PAUPAULEKEJO

Cast of Characters

<table><tr><td>Paupaulekejo</td><td>(half caste) son of Zoagoa</td></tr><tr><td>Zoagoa</td><td>chief of the tribe of Tshaka</td></tr><tr><td>Claire</td><td>daughter of missionary</td></tr><tr><td>Dugley McKenzie</td><td>missionary</td></tr><tr><td>Edward Lonsdale</td><td>cynic, trader</td></tr><tr><td>Sahdji</td><td>dancer</td></tr><tr><td>Miscellaneous</td><td>warriors, witch doctor, wives</td></tr></table>

Act 1-Scene 1

Scene opens in a jungle clearing in interior of Africa. In the left center a fire around which are warriors squatting, the women in the rear standing. In the right center to right of fire, a little back stage, three tom-toms, a rattler, reed-blower.

Curtain rises on Sahdji dancing to jungle music. This dance is significant to Paupaulekejo. Sahdji throws her beads at Paupaulekejo's feet.

Curtain falls on this scene, slowly.

Interior of a trader's store, printed cloths of cotton and cheap silk, gaudy jewelry, glass beads. Open packing case showing cheap toys, tobacco and cheap candies in glass jars, crates of soda crackers, demi-johns of cheap liquors, saw-dust floors, kerosene lamps,

- 2 -

cheap print pictures on walls. Door to back right center, window to
left of door with cheap print muslin curtain, couple of folding chairs.
Scene opens with Lonsdale talking to missionary.

Cynic. So this is the great day your daughter will be here. You'll
be happy, eh?

Missionary. Yes. Haven't seen her for five years. I suppose she'll
be a big girl now.

Cynic. How old is she?

Missionary. Let me see. She--Oh, there she is now. (Rushes out
of doorway).

(Offstage, you can see him pass by the window running). Sounds from
without, dropping of ropes, snorts, grunts, then from without is heard
girl's voice.

From without. Father, Father!

(The missionary's voice is heard). My darling! (They pass the window,
arms about each other, she impeding his steps).

(Enter Missionary and Claire)

Missionary. How was the trip on--

Claire (breaking in). Oh wonderful, wonderful!

Missionary. How did you leave Aunt Roberta?

Claire. Distressed to death! Said the natives would kill us both!

R.A.W.

- 3 -

Missionary. Bah! This is my little girl, Claire McKenzie--the
apple of my eye.

Cynic. Little girl--ho! She's a great dame. Glad to see you. Good
for the eyes. Hope you'll like these parts.

Claire. Oh, I'll like it! Seems very interesting already.

Missionary. (Patting daughter on back lovingly) Wait, dear, I'll
speak to my men outside, then we'll go over to my hut.
(Goes outside).

Claire. The natives have such splendid physiques.

Missionary. Yeh, the blacks have big healthy bodies. They're so
bloody lazy they ought to have.

Claire. They seem very kind--pleasant.

Cynic. Wait till you see 'em drunk; they're awful then.

Claire. You'd never believe it to see them now.

Cynic. By and by--

Claire. (Cutting him off). You have lots of British goods here.
So far from England. What's this? (Picks up fetish)

Cynic. Some black tomfoolery! That's the sort of thing they bring
in here and trade for rum.

Claire. (Noticing book with pictures in it, then laughing) Do you
sell these to the natives too?

Cynic. Oh no, there's only one of 'em here with brains enough even to
look at the picture (afterthought) and he's half white.

R.A.W.

-4-

Claire. Oh, I think I must have seen him -- a big, handsome specimen of manhood. He was leading a troop of blacks. He was marching like a king! I wondered who he was. He wasn't --well-- black like the rest!

Cynic. Paupaulekejo!

Claire. Whom did you say?

Cynic. Paupaulekejo. He thinks he's the king around here; a sort of despot.

Claire. Tell me about him.

Cynic. Well, his father's black; his mother came out from England, at least, they say so.

Claire. How singular!

Cynic. Not strange. He was a handsome black and she--well she came out without a man.

Claire. This is going to be *prove* interesting.

Cynic. Oh yes -- (Interrupted by missionary's return).

Missionary. (Entering speaking) Well, everything is ready, darling. Let's go.

Claire. (Turing to Cynic) It has been very pleasant to have known you and -- and I'd like to know more about --

Cynic. Oh you'll learn.

Curtain

-5-

## Scene II

Missionary's hut. Rude Sitting room. A wooden center table with books. A rudely constructed book-shelf with rows of books. A door leading to a small room that Claire occupies. A door leading into another room back. Front door leading to the porch and window to the left of door. A settee near bookcases.

Claire and missionary discovered in sitting room having tea as cur-
tain rises.

Missionary: Well, darling, what do you think of my bringing black souls to Christ?

Daughter: I think you've been a perfect St. Xavier, considering all the difficulties you encounter here.

Missionary: I don't think I have been so great as all that, but at least I have been successful in planting the Spirit of the Master here among many other gods. The natives seem to take to Christianity well enough, but they don't seem to think that they are under obligation to give up their false gods.

Daughter: (Thinking(somewhat) I -- I-- from what I've seen of them I think they make good Christians, provided they could be persuaded to adopt a more civilized dress.

