Sangoma's Tale - By Tafara Nyatsanza

Written By: Tafara Nyatsanza

Category: Theatre Monologue

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Tafara Nyatsanza, writing under the name Petunia, offers a compelling entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her theatre monologue, "Sangoma's Tale," delves into the intricacies of personal and societal expectations, exploring themes of love, duty, and identity. This work reveals the tension between personal desires and cultural obligations, set against the backdrop of a royal family. Nyatsanza's narrative invites readers to reflect on the weight of tradition and the struggle for personal fulfillment.

About the Work

"Sangoma's Tale" is a poignant exploration of societal pressures and personal despair. Through vivid dialogue and rich cultural imagery, Tafara Nyatsanza weaves a story of a royal couple grappling with expectations of lineage and legacy. The monologue illustrates the emotional turmoil of the protagonist, Petunia, as she navigates her position in a patriarchal society. Nyatsanza employs a mix of traditional storytelling and dramatic elements, inviting the audience to empathize deeply with Petunia's plight.

Petunia

Original Submission by Tafara Nyatsanza

SANGOMA: Ahhh my child, there’s story I have to tell you… about a prince, whose wife could not have a child. The couple lived happily, or so it seemed… in love, in public that is, and they looked perfect together. Every night, they tried to make a baby, but the wife just could not fall pregnant. Now, in the village in which the soon-to-be-king ruled, a rumor grew and it spread…

WOMAN 1: Petunia cannot give the young king an heir.

WOMAN 2: I heard they have been trying for so long. Still? Nothing?

WOMAN 1: Nothing! I’m sure it’s her fault!

WOMAN 2: It’s been three months now, and still no belly!

WOMAN 1: Ah, she’s cursed that one.

SANGOMA: One day, the rumors found their way to Petunia’s ears, and they broke her heart. When the same rumors reached her husband, it was when his two uncles to sat him down.

UNCLE 1: Tongai, I’m sure you’ve heard what the people are saying. And you know as children of royalty, we take pride in multiplying the clan and leading the people. You do know what I mean by this?

TONGAI: Ahhh, uncle, it’s only been two years. We’re still a young couple trying to get on our feet. Besides, the responsibility of being next to the throne-

UNCLE 1: No, nephew! By now, you should have had a son! In fact, the elders are starting to think it’s time for you to get a second wife because that Petunia of yours is nothing more of a woman!

TONGAI: Ahhh uncle, children are a lifetime thing and we’ve been trying. We will have them when the time is right. Let’s have another drink, this is a casual-

UNCLE 2: Tongai! You’re listening but you’re not hearing us! And that is not the character of a king! We have already arranged a second wife and she is on her way. You are a king! I don’t think he understands that. It’s time!

SANGOMA: After that meeting with his uncles, something in Tongai changed, something deeper than a disturbing thought. He finally understood the weight of his position. And his eyes looked at Petunia in a different way.

PETUNIA: The uncles have asked me to prepare you for tomorrow’s ceremony but they wouldn’t tell me any more than that. I don’t know what to do. What is it about? What should we cook? What will you wear? What will I wear?

TONGAI: Petunia!

PETUNIA: Yes?

TONGAI: I want an heir. It’s been two years. You haven’t done right by me, and you know it. Starting tomorrow, I will be with a real woman, and you… must prepare this bed for her.

SANGOMA: The next morning she did as she was told, but with a heavy heart, and the ceremony began, welcoming the king’s new wife, Eriza, who was much younger, full of life, and more beautiful than Petunia. And in no time, Eriza was pregnant.

ERIZA: Petunia! Petu!

PETUNIA: What’s wrong Eriza!

ERIZA: Feel the baby, it’s kicking! Do you feel it?

PETUNIA: I don’t feel anything.

ERIZA: Oh, you missed it.

PETUNIA: So when will it happen again? What does it feel like?

ERIZA: You’ll never understand, and this is why I am here. Go roast me a cucumber.

SANGOMA: And so… this is how life was for Petunia. She became a servant, unwanted by her husband, the king, and abused by Eriza. She fell into a deep depression, and eventually decided to seek help from a sangoma, me. And I helped her mold a child from the hide of a cow.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices and stories from around the world. This competition seeks to highlight the creative expressions of writers and poets, providing them a stage to share their unique narratives. Participants are encouraged to push the boundaries of storytelling, engaging audiences with works that resonate on a universal scale.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tafara Nyatsanza for her poignant contribution, "Sangoma's Tale," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work, rich in cultural and emotional depth, offers a powerful reflection on identity and societal expectation. We look forward to seeing more of her creative expressions in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.