Full Synopsis of the Play: War Between Zavasha and Bovaren By Jighjigh Adolphus Sefa
Act 1 "War Between Zavasha and Bovaren" is a tragic play about war and the weak balance between ancestral vengeance and the pursuit of lasting peace. The play opens at dawn during the harmattan season. Liamvarem and his son, Banenga, sit by a fire. Banenga reveals to his father his passion to become the bravest warrior of his time. Liamvarem puts his son to a test through a traditional proverb. When Banenga asks about it, Liamvarem explains the history of a shattered dynasty and why the era of war must be brought to an end. Liamvarem recounts an encounter between two kings: Kaveraa, the King of Lomshasha, visits Shakyum, the King of Tandera, with presents. He requests to buy a piece of land for whatever it is worth. Kaveraa argues that he needs the piece of land bordering his territory to accommodate his captives. Shakyum refuses to sell ancestral ground. He declares that a king is only a custodian, not an owner. Shakyum is not convinced by the requests, and Kaveraa leaves an...