This play is 'told' with Nigerian native songs, dances, chants and games. The heart of the story is universalethe inherent value of children and the struggle to keep them safe. Long ago, when human beings and spirits were still close, the wife of a powerful chief longed for a child. The woman could have children, but her womb was possessed by the spirit of an Ogbanje. An Ogbanje (a forever-child) is an invisible spirit-child that lives among the people. Sometimes this spirit wants to become part of the human world, but when the child is born it longs for the spirit world and the comfort of its friends. The River Spirit comforts Mother by telling her she will have a child, and seven market weeks later she gives birth to Ezigbo, 'the good one.' As Ezigbo grows, Mother, Medicine Woman, and Ngozi, Ezigbo's best friend, struggle to keep her in the human world, while the Ogbanje try to call her home. One set. Native costumes or pieces. Approximate running time: 60 minutes.

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cassette of words, songs and chants