ACT 1.

The scene opens with the main character, Edufa urgently demanding that water be poured and special herbs be precisely added to the steaming water. While this is all going on, a chorus is chanting a funeral cry. Because of this, Edufa is perturbed, but strictly follows the "recipe” for the specified bath. Seguwa, his house attendant, seems to be deeply troubled herself. She is distressed, because of a secret that, “frets against the closed walls of [her] skull.” This scene is very unhappy, but both of the characters are working tediously to follow instructions for some kind of special bath. Later, we find out that they are catering to the needs of Ampoma, Edufa's wife. She is terribly ill, and they are drawing an herbal bath to encourage health in her sick body. Edufa's father, Kankam makes a surprising visit, and brings with him authority and great respect. The father and son are not on speaking terms, because of something that occurred earlier, about three years ago. Seguwa begs Kankam to help Edufa, because it seems as if he is in a great predicament. Kankam demands to see his son, and when Seguwa summons him, Edufa disrespectfully greets his father. As the story progresses, it is implied that Edufa is a very honored and recognized as a wealthy man in his village. His attitude in the eyes of his father is like that of a moron, because Edufa has, “sold […] treasures to buy [him]self the importance that fools admire.” This quote gives insight to what happened three years ago…

The story goes…The family: Edufa, Ampoma, Seguwa, and Kankam were all sitting around discussing the rain, and how it makes for a depressing spirit. Kankam noticed that the rain especially affected Edufa, in that he had a pessimistic and terse attitude. It was particularly shown when Ampoma made a joke, and Edufa snapped and stormed out of the house. Upon returning, his whole mind-set had adjusted. The family was indeed surprised, but made nothing of it; all except Kankam. Edufa is very relaxed, and lays back lavishly to ask the question, "Who loves me enough to die for me?" This odd question did not go unanswered, for Ampoma sincerely admitted that she would be willing to lay her life down for her husband. Nobody thought this question suspicious, all except Kankam.

The whole reason why Kankam decided to visit Edufa on this particular day, was becuause he had figured out from whence Edufa obtained his optomism. Kankam came in order to confront his selfish son, and confront him he did. He unfolds the story before his startled son. Kankam describes that Edufa visited a "diviner", something like a migician or fortune teller in order to lengthen his life in exchange for someone who was willing to die. When Ampoma put her heart felt declaration into the air, the spell went into effect. Edufa denies this "farfetched" folktale, and Kankam, leaves in frustration. At the end of the scene, Edufa is lamenting over his selfish decision to obtain longevity. His last lines are, "Unsay it. Do not swear, for I am compromised. She who lies there must recover if I'm ever to come to rest. I love my wife, I love her. My confidence is her hope and her faith in me, mine. So we are locked." Clearly, Edufa is regretful.