Mumbo Jumbo

Von Vampton throws a fancy party at an elegant estate. In attendance are high-society figures from various backgrounds. When the “cultural program” begins, Von Vampton introduces his Talking Android: Hubert “Safecracker” Gould, who is wearing blackface. Gould is presented as an exciting young Black poet. In front of the esteemed audience, he reads his poem, “Harlem Tom Toms.” Before he can finish the poem, LaBas, Black Herman, and their associates bust into the party. The hostess tries to force them out, but LaBas pulls out a .22. LaBas wipes his finger across Gould’s face, revealing his skin color to a shocked audience. He announces that they have come to arrest Von Vampton, who tries to escape but is stopped by Buddy Jackson. A Guianese art critic, who is an avid proponent of Eurocentric culture, steps in to vocally defend Von Vampton. LaBas launches into a monologue about the long history that has led up to this arrest.

LaBas lectures extendedly on the history of Jes Grew. It can be traced back to the work of Osiris in Ancient Egypt. Osiris encourages a society that is musical, loving, and vivacious.