Inky the Writer

The Principles of Noble Ngozika

By

Ihomma Vision Nwanneka

Act 1:

Act 1, Scene 1: The Forgotten Library

Setting: A dim, dust-laden library in the heart of Core City. Shelves teeter with ancient texts, the air thick with the scent of old paper and lost time. Ngozika “Noble” Ezinwa, a young idealist, stands center stage, a heavy tome in hand.

Noble: (Excitedly flipping through the tome) “This… this is it! The Declaration of First Principles!”

Librarian: (Approaching quietly) “That book hasn’t been touched in decades. What interests you in it?”

Noble: “I’ve heard legends, but never believed… This could change everything for Core City.”

Librarian: “Be cautious. Ideas that challenge the status quo can be dangerous.”[3]

Noble: (Determined) “Or they could liberate us. This city, divided by inequality, needs to remember these words.”

Librarian: “What will you do with it?”

Noble: “Share it. The people must know. It’s time for change.”

Librarian: “You walk a perilous path, Noble. But perhaps, a necessary one.”

(Noble nods, clutching the tome to their chest, a resolve in their step as they head towards the exit, the forgotten library fading into darkness behind him.)

Act 1, Scene 2: The Gathering

Setting: Noble’s modest living space, filled with a warmth that contrasts the cold exterior of Core City. A small group of Noble’s closest friends and family are gathered, seated in a semi-circle. Noble stands before them, the Declaration in hand.

Noble: “Thank you for coming. I’ve found something… extraordinary.”

Mother: “What is it, Noble? Another one of your projects?”

Noble: “More than that, Mama. It’s a path to change. The Declaration of First Principles.”[4]

Friend: “Sounds grand. But words on paper change little.”[5]

Noble: “Not just words. A call to unity and equality. Ideas forgotten, but powerful.”

Friend: “Ideals are fine, but we live in reality. How do you propose we use this?”

Noble: “By reminding Core City of its foundation. We spread these principles. Start conversations. Ignite a movement.”

Friend: “A movement? Noble, you dream big[6].”

Noble: “Why not? Isn’t it time we dreamt of a better city?”

Mother: “And what cost will this dream come at? You know the city’s stance on dissent.”

Noble: “I know. But change never came from silence. We owe it to ourselves, to the next generation.”

Friend: “It’s risky. But… count me in.”

Mother: “Hmm. Show me those principles again.”

(The group leans in, their skepticism mingling with intrigue, as Noble begins to read from the Declaration, their voices a tentative harmony in the quiet of the room.)

Act 1, Scene 3: The Movement Grows

Noble: (Addressing a gathering in a public square) “We stand at the brink of a new dawn, united not by our struggles, but by our dreams for equality and justice!”

Citizen 1: (Whispering to another) “Who is this? Their words… it’s like they see a Core City I thought was lost.”

Noble: (Continuing passionately) “The Jig Jig Declaration teaches us that unity is our strength. Together, we can rebuild the foundations of our society!”

Citizen 2: (Clapping) “It’s been too long since we’ve heard such conviction.”

(Transition to Noble helping a stooped elder across the stage.)

Elder: “Thank you, Noble. Not just for this, but for stirring the heart of our city.”

Noble: “We lift each other up. That’s the start of change.”

(Scene shifts to a the two citizens, distributing copies of the Jig Jig Declaration around the city.)

Citizen 1: “Do you think people will listen?”

Citizen 2: “They’re already listening. Look around; Noble has sparked something in all of us.”

Noble: “This is just the beginning. Our actions, our kindness, they are the true expressions of the Declaration’s principles. Together, we will build a Core City that stands as a beacon of unity and equality.”

(The crowd erupts in cheers,[7] the sound echoing off the buildings, a testament to the movement’s growing momentum.)

Act 1, Scene 4: The Core Group

Setting: A cozy room in the back of a quiet café in Core City, a safe haven from the bustling streets. A round table hosts Ngozika and a small, diverse group of individuals, each with a look of determination.

Noble: “Thank you for joining this circle. Each of you brings a unique strength to our cause.”

Friend: “We believe in the Declaration, Noble. And in you.”

Noble: “Our journey won’t be easy. But our community needs the principles we stand for now more than ever.”

Citizen 2[8]: “How do we begin? The city is vast, and we are but a few.”

Noble: “We start by embodying these principles in our daily lives. Acts of kindness, unity, equality. We make them visible.”

Friend: “Visibility is key, but so is our message. We need to ensure it reaches as many as possible.”

Noble: “Exactly. We’ll organize workshops, talks, even art projects. Anything that can carry our message across the neighborhoods.”

Citizen 1: “And what about resistance? We’ve seen how the city responds to dissent.”

Noble: “We stand firm, yet peaceful. Our strength lies in our unity and the justness of our cause.”[9]

Citizen 1: “Then let’s plan our first action. Something that symbolizes the beginning of change.”

Noble: “A community cleanup. We’ll rejuvenate a neglected part of Core City, showing that renewal is possible.”

(The group nods in agreement, each member inspired by the tangible first step. As they clean up the room of papers, removing the table to clear the stage)[10]

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[1] I’ve decided to fragment this Fragment. – Bobik Galo

[2] Originally written as a form of protest street-theater, shortly after the Jig Jig House meeting. – B.G.

[3] Libraries are dangerous places. – B.G.

[4] Formalized at the Jig Jig House meeting. – B.G.

[5] Personally, I find this is a little rude. – B.G.

[6] A Noble dream. – B.G.

[7] When available, the writer suggested planting people in the crowd to incite cheers. – B.G.

[8] A convert from the last scene. – B.G.

[9] Not in their gear or wands. – B.G.

[10] Setting the stage for Act 2. – B.G.

Part 2 of The Principles of Noble Ngozika will be available here.