Missionary: That also is one of the serious drawbacks. They seem to think that the body in something to be proud of as shown at all times.

Daughter: I do think they have splendid bodies, but the flesh is not everything.

-6-

Missionary: That's just it! The flesh is not everything and they must learn to overcome the desires of the flesh if they would be good Christians.

Daughter: I think I shall be able to offer some suggestions whereby you will be able to make further progress, provided, of course, they are acceptable and practicable to you.

Missionary (Somewhat beaming): I am glad to hear you say that since for so long I have labored here without the help or suggestion of anyone genuinely interested in the work.

Daughter: First, I would suggest that we get in touch with the most influential leaders, whoever they are.

Missionary: I have met and talked with most of the leaders, but--

Daughter: Are they sympathetic?

Missionary: Yes, at least as far as I can see.

Daughter: How about inviting the most influential one to a sort of conference here?

Missionary: That's a good idea. We might send for Paupaulekejo. He's the most influential native. King in fact.

Daughter: Oh yes. He is the one that--that reads the picture books.

Missionary: Yes -- if only we can influence him -- but I've tried. God knows I have but --

-7-

Daughter: Now father, nothing beats a trial but a failure and I
do want to help.

Missionary: I'll do it. I'll send for him. (Calling) Sahdji!

Sahdji: Yes, ((Africa for "Master"(?)))

Missionary: Sahdji, I wish you to go to Paupaulekejo. Tell him --
Ask him to come here please.

Sahdji::He no come. Me go for he though. (Exits)

Missionary (Rising): It is always best to humor the natives, to
**ask** for Paupaulekejo. (Laugs slightly).

Daughter (Also rising): Now father, you go and take a smoke. I'll
finish clearing off the tea dishes. (Gently pushes him to the door).

Missionary: Yes, daughter. I will take a walk through the garden,
but I will be back before Paupaulekejo arrives or Sahdji returns with
his no.

Daughter: I think he will come. Now out with you (Shoos Paupauleke-
jo on)

Missionary: It won't be the first time he has sent a refusal! (Exits
wagging his head).

(Daughter makes busy over the dishes, humming the Kashmir song.
Every now and then she speaks to herself). If no other way works, a
picture Bible might. That's it, a picture Bible. (Stoops before a
bookcase in corner away from door, humming Kashmir song). (A native
enters, stands with folded arms, speaks:

I am Paupaulekejo. (She stands abruptly; the books in her lap fall.
See's Paupaulekejo).

CURTAIN

- 8 -

## Act II - Scene I

(Three months have elapsed between Act I and Act II. Living room. Sadji is dusting around. Offstage in distance can be heard male voice singing love song, bizarre. Sahdji listens, dusts dilatorily. Paupaulekejo enters.)

Sahdji: Paupaulekejo!

Paupaulekejo: Where is your mistress?

Sahdji: She here.

Paupaulekejo: Tell her I am here.

Sahdji: She come -- bymby.

Paupaulekejo: Sahdji, I am here!

(Sahdji leaves room.)

(Paupaulekejo looks around furtively, then tips over to bookcase, gets Bible, and tips out. Returns in a few moments and is curiously looking at prints on the wall when Claire enters.)

Claire: Well, I see you are on time.

Paupaulekejo: What this? (Pointing to picture on wall).

Claire: That is the Pantheon.

Paupaulekejo: What that?

Claire: Oh a building that -- but never mind, we will get to our lesson first. (Goes to bookcase, searches). Where is that Bible?

(Calls) Sahdji.'

- 9 -

Sahdji (entering): Yes, tasmamy?

Claire: Where did you put the Bible?

Sahdji: Me put him there. (Goes to case).

Claire: But it's not there.

Sahdji: Me put him there.

Claire: Oh pshaw! Help me find it, Sahdji. (they look).

Paupaulekejo: You tell me, All the same.

Claire: Where is it. It was right here this morning.

Paupaulekejo: You find him bimeby. You tell me.

Claire (absently): You will find it _soon_, Paupaulekejo.

Paupaulekejo: Yes you find him soon.

Claire: Where on earth can it be? Sahdji, ask father! Or ask him to lend me another. (Sahdji leaves). Now, where did we leave off before? (Turns to Paupaulekejo).

Paupaulakejo: You say your God is love?

Claire: Yes, and what did you learn?

Paupaulakejo: To love everybody.

Claire: Every _one_.

Paupaulekejo: Sahdji?

-10-

Claire: Yes.

Paupaulekejo: Slaves?

Claire: Yes.

Paupaulekejo: That White man give me rum?

Claire: Yes, Paupaulekejo, every one. That is God's message.

Paupaulekejo: Love you?

Claire (embarrassed): Yes of course. Now what?

Paupaulekejo: Love much?

Claire (blushing): Yes, you must love every one- every one!

Paupaulekejo: I no like to love every one!

Claire: But you must! That's what I have been --

Paupaulakejo: I love you!

Claire: That is right, but --

Paupaulekejo: I no love Sahdji!

Claire: Oh Paupaulekejo, but you must.

