Drama

The Conversation

(Dense rays from the windows of a bungalow reveal a large sitting room with neatly staged chairs, a bookshelf and a television set. Portraits of framed art paintings hang on the walls. The phone beeps repeatedly in the evening. The Recipient, a middle-aged man in his forties, dressed in a pale brown suit with a book in hand, Dream Count, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, glances through gleefully. He sits on a sofa, sipping a bottle of chilled beer, eyeing his buzzing mobile device suspiciously before receiving the call.) 

The Caller: (A gravelly voice speaks up) Good day, sir. I hope you are well today. I am a business expert who is calling to offer great investment openings that requires your rapid thought. I work with Zeck’s shipping company limited. As a leading private firm, we are responsible for the importation of finished products from Asia. 

The Recipient: (Leans forward.) Well, hello there. What’s your name and where are you calling from? And how on earth did you get my cell phone number?

The Caller: (Clears his throat.) Oh, sir? I am Bande Olie from Zeck’s at Apapa, Lagos… I’m not too sure how I got your number, if I recall correctly. Perhaps, I had mistakenly stored it in my mobile device. I think we have met before at a recent concert of music renditions, organised by Lux Merchandise at Eko Hotels and Suites?

The Recipient: (Amused.) Oh well. You sound quite familiar. But I am not certain about your claims to knowing me. (Pauses and continues.) How intriguing that you got in touch with me this evening. About the investment prospect, tell me more.

The Caller: (Eagerly.) Well, the prospect will undoubtedly double and quadruple your Naira, Dollars, Euros, Pound Sterlings, or Bitcoins within a matter of weeks. To pay off shipping cargo goods from China and cover the total cost of the company taxes levied by the government annually, a sum of nine hundred thousand Naira is mandatory as payment for early birds like you. Our consultancy fee for new clients may vary greatly. Guess what? (As if revealing a million-dollar business secret.) I have been in this business for over ten years, working from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Owerri to Kaduna. Interestingly, your bank account details may first and foremost profit from our recent business stock exchange investment for clients in large funds that privilege a spending spree.

The Recipient: (Shakes his head in disbelief.) Wow! It seems too good to be true. But for the record, I have no Dollars, Euros, Pound Sterling or Bitcoin wallet, and my current account in Naira got frozen recently. I cannot afford the nine hundred thousand you are asking for!

The Caller: (Concerned.) Well then, sir. Company policy says new business clients and investors to pay thirty percent charges upfront before offer of service.  

The Recipient: (Curious.) How much is your thirty percent charges, sir?

The Caller: (Insists.) About three hundred thousand Naira. Got this?

The Recipient: (Smiles.) Not at all. I can only afford ten thousand. 

The Caller: (Persuasively.) But sir, you can do better. Consider the juicy benefits this opportunity offers. We are talking about fifty percent interest on first investment with our company. You also stand a chance of becoming a major stakeholder in this growing companionship.

The Recipient: (Reminds the caller.) Do you mean to say companionship or company? The Client: (Surprisingly.) Oh no, sir! I meant to say company. 

The Recipient: (Rubbing his chin.) Anyway, this could be juicy, you know. However, what if we had a face-to-face meeting to mull this over?

The Caller: (Pretends to be away.) Regrettably, I’m not around right now, but trust me, this is a golden chance. To prove my point in real sense, furnish me with your details right away

The Recipient: (Reluctanly.) My details? Which of the details exactly are you referring to, the frozen account or the absence of a Dollar, Euro, Pound Sterling or a Bitcoin? (Sternly.) I have told you that I do not have any of these requirements you are asking for. 

The Caller: (Quickly.) The naira, sir? It is much preferable. The deal promises a great profit. But if you are down and out, you could borrow from your wealthy neighbours or acquaintances.

