BOOK REVIEW

WRITTEN BY

names

REG NO.

DEPARTMENT OF FACULTY OF

UNIVERSITY OF UYO, UYO

SUBMITTED

TO

DR. IDARA THOMAS COURSE COORDINATOR GST 111; USE OF

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH UNIVERSITY OF UYO

DECEMBER, 2023
Title: The King's Verdict (A Play) Author: Bernard Dickson

Place of Publication: Ibadan State, Nigeria Publishers: Winepress Publishers

Year of Publication: 2023 Number of Pages: 64 Price: Not stated

INTRODUCTION:

The drama "The King's Verdict" explores the difficulties women have in a

patriarchal culture in a moving way. This drama, which was written by an

unknown playwright and performed by The Lafia Players, centers on the lives of

Ada and her mother Urediya as they adjust after Ada's father Ejike's death. The

difficulties and conflicts that Ada faces are masterfully portrayed in the drama,

particularly when she is forced to marry against her choice due to social

expectations. Ada shows incredible bravery by refusing to conform to the

expectations placed upon her via a compelling series of incidents. Even though it

means suffering irreversible losses along the road, she sets out on a mission to

rediscover her voice and her independence. In light of the pressing need for gender

equity and equal opportunity for all people to pursue their goals of peace, hope,

and love, the play is a potent tribute to the marginalization that women face in

society.
Because of the characters' genuine and nuanced portrayal, readers may relate to

"The King's Verdict" on a personal level. The character of Ada, performed by

Jennifer Okoli, embodies the resilience and fortitude of a woman defying social

norms. Emem Oikuku Chubuike Gabriel portrays Urediya, Ada's mother, and gives

a moving portrayal that highlights the nuanced feelings and selflessness that

mothers in patriarchal cultures must endure. The play's overall effect is enhanced

by the subtle performances of the supporting cast, which includes Bob Anikpo as

Orji, Tony Uzoh as Igwe, and Bernard Dickson as Romanus. Every figure

embodies a distinct aspect of the societal obstacles encountered by women,

therefore offering a comprehensive and comprehensive examination of the issue.

The dramatist expertly crafts a gripping story that holds readers' attention from

start to finish. A thorough comprehension of the motivations and challenges of the

characters is made possible by the events unfolding at a steady pace. The

conversation, which tackles themes of gender inequity, cultural expectations, and

the power relationships within communities, is both moving and thought-

provoking. All things considered, "The King's Verdict" is a strong and intensely

felt drama that strikes a chord with its audience. In addition to being enjoyable, it

pushes the reader to think critically about society expectations and support gender

equality. This drama, with its vivid narrative and well-developed characters, is a

tribute to the strength and fortitude of women in the face of hardship. Anyone
looking for a provocative examination of the difficulties encountered by women in

patriarchal settings should definitely read it.

ORGANIZATION OF CONTENT:

The novel is structured neatly, with Acts and Scenes that flow into one another

without interruption. Early character introductions by the author help readers

identify with and get invested in the major characters' adventures. The film moves

at a steady pace, alternating between personal issues and courtroom sequences

while progressively increasing the suspense leading up to the dramatic finale.

Readers are transported to the medieval atmosphere by Dickson's succinct yet vivid

language without being overloaded with historical material. The play "The King's

Verdict" has a well-organized content structure. It opens with an interesting

copyright prologue, dedication, and performance history that set the stage for the

historical backdrop of the plot and introduce the main conflict. page following,

which features the cast members Readers are given a brief overview of the play's

characters in this opening segment.

Act One – Scene One Act One – Scene Two Act One – Scene Three Act One –

Scene Four Act One – Scene Five Act Two – Scene One Act Two – Scene Two

Act Two – Scene Three Act Two Scene four

Act Three – Scene One Act Four – Scene One Act Four – Scene Two Act Five –

Scene One

The play's material is arranged into five acts, each of which has several scenes. The

way the plot develops and the characters grow is designed to keep the viewer

interested and create suspense.

