TWO AUTHORS, DIFFERENT GENERATIONS, AND A SINGLE MINDSET: A PEEP AT THE RIGHTFUL KING

TWO AUTHORS, DIFFERENT GENERATIONS, AND A SINGLE MINDSET: A PEEP AT THE RIGHTFUL KING

Igbaba Sunday Ph.D.

(Department of Theatre Arts, Nasarawa State University Lafia)

In a world where greed, power, and self-interest have gradually replaced unity, compassion, and communal love, The Rightful King emerges as a creative torch lighting the path toward reconciliation and peace. Co-written by Nigerian playwright Umar O. Abdul and American writer Kenneth Weene, the play stands as a cultural and political mirror reflecting both the diversity and the shared humanity of people across continents.

At its heart, The Rightful King tells the story of mankind’s moral disintegration — how the relentless pursuit of wealth and power leads to conflict, and how such conflicts tear the fabric of human unity. Yet, through its narrative and characters, the play offers hope; hope that there remains a moral and spiritual force capable of reuniting humanity, rekindling love, and restoring peace among nations and people.

The play unfolds against the backdrop of a kingdom in turmoil, where the lust for power threatens to destroy the harmony that once bound its people together. The narrative is not confined to a particular culture or nation; it is a reflection of the universal human condition. However, in tone and setting, the story draws richly from the history and cultural fabric of the Igala people of Nigeria, weaving in elements of their traditional governance, beliefs, and neighboring influences.

Through a series of dramatic events, conflicts, and resolutions, The Rightful King challenges its audience to reflect on their own societies; on the divisions sown by greed, political rivalry, and the hunger for dominance. Yet it never leaves us hopeless; rather, it suggests that redemption is possible through love, unity, and collective will.

The thematic structure of The Rightful King is both simple and profound. At its core are three intertwined ideas: unity, love, and politics.

Unity: The play advocates the coming together of divided communities, portraying unity not merely as the absence of conflict but as a deliberate commitment to peace, understanding, and shared destiny.

Love: Love is presented as the emotional and spiritual thread that holds humanity together; a force greater than greed and ambition.

Politics: The political undertone of the play reveals how power struggles often distort truth and justice, and how leadership rooted in selfishness leads to chaos. Yet, it equally shows that politics can serve as a noble tool for harmony when guided by fairness and integrity.

A CROSS-CULTURAL COLLABORATION

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Rightful King is its authorship; a collaboration between two minds of different generations and continents. Umar O. Abdul, a Nigerian playwright and poet, brings to the work his deep understanding of African culture, oral tradition, and the political realities of contemporary Nigeria. Kenneth Weene, an American poet, novelist, and playwright, contributes his global perspective, literary depth, and humanist ideals.

Together, they produce a piece that transcends borders. Though grounded in African tradition, the play resonates universally. It reflects a single mindset; the yearning for a peaceful and united world, where humanity rises above divisions of race, class, or creed.

A CULTURAL AND POLITICAL MASTERPIECE

The Rightful King is not merely a story about who should wear the crown; it is a reflection on who truly deserves to lead humanity; those guided by wisdom, justice, and love. The play’s cultural richness makes it a valuable text for anyone seeking to understand the intersection between African heritage and global human values. Its political message, on the other hand, is timeless: that power without empathy leads to ruin, but leadership rooted in unity builds enduring peace.

CONCLUSION

In The Rightful King, Umar O. Abdul and Kenneth Weene prove that different generations and different worlds can share one vision; the vision of a world healed by love and unity. Their collaboration reminds us that literature remains one of humanity’s strongest bridges, capable of connecting minds across oceans and generations.

Through its fusion of politics and culture, its universal message of peace, and its call for a return to shared humanity, The Rightful King is not just a play — it is a testament to the belief that even in our fragmented world, we can still find a rightful path back to one another.