The Recipient: (Chuckles in disbelief.) I see. But come to think of it, are you planning to pilfer my pennies and particulars? I’ve heard stories of analogous schemes—where boys like you swindle victims out their hard-earned money, leading to their untimely demise. I need the utmost assurance that you are not a desperate marketer for a spurious buisness outfit or better still, a corporate swindler who aims to fleece me; that your company is fully registered with the Corperate Affairs Commission (CAC), and that it must be accessible for verification online before any significant response can be made by me. 

The Caller: (Trembling now.) But sir, it is a new company that we are talking about.

The Recipient: (Sardonically.) A new company with neither an internet presence nor a registered evidence with the CAC?

The Caller: (Now jittery.) Oga, no vex. It is not what you are thinking. I am not a corporate swindler. As stated earlier, we are urgently in need of thoughtful investors who are willing to seize this opportunity that our company offers. 

The Recipient: (Feigning sympathy.) Is that how you go about with your corporate business? 

The Caller: (Apologetically.) I am sorry, sir.

The Recipient: (Entreating.) But could you first forsake fraud? 

The Caller: (Hesitates.) No, no, no… No fraudulent act envisioned. We have plans in our pipeline to legitimise our business. 

The Recipient: (Inquires.) Do you not admit that your business is illegal?

The Caller: (Unfazed.) I don’t, sir. But could you spare me some money for consultancy fee?

The Recipient: (Leans back.) Sure, I’m capable of it. Be cheerful.

The Caller: (Hopefully.) How cheerful should I be?

The Recipient: (Chuckling menacingly.) Very cheerful! Come to think of it; there is this compassionate and generous constable of the law who called on my neighbour a few moments ago. I am hoping that he will be on a hunting spree for a mutton like you. You know, he will be willing to add more Dollars, Euros, Pound Sterlings, Bitcoins and Nairas to the sum, I will send.  Perhaps, you shall get to know him—his generosity with guns and handcuffs is unmatched, especially for prospective inmates and phonies like you. I can only imagine how welcoming the reception at Kirikiri jail will be! Ten years or more?

The Caller: (Panicky.) What? A constable of the law? Kirikiri? Ten years or more? Oh…no, sir? There seem to be some misunderstandings here. To be sincere, this was not entirely the plan.

The Recipient: (Coldly.) What was the plan, if not….? (Pauses for a while and digresses.) Rest assured that your contact details will get to the officer.

The Caller: (Agitatedly.) How soon, sir?

The Recipient: (Mockingly) Very soon. Perhaps, ten years in jail! 

The Caller: (Apologetically.) Ah! Sir? Ekpele, sir. 

The Recipient: (Emphatically.) And hard labour!

The Caller: (Pleads repeatedly.) Yakuri, sir. 

The Recipient: (Ridiculously.) You are a criminal!

The Caller: (Begs again.) Biko, sir!

The Recipient: (Responds coldly.) You should rot in jail, or don’t you think so?

The Caller: (Stammers loudly.) No sir? I…I…I am very sorry, sir. 

The Recipient: (Mockingly.) Can a criminal feel remorse? 

The Caller: (Desperately.) I am so sorry, sir. I’m no longer…sir?

The Recipient: (Sternly.) What you are no longer?

The Caller: (Mumbles speedily.) Interested, sir!

The Recipient: (Mocks loudly.) Ole…!

The Caller: (Frightened.) Thank you, sir!

The Recipient: (Sneers softly.) Onyeochi…!

The Caller: (Terrified.) Sorry, sir!

The Recipient: (Curses loudly) Barawo…!

The Caller: (Shaken.) Thank you, sir!

The Recipient: (Taunts loudly.) Oji…!

The Caller: (Voice fades, hurriedly.) Thank God, sir! 

(The call ends abruptly. The Recipient, smiling smartly, sips his cup of beer for a while and leans back on his sofa, basking in the euphoria of the conversation.)