Scene 1 Adanma Onwubiko, the primary character, and her yearning for change

are introduced in Scene 1. The tension that arises between Adanma's goals and her

community's customs is set up by this. The play's remaining scenes are framed by

this sequence, which also demonstrates Adanma's resolve.

Mazi Orji, clutching a raffia bag and a cutlass, is making his way to the farm in Act

One Scene Two. Upon his return from the farm, he encounters Mazi Okeke. They

say hello to one other and talk about life and agriculture.It's late and people are

starting to return, so Okeke suggests that Orji made a mistake by going to the farm

at that time of day. Okeke's worries are disregarded by Orji, who says that the

harvest is what counts and that visiting a farm is irrelevant.They get into a heated

argument and start yelling. Orji is accused of remodeling his obi, or room in his

house, in order to win over his late brother's wife, by Okeke, who also brings up a

debt Orji owes him. Orji refutes the charge, but Okeke seems to have witnessed
Orji's behavior and has been assisting the widow with home maintenance.As the

dispute gets more heated, Orji tells Okeke to avoid his late brother's wife by

bringing up some of her physical characteristics. He warns Okeke, saying there

will be repercussions if he ever sees him close to the house again. Tension remains

between the two characters as the action closes.

The setting changes to the King's palace in Act One setting Three. During a council

meeting, the Igwe (king) tells the elders that the village has been asked to provide a

list of four priority projects by the government. Two of the projects will be funded

by the government, and the community has seven days to submit its selections. In

order to get feedback from the people and decide on the projects together, the first

elder advises holding a town hall meeting. The second elder concurs and stresses

how urgent the situation is. They suggest doing individual consultations with each

person and meeting again in two days to decide which proposal to pursue. Okeke

interrupts the discussion to get the Igwe's attention. Okeke worries that Mazi Orji

is threatening him because he owes him money. Orji's actions startle and enrage

the elders and the Igwe since they know he promised to pay but hasn't followed

through. They accept that Orji is defying the law and warn him that failing to pay

might have dire repercussions. The Igwe makes the decision to call Orji and issue a

demand that he pay the loan in eight days or give up valuables. Okeke is told to
keep his composure till further orders are delivered. Okeke thanks everyone and

departs the castle as the scene comes to a conclusion.

Act One Scene Four opens with Orji walking and then looking thoughtfully at a

chair. He thinks back on his recent altercation with Okeke and feels bad about how

he treated him. Orji admits that he ought to have been more kind despite his lack of

wealth. He understands that he cannot pay Okeke back by selling his entire

home.Orji defends his conduct by saying that Okeke was invading his space by

interacting with Urediya and perhaps beginning a romantic relationship with her.

Orji feels that in order to safeguard his interests, he had to make a position. He

makes the analogy that when a game gets too hot, a crab will retreat.

The scene changes to Mazi Okeke's home in Act One Scene Five. It is described as

a long, rectangular mud house with a porch and a grove of raffia palms

surrounding it. Orji takes a seat outdoors on one of the seats, intending to wait for

Okeke to return. When Okeke eventually shows up and answers the door, he is

shocked to find Orji and wonders why he is there. In a cryptic reply, Orji says that

a guest doesn't divulge their goal until they've eaten. Skeptical and cautious, Okeke

cautions Orji against letting someone who has hurt him in the past hurt him again.

Okeke's mistrust is disregarded by Orji, who emphasizes that their dispute should

only be apparent on the surface and not deeply ingrained in their relationship.

Okeke's mistrust is disregarded by Orji, who emphasizes that their dispute should
only be apparent on the surface and not deeply ingrained in their relationship. I

have something worthwhile to talk about, he tells Okeke. After a protracted period

of quiet staring, Okeke reluctantly lets Orji inside, where they sit. When he finally

does speak, Orji requests kola nuts, which are a customary sign of welcome. Orji

refuses to give up, saying his throat is dry, even though Okeke disputes having any.

Noticing Orji's vermin-like conduct, Okeke grudgingly sets down a bottle of

house-brewed gin on the table. Orji bemoans Okeke's unwillingness to educate him

while praising Okeke on his ability to make gin. Through the use of a metaphor, he

makes the argument that information should never be buried and never be shared.

