Python’s Drum | Ep. 309

Think about someone you’d call a friend.

What’s it like when you’re with them? Do you feel connected? Like the two of you are in sync?

In today’s story, we’ll meet two friends who have always been in sync… until an unexpected instrument disrupts their harmony!

Today our story is called “Python’s Drum.” It’s adapted from an East African tale told by the Baganda-speaking people of Uganda.

Voices in this episode include: Ryan Dalusung, GM Hakim, Jessica Rau, Erika Rose, Dawn Ursula, Matt Zambrano, Natasha Rothwell and Gabe Kunda.

Grammy-nominated actor and singer Gabe Kunda has lent his voice to animation, movie trailers, and video games like “Marvel Rivals,” “Apex Legends,” “Diablo IV,” and “Valorant” He’s also a member of the a cappella group “King’s Return.”

Two-time Emmy nominee Natasha Rothwell has earned acclaim for her roles in “The White Lotus” and “Insecure,” and as the creator and star of the Hulu comedy, “How to Die Alone.” She continues to champion authentic storytelling through her film and television company, Big Hattie Productions. You kids can hear her voice in “Baby Shark's Big Movie!,” “Baby Shark's Big Show!” and Disney’s “Wish.”

This episode was adapted for Circle Round by Rebecca Sheir. It was edited by Dean Russell. Original music and sound design is by Eric Shimelonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn.

GROWN-UPS! PRINT THIS so everyone can color while listening. We’re also keeping an album so please share your picture on Facebook and Instagram, and tag it with #CircleRoundPodcast. To access all the coloring pages for past episodes click HERE. Our resident artist is Sabina Hahn and you can learn more about her HERE.

Now It’s Your Turn

You can make your own tin can drum!

Grown-ups: email a photo of your Circle Round fan and their drum to circleround@wbur.org. With your permission, we may feature you in your Circle Round newsletter, “The Lion’s Roar”! 

Musical Spotlight: Djembe

The goblet-shaped hand drum known as the djembe is one of Africa's best-known instruments. Historians believe it dates back 400 to 800 years. Traditionally you carve the djembe from a single piece of African hardwood, then stretch animal skin over the top as a drumhead and play it with your hands.

It’s been said the djembe contains multiple spirits: (1) the tree from which it was made, (2) the spirit of the animal whose skin created the drumhead, and (3) the spirits of the woodcutter, carver and people who assembled the drum!

You can also hear Eric Shiomelonis playing the djembe in two live Circle Round episodes: “Home Sweet Home” and “The Bird of a Different Feather.”

Script:

NARRATOR (host Rebecca Sheir): Lizard and Python were two best friends who lived in a village beside a big, sparkling lake.

Lizard was a spectacular singer.

LIZARD: (singing arpeggio scales) Me-me-me-me-me-me-meeeeeee!

NARRATOR: And Python was a dynamite dancer.

PYTHON: (counting/narrating her dance moves)

NARRATOR: Once each year, the animals in Python and Lizard’s village threw a party: a boisterous celebration with delicious food, festive drinks, and… best of all… marvelous music.

Python was the proud owner of a drum. Drums weren’t very common in those early days, and Python’s was a real beauty, carved from a hollowed-out log and covered with a tightly-stretched hide.

Every year…when the annual village party rolled around… Python would play her drum while Lizard sang.

LIZARD: Beat the drum! Let it ring! Listen to old Lizard siiiing!

NARRATOR: Then the friends would switch, and Lizard would play the drum while Python danced.

PYTHON: (rhythmic) Slither! And slide! Put your tail in the air and glide!

NARRATOR: Lizard and Python put on quite a show. And the animals loved it.

CHIMP: Play another one, you two!

HIPPO: We love hearing you sing!

ANTELOPE: And watching you dance!

BUFFALO: You’re such a dynamic duo!

NARRATOR: One year, a special guest attended the village party. It was Lion: chief of another village way across the lake.