 BLACKOUT 

CHARACTERS 

• KELVIN 
• ONYEKA 
• PAUL 
• PETER 
• OFFICER 1
• OFFICER 2
• VICE CHANCELLOR 
• H. O. D

ACT 1

(The play opens in Kelvin’s room,  where he is seen with his friends Onyeka, Peter, and his twin brother Paul inhaling and smoking different kinds of hard drugs) 

KELVIN: Guy, which kind wahala be this?  How can I pay for goods since last week till today it has not been delivered? 

PETER: Kev, calm down and it will soon come (he lights up his weed and passes another to Kelvin) 

KELVIN: No, it’s not about calming down.  I will change my plug (he lets out a smoke that fills the room) 

ONYEKA: Kev, no panic,  you know who Tontora be, he go still deliver am

PAUL: Who is in for a party tonight? (He asks with one hand holding his trousers and the other with his weed) 

KELVIN: Where? 

PAUL: At Onitsha, Sky Plus Hotel. 

PETER: We go mount na.

ONYEKA: For sure na, we dey there live and direct (he continues inhaling the substance while he spanks his head)

(They are seen at the party where they are drinking and smoking and carousing with some of their friends that they met ) 

KELVIN: Hi beautiful (Kelvin greeted a girl) 

LYNDA: Hello handsome (she greeted back with a smile) 

KELVIN: I’m Kelvin and you? 

LYNDA: Lynda. Would you mind dancing with me? (she says as she runs her hand through Kelvin’s body) 

(The others are seen dancing with girls. They dance unsteadily due to the effect of the drug they took)

ACT 2

(At Onyeka’s house, the four of them are seen lying lifelessly after being wasted from last night’s party) 

Paul yawns loudly and stretches his hands with his eyes still closed) 

(Others are now awake) 

PETER: Let’s find something to eat, I am empty and wasted 

ONYEKA: I have some noodles 

(They cooked and devoured the noodles like hungry lions) 

PAUL: I am back but not fully 

KELVIN: Then this will make you come back fully (he passes the wrapped weed to him) 

PAUL: How do you know what I’ve been looking for? 

KELVIN: What does a smoker want if not this (the room is   already filled with smoke from the lighted weed) 

PETER: Let’s play cards since we are doing nothing 

KELVIN: Okay do you have something to bet on?

ONYEKA : Let’s go on a trip 

PAUL: What trip? 

ONYEKA: This trip. You only have to take one of these pills and boom you will see yourself elsewhere.  So who would like to go first

PETER: I’m in (Onyeka gave him two pills which he swallowed and after some minutes he started laughing and was also talking gibberish) 

ONYEKA: (laughing) That is the fun 

PAUL: What fun? 

ONYEKA: Watch (just then Peter started talking to an invisible human being) 

ONYEKA: It will make you forget your pains and worries

(Peter regained his senses back and was marveled at how energized he felt) – – – – –  Light fades

ACT 3

(The second semester has started and Kelvin and his friends are yet to resume because they have not paid their school fees and have squandered it all on drugs) 

PETER: When are we returning to school? 

KELVIN: I don’t know, I am not ready yet

ONYEKA: Are you guys not planning to return to school? 

KELVIN: Return? When you haven’t paid your school fees. I cannot extort money from my parents since they have sent me money for all my dues.

PAUL & PETER: Same with us (they chorused) 

ONYEKA: Is that why you guys are panicking? Don’t worry I have a plan

KELVIN: What plan? 

ONYEKA: There is an update. Are you guys in?

PAUL: What is it? 

ONYEKA: We just have to ship drugs. My uncle told me about the business not long ago.

PETER: Okay, so when are we shipping the stuff? 

ONYEKA: I will talk to my uncle today and give you guys feedback. I am going for a smoke.

ACT 4

The four threw a party to celebrate the successful business. They were given a separate room in the club as V. I. P

ONYEKA: This is life guys. We will no longer buy from these cheap vendors but will get it from the main source (they all have a bigger stock than before)

PAUL: Yeah Onyi. But don’t forget to tell us when another business deal comes up.