Paupaulekejo: You love Sahdji?

Claire: Of course.

Paupaulekejo: :Me?

GAM.

- 11 -

Claire: Yes, every --

Paupaulekejo: Love long time?

Claire: Always every one.

Paupaulekejo: I no want you love every one.

Claire: Paupaulekejo, stop it. I want to teach you.

Paupaulekejo: I know how to love.

Claire: Then do it Love every one!

Paupaulekejo: Can I call your name?

Claire: May I, Paupaulekejo.

Paupaulekejo: Claire --you here --night time --tom-tom go boom, boom, boom!

Claire: Yes, but --

Paupaulekejo: An' air in grass blow by young bucks, sound sweet-- like song?

Claire: Yes, Paupaulekejo, but that is not the lesson.

Paupaulekejo: Yes him is. That my men, tom-tom love for you, for me.

Claire: All right now.

Paupaulekejo: And I sing for wind to bring to you love song like this (sings).

( Claire listens.)

-12-

Paupaulekejo: Him go Goaro njubomotbo sale. I sing him for you.

Claire: But you mustn't, Paupaulekejo. It's wrong.

Paupaulekejo: What wrong? I love you?

Claire (faintly): Yes.

Paupaulekejo: But you say, your God say love; I love you more
everybody.

Claire: But you mustn't, Paupaulekejo, not like that.

Paupaulekejo: I only know one love. I love you that one.

Claire: Please.

Paupaulekejo: Love you that one all the time. Claire, Claire, make
sound like love song in grass; Claire sound like love song on wind.

Paupaulekejo sound like love song on tim-tom. Love song on wind,
you Claire, love song on tom-tom, me. Go all time together. Paupaulekejo and Claire.

Claire: Please, Paupaulekejo, it isn't right.

Paupaulekejo: You no love me?

Claire: Yes, but--

Paupaulekejo: You put your lip on my lip.

Claire (frantically): No!

Paupaulekejo: Then Paupaulekejo no think your God.

Claire: But a kiss doesn't mean love. Judas kissed Christ.

-13-

Paupaulekejo: You love me then?

Claire: In my country a white woman must not love a black man.

Paupaulekejo: In your country no think your God?

Claire: Oh, God, yes! But---Oh, I can't explain.

Paupaulekejo: You no love me? --Your God no love me?

Claire: I do love you-- I do --Oh, God, what have I said?

Paupaulekejo: I do love you -- Claire --(kisses her warmly)

Claire: Stop --- father might (pushes him away)

Paupaulekejo: Paupaulekejo love you love your God--love Sahajr--
love everybody-- every one --(enter father).

Paupaulekejo: Me know --my mother -- she white -- my father him
black-- she think your God -- you no think Him.

Claire: But I do --- I ---

Paupaulekejo: Then you love me?

Claire: I --- I can't say.

Paupaulekejo: Him mean yes.

Claire: Paupaulekejo:

Paupaulekejo: You love me? Put your lip on my lip.

Claire: If father should hear you.

Paupaulekejo: Him tell me your God -- him think Him.

Claire: I know but--

Paupaulekejo: Claire love me?

Claire: It cannot be -- not here or anywhere on God's green earth.

Paupaulekejo: Why --why?

Claire: Because -- Oh, Paupaulekejo--

(Enter Missionary. Looks vexed): Better stop, the lesson for the night, Claire! Let Paupaulekejo go!

Claire: Why father! (turning to Paupaulekejo) We'll take this up
next Friday, Paupaulekejo.

Missionary walks up and down agitatedly. Paupaulekejo gathers his book and

- 15 -

Paupaulekejo: You don't want to go. Stay. Paupaulekejo marry you.
Me buy you everything -- big house, pretty dress -- me get him.

Claire: No, I cannot live your life. It's terrible.

Paupaulekejo: What wrong?

Claire: I'm bewitched! Bewitched!

Paupaulekejo: No. No you not. You love. You happy with me, yes.

Claire: Yes, happy! Too happy! But you must go. Father will be returning. He said he would kill you.

Paupaulekejo: Kill me? I ready. My braves outside; they wait, I know and ready, trick with trick.

Claire: But you mustn't shed blood!

Paupaulekejo: Ha! Shed blood! I make the rivers red with blood for you. For you, Paupaulekejo drown the world in blood!

Claire: Hush! You must leave now! I'm sorry we met.

Paupaulekejo: Sorry? You sorry?

Claire: I mean since we must -- must part.

Paupaulekejo: Part? Must? Claire, once more your lip on my lip once last time, then Paupaulekejo go. Come!

Claire: Last time. Good-bye. (They embrace).

Paupaulekejo: We go same God. Your God, my God. We same there; we love there. Your heart, Claire, my heart. We go together!

-16-

Swiftly he plunges knife into Claire's heart and then into his own.
They fall on couch.

Sound of returning voices. Sahdji enters hastily, rushes across
room, looks around quickly, dashes to couch and throws her hands up
in horror. Screams and moans, pulls Paupaulekejo away from Claire
and falls with her arms about him.

Missionary and Cynic enter and then both stop in horror. Missionary
slowly advances and kneels at the side of his dead daughter.