CHARACTERS Jimmy male, 20s to 30s Tobe male, 20s to 30s Victor middle-aged man
SCENE ONE
A humble tailor’s shop. Two sewing machines and other equipment feature, some folded fabrics are hung. Present are the two tailors, Jimmy and Tobe, men in their 20s or 30s. Tobe is at a sewing machine, while Jimmy is with a third man, Victor. Victor is middle-aged, and exudes an affluence which contrasts with the pervasive drabness. As the scene begins, Jimmy is finishing taking Victor’s measurements. Conspicuous on a table or chair is a gorgeous folded material.
Victor (handing over the folded cloth to Jimmy, and also giving him a card) That’s where you can reach me.
Jimmy Ok sir. I’ll finish it in two days. It’s senator style I will sew for you.
Victor Take your time, Buddy. Just do it well.
Jimmy Ok Sir. Thanks Sir. (Victor exits. Tobe leaves his machine and comes downstage to stand with Jimmy, gazing outside at what the audience can’t see. Both men evince awe)
Tobe You’ve seen this kind motor before?
Jimmy Na Lexus jeep. (The sound of a car door shutting and the purr of the vehicle driving off)
Tobe As I see this jeep, na cool fifty million naira.
Jimmy I don’t doubt you.
Tobe All my life, I never hold fifty thousand in my hand.
Jimmy Fifty thousand? I never hold five before… ok, once I pay rent, even if I hold ten, e finish.
Tobe (He lifts and feels the fabric left by Victor, his expression and gestures showing that he is dazzled) This is the highest Italian cashmere.
Jimmy I think it is hundred percent raw silk. Maybe… (becoming brisk) Let’s work and enjoy what we can. This corona thing has started, who knows if there will be business for tailors.
Tobe Corona, ke? Na for overseas abeg. No spoil my day, abeg you o. E no go reach Naija. (He gazes at the card left by Victor) The man dey craze o!
Jimmy How?
Tobe You no see his position? Na him own that big Victory International Hotel. You see his jeep. And he come here come find tailor. People like him find the big esigners… why he come to this our nyama-nyama shed to find tailor?
Jimmy (joyous) Na the Lord do am. The Lord don find me better customer.
(His elation peaks and he kneels. Tobe watches, amazed, then amused) Lord, two things I begged of you in this my life. I pray, ‘let me not beg, and let me not thieve.’ Lord, you answer me well well. These my hands with this tailor business I learned, will always provide my needs. Amen.