Replying that Orji is trying to murder him because he knows this, Okeke takes

offense. Orji admits that their disagreement has become more serious but disputes

having such goals.

The scene in Act II, Scene I, is set in Ejike's residence. While preparing their

evening meal, Urediya and her daughter Ada are conversing. Ada says she wants a

happy family and an education, but her uncle has instructed her to stop going to

school. Ada is reassured by Urediya that she would stop at nothing to make sure

Ada gets a quality education, even if it means selling all they own. The power

relations between men and women in society are highlighted when Ada expresses

fears about having an argument with her uncle. This idea is contested by Urediya,

who claims that women now significantly influence global affairs and that the
globe is no more a man's domain. In contrast to men's destructive tendencies in

pointless battles, she highlights the strength of women in caring and healing. In

response to Ada's inquiry on where a woman's strength rests, Urediya used

analogies to show how a woman's strength is frequently hidden but yet potent. She

speaks about the power of floodwaters, the depth of calm water, and the sharpness

of a cat's claws. Ada is encouraged to believe in herself by Urediya, who reassures

her that every woman has this strength.

The action moves to the palace in Act Two Scene Two, where the Igwe (king) is

enthroned. The Igwe has a commanding demeanor and a unique look, and the

space is well decorated. Adanma arrives and appears disheveled as she kneels

before the king. Adanma tells the Igwe that she is seeking safety at the palace due

to her father's desire for her to drop out of school and wed an older man to whom

her father owes money. She says that she is reluctant to be married so young,

certainly not to a guy who is older than her deceased father. At first, the Igwe

forgets Adanma's identity, but he soon recalls and recognizes her predicament. He

clarifies that her uncle now has responsibility for her in accordance with custom,

and the Igwe is unable to stop him from marrying her.Adanma queries the custom's

harmfulness and inquires as to whether it may be broken. In response, the Igwe

assert that it is impossible to fully abandon one's homeland and cultural practices.

He likens it to a bird perched on an anthill yet remaining grounded. Adanma

expresses a wish to die instead of marrying the elderly man and bemoans the

harshness of the ritual that kills what it is supposed to safeguard.

The play resumes beyond the royal gate in Act Two, Scene Three. Adanma meets

Romanus, a young man who observes her upset and inquires about her issue.

Adanma attempts to brush it off at first, but she finally admits that being a woman

is her issue. She wishes she were a male because she believes that being a woman

is an insult. In contrast, Romanus reminds Adanma that being a woman is an honor

since women are what keep the world going. Based on his observations of his

mother and other women he knows, he offers his belief. Romanus maintains that he

is conversant with the customs and culture of the area, despite Adanma's doubts

about his comprehension of them. Adanma divulges that her uncle wants her to

wed an older guy since they are unable to settle a debt that her late father left

behind. She also says that, in accordance with tradition, her uncle want to inherit

her mother. When Adanma asked the monarch for assistance, he honored the

tradition. She says her situation is making it difficult for her to pursue her

aspirations to go to school and make a contribution to society.

Romanus supports Adanma and affirms the power of women. He talks about

Nwanyi Aka, a lady who accomplished tremendous things in spite of people's

doubts about her skills. He implies that Adanma may be similarly gifted.While he

comes up with a strategy for fighting their struggle together, Romanus tells
Adanma to return home. Adanma objects to the notion of a male waging a woman's

struggle, but Romanus explains that it is a fight for society and mankind as a

whole, necessitating cooperation and concessions. He vows that they will cross

paths again and that she will return to her studies and avoid being coerced into an

unwelcome marriage.

The Aru tree, which symbolizes the enigmatic and holy elements of the

community, is first introduced in Act Three Scene One. The spectator learns about

opposing views on society expectations and the possible repercussions of

questioning customs through Adanma's chat with Oby.

Scene Four Scene One is at the court, where Adanma, her mother Urediya, and the

elders have a conflict. This scenario demonstrates the divergent viewpoints and the

intense discussion on women's roles and the necessity of social reform. Adanma's

audacious statement of her goals marks a pivotal moment in the play.

