AFRICAN DRAMA
JOE DE GRAFT: Sons and Daughters
To what extent, is the play about friendship betrayed?
Explanation
In the play, a father, James Ofosu, is terribly let down by his own friend who is shamelessly pursuing the former's daughter. Mr. Ofosu, who has little education, wants to see his children established in prestigious careers. His eldest son is a medical doctor, and the second is training to be a chartered Accountant. He wants his third son, Aaron, to be a mechanical engineer and the youngest child, Maanan, a girl, to be a lawyer.
The girl wants to take up dancing as a career. The father's opposition to dancing frustrates Maanan. Mr. Ofosu discusses the situation with his friend Lawyer Bonu who, for his own selfish reason, encourages Mr, Ofosu to insist on Maanan becoming a lawyer. Mr. Ofosu has great faith and trust in his friend, and accordingly forces Maanan to work in Bonu's office as preparatory towards becoming a lawyer. Lawyer Bonu takes advantage of his friend's trust in him to make advances to Maanan, knowing that Mr. Ofosu will not believe whatever Maanan says. The sexual harassment continues. When Mr. Ofosu hears of it, he refuses to believe it and accuses his family of plotting against his friend. Finally, Lawyer Bonu is caught in the act while on a visit to the Ofosu home. This is betrayal of friendship at its worst. Naturally, Ofosu feels terribly let down by his friend.