ONYEKA: More are still coming. We have another business week 

KELVIN: The drinks here are not enough, let’s order more (he inhales the substance)

PAUL: (talking nonsense) Yeah, we are flying back to our world 

KELVIN: Shut up guy 

ONYEKA: Leave him he’s high (The room is filled with smoke) 

PETER: Let’s show face in school next week  since we have given them their goddamn money

ONYEKA: Yeah, especially for that our H. O. D.

KELVIN: Let’s not talk about school matters here. We are here to enjoy and ball.

PAUL: Yeah, Kev is right (he tried to stand but fell) 

PETER: How do you get high easily (he tried to lift him)

KELVIN: Onyi, is there a way we can go into the business fully? 

ONYEKA: It takes time

(They spent the night there till they got wasted and went back the following day)

ACT 5

(It’s examination day in school and they felt less concerned about it. The four of them took some drugs not quite long before entering the exam hall ) 

INVIGILATOR: Take out anything that will  implicate you in this hall

(Some students started taking out the white paper they came in with) 

INVIGILATOR: The exam starts… (He was cut short by some officers that came inside the hall) 

OFFICER 1:Please we are sorry to disturb the students,  but we are here under the permission of the NDLEA and the commissioner of Police to arrest some criminals (Then they went straight to the four friends) 

OFFICER 2: You are arrested for illegal taking of drugs and illegal shipping 

(They were handcuffed and were taken out of the hall immediately) 

STUDENT 1: So this is why they have not been coming to school 

(The students started murmuring, just then the vice chancellor came in with the H.O.D to announce that the four would be expelled so as not to bring a bad name for the school)

(In the police cell, their parents are seen crying and begging the officers to help them) 

OFFICER: Madam we can’t do anything, they have been sentenced and will serve it 

ONYEKA: We are doomed 

KELVIN: We’ve ruined our lives

(Peter and Paul were silent, they didn’t know what to say instead they kept tearing up ) 

Light fades.

A Love that Kills.

Characters 

Isioma: A 12–year–old girl, quiet and kind.

Mama Isioma: Isioma’s mother; loving but uneducated.

Papa Isioma: A peasant farmer who is rarely home 

Mama Chioma: Neighbour.

Nurse Ozioma: The village Nurse who warns against drug misuse

Narrator: Guides the audience emotionally through the play 

Villagers: Isioma’s schoolmates and others.

ACT  1

In the morning, Isioma is seen curled up on a mat in a modest home. Mama Isioma is also on the other end, grinding pepper while Papa Isioma is seated on a bench.

(Lights on. Isioma moans softly. Mama Isioma quickly rushes to her side.)

Isioma (with a very weak tone): Mama, my stomach… it burns again.

Mama Isioma (stroking her back): My baby, your belly keeps troubling you. Are you sure you did not eat mango on an empty stomach?

Isioma: I did not, Mama. It hurts more today.

Papa Isioma: Hope you’re not acting this drama to escape your chores because it will not work, oooh.

Isioma: I’m not Papa.

Mama Isioma(rising): Wait, that medicine that Baba Tunde gave us for cough last month, it worked wonders. (She searches a tin box and pulls out a strip of pills.)

Isioma (worried): But this one is not for stomach, Mama.

Mama Isioma: Shhh. Medicine is medicine. Don’t you trust me? Swallow it.

Narrator (steps forward): She didn’t know what it was called. She didn’t know what it cured. But she knew one thing—she loved her child and love… made her certain. 

ACT II 

Scene 1 :

Afternoon. Inside the compound, Mama Isioma and Mama Chioma are sitted on low stools peeling yams.

Mama Isioma: Ada still dey complain oo. That medicine I gave her no work.

Mama Chioma: Ah! You gave her that one? That one is too light. You need the red and green capsules. The one I use when my children complain about anything.

Mama Ada: You sure?

Mama Chioma: Sure ke? That thing dey flush all sickness. Give her two.

