In a lively compound house bursting with siblings, neighbors, and cooking aromas, littleMonica rolls on the ground crying dramatically, clutching her yellow doll. No toffee, no chicken, no coaxing can stop her. The Okyeame narrates, “Eiii! Who angered our little princess? Rolling, screaming—shake shake like earthquake!” NeighborMr. Nkyidwo peeks in with a sigh: “This child cries toomuch! Howwill we survive?” The Chorus bursts into laughter, chanting, “Yoyo! Yo-yo! Crybaby Yaa Yaa!” The Okyeame raises his staff and declares, “From today, she is Yoo Yoo!”Music rises as dancers swirl around the tiny storm rolling on the ground—her legend begins. THE LEGENDOF Yoo Yooo! SCENE ONE The Birthday Journal 7
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