Uloko enters. The lovers embrace with passion and Anwasia announces that she is leaving. As she exits she insists that Ogwoma tell Uloko about the child. After a lot of pleading on Uloko’s part Ogwoma finally tells him that his child is growing inside of her. Uloko is filled with joy. He lifts Ogwoma up and spins her around while he cheers with excitement. He claims that now that his child is inside of her there is no way she can be married to Adigwu’s brother. Ogwoma stops the short celebration because she hears something outside. Worried that Odibei is sneaking around she tells Uloko that he must leave. Uloko doesn't understand the severity of the situation and stays put saying that they should just let Odibei catch them. Ogwoma insists that he go and says that he shouldn't underestimate Odibei’s cruelty. Ogwoma admits that she plans to run away before her pregnant belly begins to show. Odibei enters and immediately advances on Ogwoma to slap her but Uloko gets in between them, defending his love. Odibei, in a rage, says that Uloko should be looking for marriageable women and not hanging around a woman in mourning’s home. Ogwoma says that she always hated her son and that God has freed her to be with Uloko. Odibei goes to leave saying that no one messes with her. Uloko demands that she keep Ogwoma out of her evil plans but Odibei exits and simply says, “We will see.” Ogwoma breaks down into Uloko’s arms in despair over Odibei catching them. Uloko promises that he will handle her and that no one can hurt them. Ogwoma continues to sob.


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