Scene II:

(Back inside, Ada drinks another dose with water.)

Ada (wincing): Mama, it is making me dizzy. And my mouth tastes bitter.

Mama Ada (petting her head): It’s working, just rest. By evening, you will be playing Queen–Queen again.

Narrator: In this village, mothers are doctors. Pharmacies are bags of leftover pills, and advice is traded like palm oil.

ACT III 

Scene: Village square. A health outreach is ongoing. Mothers sit under a tree. Nurse Ozioma addresses them with a megaphone.

Nurse Ozioma: Mothers, listen! You must stop using old drugs on your children. Do you even read the labels? Do you ask questions? Some of these drugs are meant for adults only. They can damage the liver, poison the blood, and even cause cancer!

(Mothers murmur. Mama Isioma looks uneasy.)

Mama Chioma (whispering): This nurse too dey make person fear. She wants us to run to the clinic for everything.

Nurse Ozioma (pointing): Don’t be fooled. Love must not be blind. Love must be informed.

Narrator: The truth was loud. But guilt is like a heavy cloth — It muffles the sound of warnings.

ACT IV 

Scene: It is already evening and the room is dark. Isioma is curled tighter on the mat. She begins gasping for breath.

Mama Isioma (panicked): Ada! Ogini? What is it?! Your body is hot, your eyes are rolling!

(She runs out screaming.)

Mama Isioma: Help! Help me! My child needs help!

(Neighbors rush in. Nurse Ozioma arrives moments later with her bag.)

Nurse Ozioma (checking Ada): Her heartbeat is weak. She’s reacting badly. (Sees the drugs beside Isioma.) These drugs… where did you get them?

Mama Isioma (amidst tears): From Mama Chioma… and some I had left at home.

Nurse Ozioma: This child needs rest and proper treatment, I will monitor her overnight. If her condition worsens, we must take her to the hospital.

(Nurse Ozioma begins first aid treatment using simple tools — wraps, herbal rub, clean cloths.)

Narrator: Sometimes help doesn’t come in white coats. Sometimes help is in the neighbour who came with knowledge, not just love.

Mama Isioma (weeping with relief): Thank you! Thank you!  I almost lost my child 

Nurse Ozioma: Just keep watch, and promise to always seek a medical practitioner before anything.

Narrator: She did what she knew. She gave what she had. But what she had… was almost the love that kills.

ACT V 

Scene: Set in a school classroom. Isioma sits with her classmates, looking healthier. Mama Isioma stands beside Nurse Ozioma.

Mama Isioma: I almost lost my Isioma because of carelessness. I gave her the wrong thing out of love. But I learned — love must ask questions, love must seek truth.

Nurse Ozioma: Let this not happen again, know when to ask for help, visit clinics, question drugs, and Love with wisdom.

Narrator (final lines): Love is not just in giving, it is in knowing, it is in learning, it is in choosing what keeps your child safe. Say no to self-medication.

(Curtain falls. Applause.)

THE PRICE OF ECSTASY 

CHARACTERS 

• KELVIN – A promising university student; intelligent but easily influenced
• TUNDE – Kelvin’s best friend, a responsible and ambitious student
• JAY – A notorious drug dealer who preys on university students
• AMAKA – Kelvin’s girlfriend, loving but frustrated by his choices
• PROFESSOR IKE – A strict but caring university lecturer
• MAMA KELVIN – Kelvin’s mother, a struggling widow with high hopes for her son
• INSPECTOR AYO – A determined police officer investigating drug-related crimes

⸻

ACT ONE – The Temptation

(Scene opens at a university campus. Kelvin and Tunde sit on a bench, discussing their dreams.)

TUNDE : Kelvin, we are just one year away from graduation. We have to stay focused.

KELVIN : Relax, Tunde. Life isn’t only about books. We have to enjoy it too.

TUNDE : True, but within limits. I’ve seen too many bright students waste their future because of reckless decisions.

