Inky the Writer

If you haven’t read it already, I recommend starting with Part 1.

The Principles of Noble Ngozika

By

Ihomma Vision[1] Nwanneka

Act 2:

Act 2, Scene 1: The Backlash

Setting: A stark, utilitarian meeting room within the city’s government building. A group of officials sits at a long table, papers and digital screens before them. The atmosphere is tense, the weight of their intentions palpable.

Official 1[2]: “This movement, led by Ngozika Ezinwa, it’s gaining traction. We can’t ignore it any longer.”

Official 2: “Their ideals are… disruptive. Unity, equality? In Core City? It challenges the very fabric of our governance.”

Official 3: “We must discredit them. Undermine their message before it takes root any deeper.”

Official 1: “Propaganda, then? Paint them as idealists detached from reality, a danger to the stability we’ve worked so hard to maintain.”

Official 2: “And if that’s not enough?”

Official 3: “Then we move to stronger measures. Disruption of their gatherings, perhaps. Make it clear that their path leads to chaos, not change.”[3]

Official 1: “It’s settled, then. We’ll begin our campaign immediately. Ngozika Ezinwa and their followers must be stopped, for the good of Core City.”

(The officials nod in agreement, a cold determination settling over the room as the scene fades to black, the ominous sound of their plotting echoing a warning of the challenges to come.)

Act 2, Scene 2: The Test of Faith

Setting: A dimly lit community center, where Ngozika and their group have gathered for an urgent meeting. The air is charged with tension, the room a tableau of concern and resolve.

Noble: “We knew this journey would demand much from us. But our commitment to these principles[4] will see us through.”

Friend: “Ngozika, there’s talk. The establishment is turning the city against us. We’re losing ground.”

Noble: “We must stand firmer, reach out more. Our message is one of hope.”

Friend: (Hesitating) “I… I’ve been approached. They offered a way out for me, for my family, if I…”

Noble: (Pausing, then softly) “You’re considering it. Betraying what we’ve built.”

Friend: “I’m scared, Ngozika. We all are. This isn’t what I signed up for.”

Noble: “I understand. Fear can cloud our vision. But remember why we started this. For a better Core City, for all.”

Friend: (Looking away, conflicted) “I… I need to think.”

(The room falls silent as the ally exits, leaving Ngozika and the group to absorb the weight of potential betrayal. Despite the blow, Ngozika looks around at the remaining faces, their resolve hardening.)

Noble: “This tests us, yes. But it will not break us. Our faith in these principles, in each other, is stronger than fear.”

(The group nods, a silent pact forming in the face of adversity, their determination a beacon in the encroaching darkness.)

Act 2, Scene 3: The Unyielding Flame

Setting: The heart of Core City, now transformed by the movement’s influence. Public spaces are alive with discussion and acts of communal support. Noble Ngozika stands atop a makeshift platform, addressing an ever-growing crowd, their determination unshaken by recent betrayals and the establishment’s threats.

Noble: “They’ve tried to silence us, to break our spirit. Yet, here we stand, stronger and more united than ever. Our movement is a testament to the power of our shared principles!”

(The crowd, diverse and vibrant, listens intently, their faces a mosaic of hope and resolve.)

Citizen 1: (Calling out) “Your words give us strength, Noble! We believe in the change you speak of!”

Noble: “This isn’t about me. It’s about us. Every act of kindness, every word spoken in defense of unity and equality, fuels our cause.”[5]

(Noble steps down from the platform, moving among the people, sharing moments of gratitude and solidarity.)

Noble: “Look around you. This is what the Declaration represents. It’s not just an ideal; it’s our reality in the making. Let’s keep this flame burning, spreading its light to every corner of Core City.”

(The scene closes with the crowd, now ignited with purpose, dispersing into the city to carry forth the message. Despite the establishment’s efforts to quell their voices, the movement’s resolve only strengthens, their actions a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.)

Act 2, Scene 4: The Cost of Dreams

Setting: A dimly lit corner of Core City, far removed from the vibrant gatherings of the movement.

(Friend runs across the stage, chased by officials. They mime beating him. He lays there, slain. They leave the body.)

(Noble enters. He stands alone, the weight of recent events etched into their posture. The loss of a key ally, a friend who had been with them from the start, looms heavy in the air.)

Noble: (Murmuring to themselves) “We knew there would be obstacles, but this… How many more must endure such pain for our dream?”

(A figure approaches, Citizen 2, now a member of the movement, hesitant yet resolute.)

Citizen 2: “Noble, the city… they’re mourning with you. Your friend, they inspired us all. Their spirit, it’s what keeps us going.”

Noble: (Turning, a mix of grief and resolve in their stance) “But at what cost? Is the vision we’re fighting for worth this price?”

Citizen 2: “It’s a question we all carry. But remember why we started. We’ve seen the change, felt it. Your friend believed in this cause, believed in you.”

Noble: “I fear for our future, for the path we’ve chosen. The establishment, their threats… it’s only going to get worse.”

Citizen 2: “Maybe so. But we stand with you. Your courage, your words, they’ve given us hope. We’ll carry this burden together.”

(Noble looks out into the night, the city’s pulse a distant echo. They nod slowly, the resolve hardening once more.)

Noble: “Then we honor their memory by continuing this fight. For unity, for equality. For the dream that brought us together.”

(The scene closes with Noble and the Citizen 2 walking back towards the heart of the city, the loss a painful reminder of their cause’s stakes, yet a galvanizing force that binds the movement even tighter.)

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[1] An apt name by her parents. Ihomma was a true visionary. – Bobik Galo

[2] Usually played by Citizen 1, with a quick costume change and veiled face. Ihomma wrote the whole play so it could be put on by only four people, though she recommended a full cast of eight if possible. – B.G.

[3] A bit of irony, seemingly missed by Official 3 here. – B.G.

[4] First written in the Jig Jig House. – B.G.

[5] Love is powerful. – B.G.

The Conclusion of The Principles of Noble Ngozika Part 3/3 will be available here.