Act Two Notes

Act Two

The act begins with the Storyteller interacting with the Players, setting the stage for Ananse's endeavors and hinting at potential trouble. A song and dance sequence, the Mboguo, introduces Abena, "Odum's child," who expresses a dislike for the sun and a preference for death. This is possibly symbolic.

Scene 1

  • The Storyteller engages with the Property Man, discussing plans for Sunday, which involves going to church and a "buying spree."
  • Rhythmic accompaniment from drum and gong emphasizes the Storyteller's words.
  • The Storyteller plans to "deposit with the best of the spenders" and purchase clothes.
  • He instructs the Property Man to buy all newspapers and find notices for memorial services with large crowds.
  • The Storyteller repeats the phrase "Tomorrow I go to church" multiple times.

Church Mime

  • The Players hum a church hymn, and the Property Man sets up a collection plate.
  • A playful collection-giving mime ensues, with the Property Man acting as the priest.
  • Players line up and deposit collections, exhibiting unseemly mannerisms.
  • The Mboguo ends with three repetitions of "Tomorrow I go to church."

Arrival of Workmen

  • A Carpenter, Mason, and Painter arrive, each identifiable by their tools.
  • They discuss the house and the job, focusing on the work available and the contract.
  • The Mason suggests the work will take five weeks, while the Carpenter initially suggests three.
  • They all agree not to finish too quickly.
  • The Carpenter asks the Property Man if he is the steward and mentions that Mr. Ananse summoned them.
  • Ananse enters in a dressing gown, sporting a cigar.
  • He instructs the workmen on their tasks: repairing a leaking roof (Carpenter), installing new floors (Mason), and painting all rooms (Painter).
  • Ananse emphasizes the need for smart service and mentions that important visitors will be arriving soon.
  • He refers to plumbers and electricians who are also expected to come.
  • The Painter tells the Mason they have Ananse "in their pocket," and the Mason suggests doubling the work time to ten weeks.
  • Ananse calls for the workmen, and they respond.

Work in Progress

  • The workmen are shown working, with the Carpenter hammering, the Mason calling for "Concrete! Concrete!" and the Painter calling for "Water! Water!"
  • The Property Man supplies their needs.
  • The Carpenter disrupts the work by showing his wristwatch, signaling to his friends to quit.
  • They dance stylishly towards the Players, who sing work songs.

Transformation

  • The Property Man sets a curtain frame.
  • The Storyteller notes that Ananse is doing well and that his plans are proceeding without any hitches so far.
  • The Players sing "Kwabonyi," and the Property Man brings in a vase of flowers and a garden chair.
  • The Storyteller says things are getting better at home.
  • The Players dance and take turns sitting in the chair, admiring the scene.
  • The Mboguo song repeats, "Oh, some time ago, it was bad at home, but maybe now it's getting better."

Ananse's New Status

  • Ananse enters dressed in a business executive suit and tie.
  • He expresses concern about the time running short on his daughter's affair.
  • He requests ice cream and an electric fan from the Property Man due to the heat.
  • He stresses that he must not be taken by surprise.

Interactions

  • A Postman arrives, looking for Mr. G. K. Ananse at AW/6615 Lagoon Street.
  • Ananse confirms his identity, and the Postman salutes him.
  • Ananse receives a letter containing a cheque, his thirteenth and the largest amount he has ever received.
  • He questions the character of the suitor sending the cheques and wishes Chief-Who-is-Chief would increase his pace.
  • He asks the Property Man to blow more breeze on him.
  • Chief-Who-is-Chief's Messenger arrives and greets Ananse and his daughter.
  • The Messenger informs Ananse that Chief-Who-is-Chief will be sending people to place the head-drink for his daughter in two weeks.
  • Ananse is pleased with the news. They share drinks.

Telegram

  • The Postman returns with a telegram.
  • Ananse gives him money for cigarettes.
  • The telegram announces messengers' arrival in two weeks to conduct the head-drink ceremony for Anansewa, sent by Chief Sapa.
  • Ananse is distraught upon reading the telegram and asks for the breeze to be cut off.
  • The Property Man brings in a spider web screen to shield Ananse.

Confrontation

  • The Storyteller approaches the web and calls out to Ananse using various names and titles.
  • The Storyteller, Ananse, and Players share a song.

Who is knocking? Who is knocking? It's me. It's me.

  • Ananse emerges and complains of a headache.
  • He asks the Property Man for a headache pill.
  • He requests the Property Man to telephone Tarkwa 30 to the Institute For Prospective Brides and arrange for him to speak to Miss Christina Yamoah at seven thirty tonight.
  • The Players sing loudly again, and Ananse flees.
  • The Property Man mimes telephoning.

End of Act Two

The act concludes with Ananse in a dilemma, facing conflicting messages and deadlines regarding his daughter's marriage prospects. The use of music, dance, and mime enriches the storytelling and underscores the themes of social climbing, deception, and the complexities of decision-making.