The gods have spoken (An Opera Libretto)
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Date
2012
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Publisher
The Performing Arts Department, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
Description
The gods have spoken is an opera that mirrors the political situation in Nigeria especially in matters of leadership. It is a satire that employs folk, contemporary and classical musical idioms to give expression and meaning to the content and message of the opera.
Attaining, maintaining and retaining power has been an issue in the Nigeria politics and this has translated to destructive tendencies such as blackmail, character assassination and even killing in the Nigerian politics. Leadership in Nigeria is being regarded as exclusive to some, a case which makes certain tribes in the country to lord it over others and insist that they must be in charge. The antics and power play that led to the death of the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election in Nigeria is not unconnected to this posture. The gods have spoken conveys the message that evil will thrive only to the extent that men of good intention and noble character keep quiet and refuse to stand out to defend what is right. The fear of losing one’s life makes many who do not subscribe to evil play along with evil, thereby compromising their right posture and allowing evil men to have their way. Evil will however, produce its negative consequences on the land thereby making the innocent to suffer; hence, a cry for help by the oppressed and hope for a change. Restoration can however, only be attained when the gods have been appeased and the only requirement from the gods is doing what is right as originally prescribed by the gods.
Destiny, justice, determination, hope and restoration are key issues raised in the opera. Some questions raised and answered in the opera are: Can mere mortal fight the gods and win? Can the pronouncement of the almighty about a man be altered, changed or stopped? Who determines who should rule or reign? And how should men in power use their office?
Keywords
Opera; Destiny; Justice; Determination; Hope; Restoration