Lighting state changes with magical percussive accompaniment. The NARRATOR now stands with her back to the audience.

PERCUSSIONIST sounds the heart beat (three times) as the NARRATOR slowly turns to face the audience, hands cradling a newborn child, which is represented here by the tablecloth formed into a bundle.

NANDI gazes adoringly at the cradled babe, her arms pulsating gently with the percussionist's heartbeats. A magical tinkling fills the space.

NARRATOR: That evening the child was born.

Heartbeat percussion sounds again (three times). NANDI steps forward, sharing the new arrival with her audience.

NARRATOR: For the first time in 20 years a child was born. A child with a heartbeat that drummed loud and proud into the night without fear or hesitation. A child unafraid to rejoice in the sensations of her laughter, her tears and even though they managed to silence her voice [beat] they could never quite silence the beating of her heart.

Heartbeat percussion sounds again (three times) and NANDI rocks the child gently to sleep.

NARRATOR: The old man took her in his arms.

The NARRATOR transforms into the old man, reaching over and tenderly taking the baby/cloth in his trembling arms. He smiles and whispers warmly …

MKHULU: Ahhh, Nomvula. I have been waiting for her. The Little Drummer Girl … she has come. But it is not safe for her here, Nandi. You must take her away from this town. They will try to silence her, try to silence her little heart!

NARRATOR: But Nandi shook her head sadly.

Back to NANDI.

NANDI: There are no places of peace left. I'm tired of running now, always running, searching for a better life when it does not exist. This town is my last hope. Please, Mkhulu … please let us stay.

NARRATOR: The old man agreed, but on one condition.

Back to MKHULU, insistent and pleading.