The Hero that Never was

The play "The Hero that Never was" by Charles Atsyatsya is entwined around the life of SAMJA, who was born in Nzingacenturies ago. His birth reshaped the life and survival in his ancestral home. Growing up, he had just one ambition - to rule Nzinga. Amidst struggles, wars and pain, he rose to power with the support of his people after leading them in a fearsome battle against their leaders.

At the prime of his leadership, SAMJA ruled by modernizing the historically flawed political system of the early leaders of Nzinga, which he blended with unpredictable but transparent leadership for development based on local norms and practices. SAMJA married a very beautiful woman, SAMJAMA whom he loved very much. His success was rooted in the wise counselling of his wife. The land of Nzinga became very powerful and revered.

However, his sad end came earlier than expected when he started pursuing his own interests, inebriated with alcohol and weakness for the fair sex. And the fate and expectations of his people, which they entrusted into his hands were assassinated by his unbecoming pastime. It is the twists and turns of SAMJA's social and political life in Nzinga Land, characterized by what appeared to be an inexplicable death-wish that are captured in "The Hero that Never was".