How societal, political decay inspired ‘Chaos Within Kinsmen’ – South Sudanese writer

By Munyal Manunyi, Abuja, Nigeria

South Sudanese writer and playwright Mooch Simon, has said the growing influence of corruption, greed and political blindness in society inspired his latest play, Chaos Within Kinsmen.

Simon, who recently launched the book in Juba, South Sudan, said the play confronts the darker side of society, where corruption and greed are allowed to flourish at the expense of political responsibility, unity and the common good.

He said his writings are largely inspired by the social, economic and political complexities and realities in his country.

In his words: “My writings are inspired by our societal, economical and political complexities and occurrences, and so this play was inspired by the darkness that provides room for the unloved ways, corruption and greed to gain weight, outsizing the political goodness of a society.”

Simon also noted that Chaos Within Kinsmen seeks to make readers confront the consequences of political indifference and recognise the importance of unity, love and collective action in building a better society.

He said: “I hope readers would understand the evil that comes with too much political blindness and embrace the righteousness that is attached to the love and teamwork that flourish under one unification.”

A Story About Greed, Power And Injustice

At the centre of Chaos Within Kinsmen is the destructive power of greed and its ability to create pain, conflict and instability within communities.

However, Simon uses culture, power and dissenting voices to examine how societies respond when injustice becomes normalised and those who should challenge it choose silence.

The play also challenges readers to examine their own environments and consider their responsibility when confronted with injustice.

Rather than simply telling a story, Simon wants his work to provoke questions about the choices individuals and societies make when confronted with corruption and abuse of power.

East Africa’s Influence

Simon said his extensive travels across East African countries have also shaped his understanding of the political, economic and social realities that inform his writing.

As an adventurer, he said travelling has exposed him to different cultures and ways of life, giving him a broader understanding of how people relate to one another and to systems of power.

“Travelling across East African countries has helped me gain so much on how people relate politically, economically and socially,” he said.

He added that his travels have provided him with first-hand experiences and information that have enriched his storytelling.

Simon said: “The richness in cultural diversity has enlightened my ability to see deep into the genesis of this work.”

Poetry, Playwriting And Creativity

Simon, who is also a poet and public speaker, said poetry and playwriting have played significant roles in shaping his creative journey.

While poetry and drama allow him to explore different aspects of his creativity, he described public speaking as another important part of his work.

He said: “In my writing journey, both poetry and playwriting have significantly influenced my writing because I am so much glued into the way they embrace my creativity, meanwhile public speaking is just special for me.”

Simon is the author of Two Worlds Collide and Chaos Within Kinsmen. He has also co-authored the poetry anthology Rainbow, with his poems published in various magazines. His literary career has earned him several awards and recognitions.

‘Let Us Tell Our Own Stories’

The writer has urged emerging African writers to take greater ownership of the continent’s stories.

Simon believes African writers should document their societies, cultures, struggles and experiences from their own perspectives instead of allowing outsiders to define their narratives.

“My advice to young writers across Africa is that let’s be the ones to tell our own stories because they can’t be ours when they are told by someone else,” he said.

His call comes as African literature continues to provide a platform for writers to interrogate social and political realities while preserving the continent’s diverse experiences and voices.

More Works Ahead

The launch of Chaos Within Kinsmen is not the end of Simon’s literary journey.

He disclosed that he is already working on other projects and expects more books to follow.

He said: “After the launch, there will be a series of other books that will follow. I have other projects coming.”

Through Chaos Within Kinsmen, Simon hopes to leave readers with more than a story. He wants them to question political blindness, confront injustice and reflect on how corruption and greed can undermine the very societies they are meant to serve.