LION: I am so pleased to attend the annual party of my esteemed neighbors! I’ve been hearing about two very talented musicians who call this place home. (beat) Lizard? Python? Show me what you’ve got!

LIZARD: You betcha, chief!

PYTHON: Check this out!

NARRATOR: Lion was mesmerized as Lizard and Python sang, danced, and drummed. The visiting chief was especially enchanted by the drum. And hours later… when the party came to a close and the guests drifted home to get some sleep… Lion had a thought.

LION: The animals of my village must experience that dynamite drum! I shall invite the drum’s owner to come back with me across the lake, and play for us!

NARRATOR: The only problem was, Lion wasn't sure who ‘the drum’s owner was’! After all, both Lizard and Python had played it at the party!

LION: They both played equally well… Though now that I think of it, Lizard seemed to have an easier time. After all, he could beat the drum with his two hands, while Python had to rely on her one tail. Therefore… the owner must be Lizard!

NARRATOR: It was a fair guess… even if you and I both know it was the wrong one. But Lion didn’t know that! So, as the edge of the sky began growing rosy with dawn, Lion knocked at Lizard’s door.

[SOT: door knock/open] 

LION: Lizard! I’m sorry if I woke you. But I can’t stop thinking about the party! And the marvelous music you made!

LIZARD: Thank you, chief! Though I can’t take all the credit. Python’s quite the music maker as well!

LION: Sure she is! Sure! (beat) But it’s YOU I’m interested in. I’d like you to come with me across the lake, Lizard. And perform for the animals in my village!

LIZARD: Really?

LION: Really! All you have to bring is your beautiful voice… and your glorious drum!

NARRATOR: Lizard cocked his head.

LIZARD: Uhhhh… you want me to bring MY drum…?

LION: Of course! The rhythmic beats of that drum – and the dulcet tones of your voice – were simply captivating!

NARRATOR: Lizard paused. Lion’s praise was wonderful, but worrisome. After all, the drum belonged to Python! Not HIM! He couldn’t take credit for his best friend’s prized possession!

LIZARD: Chief. I appreciate the compliments. I really do. But as much as I’d love to join you across the lake, and entertain your villagers, I’m afraid there’s no way that I can – (gets interrupted)

LION: (cutting in) Oh! I get it. A masterful musician like you doesn't entertain for free! Not a problem! I will reward you handsomely for your services. Silver, gold, jewels… whatever you wish, it’s yours! (beat) So! You in?

NARRATOR: Now. If you were Lizard, what would you do?

Would you confess to Lion that the drum was not yours? 

OR, would you be so tempted by riches that you would fudge the facts… and fib?

Well, in this case…

LIZARD: Count me in, chief!

NARRATOR: …Lizard chose to fib.

LIZARD: I would be honored to bring my drum to your village!

LION: Fantastic! Pack your things and come to the lake after breakfast. My boat and I will be waiting!

NARRATOR: The sun was already rising, so Lizard had little time to lose. His goal? To get the drum from Python without her knowing the real reason why. By the time he scuttled to her house, he had concocted a seemingly fool-proof plan.

[SOT: knock, door opens]

PYTHON: Good morning, Lizard old buddy! That was some party last night, huh? Lion really dug the music we made together! You and I are quite the team!

LIZARD: Boy oh boy! You are RIGHT, Python! You and I are quite the team. (beat) But to be honest, I can't help but feel like my drumming skills are… slipping.

PYTHON: Slipping?

LIZARD: Yeah! Since you own the drum, you always get to practice! And it shows. You’re a real virtuoso! I feel like an amateur. 

NARRATOR: Python gave her friend a sympathetic look.

PYTHON: Gosh! I had no idea you felt that way, buddy! You know, you can borrow my drum and practice any time. Any time at all!

LIZARD: I can? But it’s so important to you!

PYTHON: You know what ELSE is important to me? My best friend! (beat) And I would do anything for my best friend.

