Setting
The events of Act 3 take place in the forest besides Arum Tidi’s grave
Summary of Events
Ochongorio, Osogo, and Tel Tel are gathered beside Arum Tidi’s fresh grave, mourning his death. Ochongorio feels hopeless, believing the owls are too strong to defeat. Osogo comforts her, saying he suffers from a “chronic condition called hope,” showing his belief that justice will eventually prevail.
The three discuss how Arum Tidi was betrayed by Socialite Owl, who learned about his activities from Little P. They also reveal Money Bags’ schemes—he deliberately sent snakes to destroy day birds’ eggs to justify introducing the Law of Bird Protection, which gives owls more control. Previously, Oyundi had used ants to drive away the snakes, but she was punished for acting without Police Owl’s approval.
Little P enters and is accused of helping the owls and being responsible for Arum Tidi’s death. She explains that Money Bags had secretly given the security contract to Olik Tiga, even though vultures and crows were competing for it. To cover this, Black String presented a bill granting Olik Tiga citizenship. Oyundi was declared an enemy for defying Police Owl, while Arum Tidi had dangerous knowledge about Money Bags’ actions. The owls’ hoots grow closer, prompting the birds to hide.
The owls arrive at the graveyard, led by Police Owl, Black String, Red String, Money Bags, and Socialite Owl. They mock Arum Tidi while pretending to honor him. Royal Owl posthumously awards him the EBH, exposing the leadership’s hypocrisy. The owls celebrate the passing of the Moonlight Law with drinking and dancing.
Red String announces the Moonlight Law takes effect immediately:
- All birds must stay in their nests at night unless they are owls
- Eggs must be registered daily
- One-Eyed is appointed to enforce the law
Iron Lady mocks the awards, but Red String has her arrested for challenging the ruling owls.
Red String then announces Money Bags’ promotion, giving him complete control over intelligence, security, alliances, and the movement of birds. Oyundi, initially reported arrested, is later pardoned and appointed to parliament to help explain laws to day birds.
Oyundi secretly urges the day birds to rise and reclaim their kingdom. Though accused of betrayal, she explains that she is pretending to cooperate with the owls as part of a clever plan taught by the hare, Ogila Nyakarondo.
Tel Tel falls into a trance, imagining a future where birds are free, equal, and governed by a fair parliament led by Ochongorio. When she wakes, Oyundi sends her to search for the golden bead, a symbol of authority. Before she can act, Red String and Police Owl arrest Tel Tel, threatening her as the curtain falls.