Changing Destiny

Ben Okri

• Publisher: Methuen Drama
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9781350260146
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: African Drama
• Index: Literature

Two actors, a thousand characters, and the story of how a kingdom is changed… An epic new adaptation of the 4, 000-year-old Egyptian poem about the Warrior King, Sinuhe written by Booker Prize-winner Ben Okri that captures the essence of humanity and the complexities of immigration. This edition of Changing Destiny is published to coincide with the world premiere performance at London's Young Vic Theatre, directed by Young Vic Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah.

Act Three

Scene One

Sinuhe is in the fight arena. There’s the noise of spectators. This is a night scene. There is a stage for the shadow-fight. It should be conveyed that hundreds of people are gathered, and that this is the event of the season, an unprecedented event.

Sinuhe (to the audience) It’s the day of the fight. I’ve never seen so many crowded in one place before. I didn’t know there were that many people in Retenu. I feel the weight of responsibility on me. If I lose, the history of this land will go backwards. Then the worst voices will win, the voices of those who hate foreigners.

Scene Two

The audience sees only the shadow forms of the two men. The fight of shadows begins. Their shadows are constantly transformed. Music of drums and flute and sistrum accompany the scene.

Sinuhe (to the audience, in the form of a running commentary) In the shadow fights magic is involved. Listen to the drums, hypnotic flutes, and sistrum. Telluhi’s shadow is huge, like a monster. Beside him I am small as a beetle. He pounces on me.

Voice One It’s over!

Voice Two Sinuhe didn’t stand a chance!

Voice Three It was over before it began!

The shadow fight intensifies.

Voice One I told you!

Voice Two Sinuhe can’t win over someone so strong!

Voice Three And so skilled!

Sinuhe’s shadow appears to gain the advantage.

Voice One Sinuhe has strong magic!

Voice Two Something strange is happening!

Sinuhe fells the giant. Then Sinuhe takes off the head of the giant and holds it up and shows it round.

Sinuhe (to the audience) Then people carry me up high and hail me as a conqueror.

Voices Sinuhe! Sinuhe! Sinuhe!

Sinuhe (to the audience) Amid the uproar, I notice Denshi kneeling beside the fallen giant. What’s he doing there?

Voices Sinuhe! Sinuhe! Sinuhe!

Sinuhe (to the audience) I’ve won the fight, but have my real troubles begun with my victory?

Scene Three

Ammi-enshi and Sinuhe in a secret meeting.

Ammi-enshi Sinuhe, it is not enough that a leader leads. They must have a vision that grows with power and beauty through time, enriching the lives of the people long after they are dust. If I were to pass into the next world now, what do you think this land needs?

Sinuhe Stability?

Ammi-enshi Yes. A country needs to be led by someone who has faith in it. When I am gone . . .

Sinuhe Which will be a long time from now . . .

Pause.

Ammi-enshi I think that leader is you.

Sinuhe Me?

Ammi-enshi You have been an exemplary servant of this nation. Why not you?

Sinuhe But I am a foreign . . .

Ammi-enshi You have given your blood to this land. The people love you.

Sinuhe I cannot accept this gift.

Ammi-enshi This is no gift. It is a double-edged sword. Keep Hotemi by your side, without her you will never succeed. Build up your spiritual strength. As is our tradition I will make an appropriate declaration of my intention to the nobles.

Scene Four

A death wail is heard. Denshi and Sinuhe.

Denshi Sinuhe, the unthinkable has happened. The king is dead. You are king now.

Sinuhe How have the nobles responded?

Denshi Some were unhappy about it. But they respect the wishes of their king.

Sinuhe And you?

Denshi It seems you were scrubbing your own walls all along.

Denshi leaves.

Sinuhe in a subdued coronation.

Sinuhe (to the audience) A funeral followed by a coronation. The people come out in vast numbers to witness my enthronement, but it is a sombre affair. The nobles are muted. My friend Denshi does not attend. He sends his apologies, saying that he is sick.

Pause. Sinuhe acknowledges the accolades of the people, the cheering of children and the acclaim of the elders.

Voice One King Sinuhe! King Sinuhe! King Sinuhe!

Voice Two Brave Sinuhe! Brave King Sinuhe!

Scene Five

Nightmare dance. Lights close in on Sinuhe.

Hotemi Sinuhe, wake up. Denshi has fled.

Pause.

Sinuhe I know.

Pause.

Hotemi Why are you looking at me like that?

Sinuhe Because his returning gift could...