(Jay enters, overhearing their conversation.)

JAY : Speaking of enjoyment… Kelvin, my guy, you need to loosen up! I have something that will make you feel on top of the world.

KELVIN : What is it?

JAY : [grinning] Just a little something to take the stress away. First one is free. After that, you’ll beg me for more.

KELVIN : are you sure?

JAY : Trust me when I say you’ll enjoy it 

TUNDE : Kelvin, don’t listen to him. Nothing good comes free, especially from guys like him.Use your head kelvin 

JAY : [laughs] Ignore your boring friend. A little fun never killed anyone.

(Kelvin hesitates but finally takes the small packet from Jay.)

⸻

ACT TWO – The Fall

(Scene shifts to Kelvin’s room. He paces restlessly, sweating. Amaka enters, looking worried.)

AMAKA : Kelvin, you’ve been acting all strange lately. You miss classes, and your eyes are always red. What exactly is going on?

KELVIN : Nothing, Amaka. I’m just… exploring life.

AMAKA : [sniffs the air] Exploring what life? Is that… drugs? Kelvin! Tell me you’re not involved in this madness.

KELVIN : [angrily] So what if I am? It makes me feel good! Who cares about lectures when I can experience real ecstasy?

AMAKA : [teary-eyed] I care! Your mother cares! Is this how you plan to repay her sacrifices?

(Kelvin shrugs her off, laughing hysterically as he takes another dose.)

⸻

ACT THREE – The Consequences

(Scene shifts to a classroom. Professor Jide addresses the students.)

PROFESSOR IKE : I regret to announce that Kelvin has been placed on academic probation. His grades have dropped drastically.

(Murmurs fill the room. Tunde looks at Kelvin with disappointment.)

TUNDE : Kelvin, I warned you! Now, look where this has led you.

KELVIN : Shut up, Tunde! What do you know about real life?

PROFESSOR JIDE : Young man, you’re throwing away a bright future for temporary pleasure. Is that really worth it?

(Kelvin storms out angrily, only to bump into Jay outside.)

JAY : [smirks] Don’t mind them. They don’t understand you like I do. But… your debt is piling up, my friend. Time to start paying.

KELVIN : [panicked] But… I don’t have money.

JAY : No problem. Do a little delivery for me, and we’re even.

(Kelvin hesitates but nods, unknowingly walking deeper into destruction.)

⸻

ACT FOUR – The Ultimate Betrayal

(Scene shifts to a dark street. Kelvin hands over a package to a stranger. Suddenly, sirens wail, and police officers surround them.)

INSPECTOR AYO : Hands up! You are under arrest for drug trafficking!

KELVIN : [trembling] No, no, this is a mistake! I didn’t do anything, I was only sent to deliver the package 

(Jay watches from a distance, then slips away unnoticed.)

(Scene shifts to the police station. Mama Kelvin rushes in, crying.)

MAMA KELVIN : Ahh kelvin What have you done?

KELVIN : [sobbing] Mama, I didn’t mean for all this to happen.

INSPECTOR AYO : You’re looking at years in prison, young man. Your future is gone because of one foolish choice

⸻

ACT FIVE – The Tragic End

(Scene shifts to a prison cell. Kelvin sits with his head in his hands. Tunde visits.)

TUNDE : [sadly] I wish you had listened, Kelvin. You had so much potential.

KELVIN : I was a fool, Tunde. I let pleasure blind me. Now, I have nothing left.

(Amaka enters, standing quietly.)

AMAKA : The university expelled you. Jay disappeared. Your mother… she collapsed from the shock.

KELVIN : [whispers] Mama…how, when, where? How is she? 

TUNDE : She’s fine but still pained by what you did, and the worst part? Jay is still out there, finding another victim. But you? You’ll be behind bars, paying for his crimes.

(Kelvin stares into the distance, realization hitting him like a wave. The stage fades to darkness as he cries out in regret.)