NARRATOR: Lizard felt a twinge of guilt, but did his best to ignore it.

LIZARD: That is so sweet of you, Python. I’d love to borrow the drum NOW, if I may. Say, for a day or two?

PYTHON: How about a week? That’ll give you plenty of time to polish your skills. Just promise you’ll be careful with it, okay?

LIZARD: Of course! I know how rare it is.

PYTHON: You know what ELSE is rare? A friend like you! I’m glad I can help you out, pal.

NARRATOR: Lizard felt another prick of guilt, then shoo’d it away, grabbed Python’s drum, and high-tailed it toward the lake.

LIZARD: Okay, so I lied to Python – a little bit. But hey! It’ll be worth it when I play this drum in Lion’s village and get all the glory! (beat) And all the RICHES, too!

NARRATOR: What will happen when Lizard brings Python’s drum across the lake? Will his best buddy discover the truth?

We’ll find out, after a quick break.

[BREAK]

NARRATOR: Welcome back to Circle Round. I’m Rebecca Sheir. Today our story is called “Python’s Drum.”

Before the break, Lizard convinced his best pal, Python, to lend him her prized drum, so that he could practice.

But what he actually did…

[SOT: drumming]

NARRATOR: …was perform! For the animals across the lake, in Lion’s village!

LIZARD: (as he drums/ad-lib) Oh yeah! … Uh-huh! … Check this out!

NARRATOR: The animals went wild for Lizard’s drumming. So wild that he wound up staying with them, playing every night for a week. With each performance, Lizard’s pride inflated like a balloon… and the memory of his promise to return Python's drum deflated like a flat tire.

[SOT: singing/playing out]

NARRATOR: Python, meanwhile, had no idea what was going on.

PYTHON: It’s been a week and I haven’t seen hide nor hair – nor scale??? – of Lizard! I’d better go to his house and see what’s up.

NARRATOR: But when she slithered over and rapped her tail on Lizard’s door…

[SOT: tail rap]

NARRATOR: …nobody answered!

PYTHON: Lizard? Are you there? I’ve come to get my drum back! Just like we discussed! (beat) Lizard?

NARRATOR: As Python knocked and knocked, a group of passing animals came scurrying over.

CHIMP: You won’t find Lizard at home, Python!

HIPPO: You won’t even find him in the village!

ANTELOPE: He left town a week ago!

BUFFALO: And he took your drum with him!

NARRATOR: Python’s jaw dropped.

PYTHON: What? For real? Lizard skipped town with my drum? Where did he go?

CHIMP: Across the lake!

HIPPO: Lion asked him to play for the animals in his village!

ANTELOPE: He promised Lizard he would be richly rewarded!

BUFFALO: So Lizard took your drum and left!

NARRATOR: Python was floored. And just as she was wondering how her best friend could lie to her like this, she heard a familiar sound…

[SOT: drumming in distance]

NARRATOR: …and familiar voice!

LIZARD: [SOT: in the distance] (as he drums) Mm-hmmm!... Oh yeah!... Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh!

NARRATOR: Python hurried to the lakeside and what should she see but Lizard: drifting to shore in a boat full of riches… and playing HER drum!

PYTHON: (calling out to boat) Lizard! Hey Lizard!

NARRATOR: Lizard put down the drum and paddled to shore.

[SOT: drum stops]

LIZARD: Hi, Python! You called?

PYTHON: Yes! I did! You told me you were practicing the drum, Lizard! NOT that you were performing for riches! How could you lie to me like this?

LIZARD: “Lie”?!?? I did NOT lie. Not technically anyway! Performing counts as practice, does it not? And boy, did those animals across the lake LOVE my performance!

PYTHON: I’m sure they did, Lizard – judging by the riches in your boat. And look. Since you’re my friend, I’m happy for you. But now it’s time to make good on your promise and give me back my drum.

NARRATOR: Lizard clutched the drum to his chest.