Scene Five The town square serves as the setting for the story's conclusion in

Scene 1. The spectator sees Adanma's issue ultimately resolved as she must choose

between Mazi Okeke and the principal. The dispute is heightened and takes an

unexpected turn when it is revealed that she is pregnant. The climax of Adanma's

battle and the effects of her actions on those around her are shown in this scene.

The play's material is structured to create tension and suspense throughout,

building to the play's climax conclusion in the last scene. By examining various

facets of the tensions, motivations, and goals of the persons involved, each scene

adds to the broader story. The establishment permits the evolution of topics

concerning customs, gender norms, individual autonomy, and the endeavor for

knowledge. Conclusively, the play's content is skillfully arranged to captivate the

audience and successfully communicate the characters' hardships and

achievements. The main conflict is strengthened as the scenes advance, leading to

a strong conclusion. Content structure makes for a more impactful and captivating

storytelling experience while also enhancing theme investigation.

EVALUATION:

"The King's Verdict" is a powerful and noteworthy drama that is deserving of great

appreciation for the way it depicts the difficulties faced by women in a patriarchal

society. It leaves a lasting impression on its readers by skillfully addressing the

subjects of gender discrimination, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal

independence. A thought-provoking and intense experience is provided by the

play's sensitive and nuanced handling of these complicated subjects.

The play's strong character development is one of its strongest points. The main

character, Ada, is a fascinating and realistic woman who embodies the tenacity and
will of women confronting repressive social standards. Her journey acts as an

emotional anchor for the viewer, inspiring compassion and respect for her bravery

in going against the grain and following her own path. Supporting characters that

each reflect a distinct aspect of the difficulties experienced by women, such Oby,

Orji, and Urediya, give the story more depth and realism.

The drama "The King's Verdict" skillfully conveys its core concepts through

emotive and thought-provoking dialogue. While shedding light on the daily

hardships and sacrifices faced by women, it tackles pervasive cultural prejudice

and discrimination. The dramatist encourages audiences to consider their own

ideas and presumptions by deftly employing language and exploring the power

relations within the community to increase the impact of the story.

The play is more successful overall because of its tempo and structure. The plot

develops in an engaging way that lets readers get completely engrossed in the

action while also progressively increasing suspense. Readers are kept interested

and invested in the conclusion by the thorough examination of Ada's journey and

the repercussions she encounters for going against social norms.

As a powerful social commentary, "The King's Verdict" emphasizes the pressing

need for gender parity and fair opportunity. It urges readers to confront and

demolish current power systems while skillfully exposing the injustices

experienced by women. Beyond its made-up setting, the play is relevant because it

encourages readers to support reform and build a more welcoming

community."The King's Verdict" has the capacity to spark important discussions

and compel a more thorough comprehension of gender inequality in terms of its

influence. Its lessons linger long after reading, inspiring readers to face their own

prejudices and take an active role in building a more just society.

CONCLUSION:

"The King's Verdict" is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that has a

profound effect on its audience. It is a powerful monument to the tenacity and

fortitude of women pursuing equality and autonomy because of its examination of

the difficulties encountered by women in a patriarchal culture. With an emphasis

on the play's important ideas, well-rounded characters, and compelling story, the

book's contents offer a thorough examination of the work. As Ada and her mother

Urediya negotiate a society that places strict expectations on women, readers are

drawn into their world throughout the whole novel. A compelling source of

encouragement for readers is Ada's struggle to recover her voice and independence

in the face of irreversible losses. It calls attention to the prejudices and cultural

conventions that still restrict women's chances and emphasizes how urgently

change has to happen.

RECOMMENDATION:

The drama "The King's Verdict" is highly recommended and should be seen by

many. It is a powerful and significant work of literature because of its moving

examination of the difficulties faced by women in a patriarchal culture and its

demand for gender justice and equal opportunity. For those who value challenging

literature that addresses societal concerns and spurs action, it comes highly

recommended.