THE HOT CHAIR
THE HOT CHAIR by Faustina Brew is a captivating play set in post-independence Ghana, revolving around the intense struggle faced by the president of the medical association, Dr. Owusu, as he tenaciously fights for the interests of the doctors’ strike, despite the alarming number of innocent patients dying.
Character Analysis
TETTEH: A somewhat educated mortuary worker who resides with his nephew TINPONG. He sets the play in motion, subtly hinting the primary conflict: doctors on strike leading to a rising death toll. “Hmm! Doctors dey for strike, wey we too get plenty customers…”(pg. 3) – Customers here referring to deceased individuals . Tetteh highlights other societal issues like the lack of job opportunities, leading his nephew, a graduate, to settle for a menial job as a cleaner.
TETTEH: “You think say work dey for street wey people take take. You wey go school plenty self, eno be cleaner work you dey do?” (pg. 2)
Tetteh symbolizes people who are contentment despite meager pay. His nature contradicts that of the e doctors who grievances are for pay increment He also serves as a source of comic relief, lightening the tense atmosphere. “Talk am say, me, Tetteh, mortuary man for government hospital come here. I won talk am say, de money wey dem give doctors wey dem say dey no like make dem give me. Me I like am.” (pg. 31-32)
TINPONG: Though playing a minor role, he complements his uncle effectively, aiding the story’s development and revealing Tetteh’s background.
DR. OWUSU: The protagonist, representing the medical association and embodying the central conflict of the play.
He stands for a group of Ghanaians who believe “strike, strike is the only language the government understands.” (pg. 16) This rings true, given the government’s responsiveness to workers’ demands only during strikes or demonstrations.
As the association’s head, he prioritizes his position and impression on his members over making tough decisions that may make him unpopular. “Dr. ANTWI, this is a difficult situation for me as the president of the association. What do you expect me to tell my colleagues?” (pg. 17)
He reiterates similar sentiments when meeting government representatives, unable to reach a consensus. “…what am I going to tell these doctors?…” (pg. 27)
In Scene Three, he exhibits selfishness by being indifferent to the consequences of the strike and adamant about fulfilling his demands before resuming work.
Dr. Owusu embodies those who fight for a just cause, yet remain self-centered, overlooking the danger their actions pose to innocent people.
Furthermore, he represents individuals who capitalize on strikes to focus on their private practices while still receiving a monthly salary from the government, treating patients at home despite being on strike.
DR. ANTWI: He possesses traits opposite to Dr. Owusu regarding the strike issue. Though initially part of the decision to strike, he withdraws when he witnesses innocent people suffering. He later suggests to his friend and leader, Dr. Owusu, to return to work while negotiating with the government. “That’s against our professional ethics… because I have a conscience that tells me, this is all wrong” (pg. 16) – A reference to his decision to return to work against the association’s agreement.
Dr. Antwi represents individuals who backtrack on their decisions made within a group and convince others to follow suit. While his decision may be commendable, it may undermine the unity and strength of the group’s cause, as seen in similar cases in Ghana where a subset of drivers defies the group’s decisions, affecting the magnitude of their cause.
Moreover, the playwright uses him to comment on the strike issue. “When I was in school, it was the taxpayer’s money which was used to take care of me. Now that it’s my turn to take care of them, I sit at home because an association thinks I should be on strike. We are being selfish; this is unfair… we can negotiate these things without laying down our tools” (pg. 14-15).
M.P & MINISTER: They represent the Ghanaian government. It’s intriguing that workers’ salaries increase only after intense demonstrations. This reflects a true situation in Ghana, where the government responds when pressure groups demonstrate fiercely.
Other characters’ roles, while significant, don’t have a substantial impact on the play. There are lot to share, but I will end here so that you can make your input.
Overall, the play explores crucial themes related to labour issues, government responsiveness, and individual choices amidst social movements. The various characters illustrate the complexities of such situations in Ghana.
REFERENCES
Brew, F(2010) The Hot Chair. Yamens Press Limited, Accra, Ghana