The Mall of Africa
SCENE 11: THE MALL OF AFRICA
CHORUS A: Sunday!
CHORUS B: Free to do whatever we want!
CHORUS A: Where does Silu go on his day off?
CHORUS B: He goes to the place that has it all – food, drink, shelter –
CHORUS C: - protection from the elements, a place to rest when one is tired –
CHORUS B: Nature! Greenery, water features, no cars!
CHORUS: (together, reverentially) The Mall of Africa.
SILUMKO: What is this place?
VALERIA: Ugh. LUSH, ok, let me tell you about Lush… if you are someone who can’t handle strong smells, it is hell on earth –
SILUMKO: It’s very strong –
VALERIA: Strong is an understatement, try potent, it’s like Satan’s deodorant. (spotting her manager) Quick, act like you’re a customer. Ja, so of the bath bombs I love the Marshmellow World and the Oaty Creamy Dreamy, but if you’re in the market for something more earthy I recommend the Karma shower bomb with turmeric –
SILUMKO: He’s gone.
VALERIA: UGH, I’m so sick of this fucking mall, this mother ship of Capitalism –
SILUMKO: I like it. it’s quiet. Compared to outside. It’s very clean…You can just walk around without anyone bothering you... and you don’t have to shop. And it’s… glamorous.
[...]
CHORUS A: Sunday!
CHORUS B: Free to do whatever we want!
CHORUS A: Where does Silu go on his day off?
CHORUS B: He goes to the place that has it all – food, drink, shelter –
CHORUS C: - protection from the elements, a place to rest when one is tired –
CHORUS B: Nature! Greenery, water features, no cars!
CHORUS: (together, reverentially) The Mall of Africa.
SILUMKO: What is this place?
VALERIA: Ugh. LUSH, ok, let me tell you about Lush… if you are someone who can’t handle strong smells, it is hell on earth –
SILUMKO: It’s very strong –
VALERIA: Strong is an understatement, try potent, it’s like Satan’s deodorant. (spotting her manager) Quick, act like you’re a customer. Ja, so of the bath bombs I love the Marshmellow World and the Oaty Creamy Dreamy, but if you’re in the market for something more earthy I recommend the Karma shower bomb with turmeric –
SILUMKO: He’s gone.
VALERIA: UGH, I’m so sick of this fucking mall, this mother ship of Capitalism –
SILUMKO: I like it. it’s quiet. Compared to outside. It’s very clean…You can just walk around without anyone bothering you... and you don’t have to shop. And it’s… glamorous.
[...]
︎ Outtake, ‘Mall of Africa’.