LIZARD: Give it back? Why should I give it back? Have YOU been showered with silver, gold and jewels for YOUR playing? I don’t think so! And besides: it was ME Lion invited to play in his village. Not YOU. So clearly, I am more deserving of this drum than you’ll EVER be!

NARRATOR: And with that, Lizard hopped out of the boat and began carrying the drum away.

Now, you may know that snakes are cold-blooded creatures, but Python was so angry her blood began to boil. She let out a hiss…

PYTHON: Hisssss!

NARRATOR: …then lunged at Lizard with teeth bared.

PYTHON: (ad-lib lunging efforting sound)

NARRATOR: Lizard was so startled he bolted up a eucalyptus tree overlooking the lake.

LIZARD: I’m not afraid of you, Python! And you’ll never get this drum back! NEVER!

PYTHON: Heh heh. Wanna bet?

NARRATOR: Python coiled herself around the tree. Then, using her powerful muscles, she began shimmying up the trunk!

Lizard scrambled away from her, climbing higher and higher, until he reached the skinny, spindly branches that hung over the water. He knew they were too slender to support Python’s weight.

LIZARD: Let it go, Python! A drum this important and rare deserves an owner who’s important and rare! And I am important and rare! You told me so yourself!

PYTHON: I was talking about friendship, Lizard! Because you’re so precious to me! Or, you WERE…! 

LIZARD: Well you know what’s ACTUALLY precious? This drum! So I’m keeping it for myself! [SOT: drumming] Mmm! Yeah! Alright alright alright!

[SOT: drumming fades into distance as Python moves away]

NARRATOR: Python was in tears as she wriggled back to the ground. As she made her way home, she heard a friendly voice.

QUEEN: Hi there, Python!

NARRATOR: Python turned her head and there, perched atop a termite mound, was the Termite Queen. When the royal insect noticed Python’s tears, she frowned.

QUEEN: Oh dear! You look awfully blue.

PYTHON: That’s because I AM blue, Queen! I lost my drum. And even worse, I lost my best friend.

QUEEN: You mean Lizard? I’m sorry to hear it. But you know what might cheer you up? It’s my birthday, and the termites are throwing me a party tonight! Would you do us the honor of coming over and dancing for us? Your moves are so amazing!

NARRATOR: Python was in no mood for dancing. But as she considered the invitation, she was struck by an idea.

PYTHON: You know what, Queen? I’d be delighted to dance for you tonight – IF you’ll do me a favor in return.

QUEEN: Of course, Python! Anything!

NARRATOR: Python leaned down and whispered in the Queen’s ear.

The Queen gave Python a grin, then let out a whistle.

QUEEN: [SOT: whistle] Fellow termites! Come out of the mound! We have a mission to carry out!

[SOT: termites]

NARRATOR: In no time flat, hundreds of thousands of termites came swarming into view. The queen gave some instructions, then they all lined up behind Python… and followed her to the eucalyptus tree.

[SOT: fade in Lizard drumming]

NARRATOR: Lizard was still perched in the branches over the water, drumming his heart out.

LIZARD: (as he drums/ad-lib) Yeah! …Uh! …Whew!

PYTHON: Hey Lizard! LIZARD!

[SOT: drumming stops]

NARRATOR: Lizard stopped drumming and shot Python an arrogant look. He was up so high, he didn’t see the army of termites behind her.

LIZARD: (arrogant) Hey! Look who’s come slithering back?!!! Are you going to DEMAND that I give you back the drum, Python? AGAIN?

PYTHON: No, Lizard! I’m going to ASK that you give me back the drum. AGAIN. In the hope that somewhere in your heart, you remember our friendship. And how special it was.

NARRATOR: Lizard was quiet for a moment. The truth is, he DID remember their friendship. But he was in too deep to turn back now.

