NARRATOR: That afternoon Nomvula was expelled from the school. When she arrived home she found Mkhulu ill in bed. The town doctor, who had visited earlier that day, said it was unlikely he would live to see the end of the week.

The NARRATOR, putting the hat on, assumes the voice and character of the frail old man, using the table as the bed. The red sash table cloth covers his legs. The shack window appears on the central screen behind him. The scene is lit in soft twilight colours.

MKHULU [comforting the child, who weeps at his bedside]: Come come, don't cry little one. Don't cry. I am old now, it is my time to go. I am leaving to join the spirit world, to rally support there for you all. I will return in whatever way I can to help you in the silent struggle. [Coughs.] I have a gift to for you.

MKHULU reaches under his bed and retrieves a pair of (imaginary) drumsticks. He holds them ceremoniously up to the light.

UMHULU [whispering]: See, my drumsticks. I've kept these hidden for many years. [Pause.] The future does not lie in these drumsticks, my child, but in what YOU choose to do with them … use them carefully. [He hands them to the girl.] You will know when the time is right. How will you know, my child? [Smiles tenderly at her for a final time.] By listening.

MKHULU removes his hat and holds it over his breast. We hear his heartbeat weaken (three times, scored by PERCUSSION), then stop. The movement of the hat up and down on his chest illustrates his slowing heart. He sighs a final breath before surrendering his body. The hat falls to the ground.

Lights fade.

Percussive link plays into next scene.