Fidelis Okoro's "Prof. Zemzi's Last Rehearsal" is a mind-searching piece that cuts across all segments of our society and Dr. Hilarious Ambe; lecturer at the Faculty of Arts, University of Buea, could not have adapted into context anything better to reveal the channel relics that lay below the sepulchre of our academic society.
This adaptation by Dr. Ambe was neither framed to tickle delicate ears nor to show that self-righteousness is religion. It was meant to scrape the varnish and expose decaying wood that would probably be at the brink of destruction; the very regalia that our academic society wears; the effect of self-righteousness on output, the unprecedented celebration of mediocrity and the long-lasting degradation of morality.
The final product has the characteristics of a conscience that would not give the bearer rest until certain questions are answered. The casting could not have been better, as the actors were unable to pull off the coats of the characters they were impersonating.
From the circle of the students to that of the professors and auxiliary staff of the university, "natural theatricality" or "dramatic naturality" to borrow from Prof. Zemzi himself, was revealed in the most exquisite manner. The roles of Professor Zemzi, Kandem, and Mrs. Pompeli only confirm this assertion that there was a natural touch in the performance.
The performance was hilarious, with an unstoppable flow of humour and a subtle musical touch that makes it all the more watchable. The costuming was sweet on the tape that naturally, revealed the characters of the dramatis personae before they could even tell the audience how they were.
The stage or set was another story in itself. The stage props were properly arranged. On the backdrop of desperation, an academic is torn between two allegiances; to women [student-prostitutes] or to academic work.
The latter would certainly carry him away if student prostitutes like Juliette were cut from the scenes. Yet, might the play have fallen short of the essential meaning of social morality, if Juliette did not use her bottom power to entice weak-hearted academics?
Moreover, the inefficiency of the police in investigating crimes and the infidelity of voters could not have been told better by any except Juliette whose blend of Pidgin and English throughout the play gives it a unique character.
Michael Abang WalangCUP Buea
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