LIZARD: Friendship shmiendship! I’m a professional musician now, Python! I’m in SHOW business! I don’t have time for FRIENDS! (back to playing/ad-lib) Yeah! …Uh! …Man I’m good!

[SOT: drumming continues]

NARRATOR: Python took a deep breath. Then she turned to the termites.

PYTHON: Alright, everybody! Time to do your thing!

NARRATOR: The army of insects heeded the cue. Without missing a beat, they swarmed to the eucalyptus tree. And just like that, hundreds of thousands of voracious, wood-eating critters went scuttling up and down the trunk, nibbling and devouring the delicious wood!

Lizard was so busy drumming, he didn’t notice.

LIZARD: [SOT: drumming continues] (as he drums) Whew! Yeah! Mmmmm!

NARRATOR: At least, he didn’t notice at FIRST. But with every termite nibble, the trunk grew thinner… and weaker… until the eucalyptus tree toppled into the lake…!

…taking Lizard and the drum with it!

[SOT: tree down, splash]

NARRATOR: Lizard thrashed and flailed in the water, struggling to stay afloat. The drum bobbed up and down beside him.

LIZARD: Somebody help me! I can’t swim!

NARRATOR: Python stared at Lizard. Then she stared at the drum. Then she slid her strong, streamlined body into the lake, fixed Lizard with a steely look, and began streaking toward him.

LIZARD: Python! Don’t hurt me! What I did was wrong! And I am so sorry! But I beg you! Let me live!

NARRATOR: Python picked up speed. And when she reached Lizard and the drum, she dove forward and coiled her muscular body… around Lizard!

LIZARD: (as Python wraps his body around him) Oh no! You’re going to crush me, aren’t you? You’re going to squeeze me to a pulp!

NARRATOR: Python’s answer caught Lizard by surprise.

PYTHON: (efforting) No! I’m going to SAVE you!

LIZARD: (efforting) Save ME? What about the drum?

PYTHON: (efforting) I’ll come back for it later. It’s hollow and made from wood. So it floats! But you don’t! And even though the drum is important to me… and rare… it’s nothing compared with an old friend!

NARRATOR: Python tightened her grip and began carrying Lizard to shore.

LIZARD: (being squeezed tight) Eeek! Python! Do you have to squeeze so tight?

PYTHON: If you want me to save your life I do! (beat) Just don’t move!

LIZARD: (being squeezed tighter) I can’t breathe! I’m so dizzy… I’m seeing stars!

PYTHON: Then close your eyes!

LIZARD: (being squeezed tighter) I can’t! You’re squeezing… so tight… my eyes… are bulging… out of my head!

PYTHON: There’s nothing I can do about that! Just hang on!

NARRATOR: After several of the longest seconds of Lizard’s life, he and Python reached the shore and collapsed on the grass.

LIZARD: (breathless, recovering) Whew! Thanks for saving my life, Python! I’m sorry I was so dishonest about your drum! And I’m sorry I tried to steal it!

PYTHON: (breathless, recovering) That’s okay, Lizard. I’M sorry, too.

LIZARD: (breathless, recovering) About what?

PYTHON: (breathless recovering) Oh… ya know…

NARRATOR: She gave a sheepish look.

PYTHON: (breathless, recovering) … Your eyes…?????

LIZARD: My WHAT???

NARRATOR: Lizard raced to the water and peered down at his reflection. Indeed, his eyes were now bulging out of his head! Like two golf balls!

And that is why so many lizards have bulging eyes today.

The reunited friends laughed and shared a hug; Python made sure not to squeeze too tight. And that night, both she and Lizard showed up to perform at the Termite Queen’s party.

Python played her drum while Lizard sang.

LIZARD: Beat the drum! Let it ring! Python plays while Lizard siiiings!

NARRATOR: Then Lizard played the drum while Python danced.

PYTHON: (rhythmic) Slither! And slide! Put your tail in the air and glide!

NARRATOR: The two pals put on quite a show, as they made enchanting, mesmerizing music… together.