Marching for Fausa

Synopsis

The fictional West African state of Songhai

Telani Balarabe stands in the dim light of a prison cell, her eyes reflecting the fire of her unyielding spirit. In Biyi Bandele’s “Marching for Fausa,” this crusading journalist finds herself on death row in the fictional West African state of Songhai, a nation riddled with political corruption and violent military dictatorship. The play, staged at the Royal Court Theatre in 1993, opens with Telani imprisoned, setting the stage for a gripping flashback that unravels the events leading to her current plight.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Songhai’s oppressive regime, where Telani’s investigation into the disappearance of schoolchildren during a public demonstration exposes the brutal realities of power and corruption. Her relentless pursuit of truth puts her in direct conflict with the state, leading to her arrest and imprisonment. Telani’s memories paint a vivid picture of the societal and political decay, highlighting the struggles of those who dare to stand against tyranny. The play’s biting satire and raw portrayal of injustice are punctuated by moments of dark humor and absurdity, making it both a poignant and provocative commentary on contemporary issues.