Once Veishea is over, it might be a good idea to take things a little easy for a few days. The Ikenga Performers will put on the first of a series of plays this Monday that will make you slow down and think.

“The Ghost in Georgia” is sponsored by the African Students Organization of Iowa State. It tells the story of Professor Anthony Chukwuma Onyeagocha, a full professor of geology, a fellow of the Smithsonian Institution, a member of the Mineralogy Society of America and a council member of the Mining and Geosciences’ Society of Nigeria.

He was one of the first African students to attend ISU, and he died 10 years ago of cancer in Nigeria after a long fight with the disease that took him and his wife from Africa to London and back.

Chii Ughanze-Onyeagocha, Professor Onyeagocha’s wife, has written and will direct and star as the leading lady in the performance.

“The Ghost in Georgia” is a look at the life of Tony and Chii, the first African couple at Iowa State who were married in St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Much of the performance takes place in a flashback to the 1960s.

The play’s purpose is to remember Professor Onyeagocha and to raise money for cancer research. Ughanze-Onyeagocha said Africa needs a cancer center since the majority of Africans cannot afford to travel abroad for cancer treatment, and the disease is widespread.

“We do not have as much money as you do,” Ughanze-Onyeagocha said. “Our medicine is not as advanced. This treatment center will be able to treat people for cancer, whether they can afford it or not.

“[Chii] will not stop fighting until it kills no more.”

Since the story is so personal for Ughanze-Onyeagocha, she said that it has been emotional for her to rehearse.

“The Ghost in Georgia” even tells of a revelation Chii had when she realized “what racism is all about,” she said.

“She goes back to Africa and realizes what long-distance racism from Britain has done to the African mind.

“Every word said in this story is echoed in my mind. But it’s therapeutic for me,” she said.

This play is the first of a series that will be held at Iowa State in the future. The next performance will feature Professor Chinua Achebe’s play “Things Fall Apart.” Ughanze-Onyeagocha hopes to produce the play sometime next fall.

“The Ghost in Georgia” will show in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union Monday, April 21, and Tuesday, April 22. Tickets cost $5 per person, and some will be available at the door.

However, Ughanze-Onyeagocha advises people to get their tickets in advance. They can be purchased through Ticketmaster by phone or at the outlet in the Union.