BESIDE THE HEART-SHAPED SEA
An Easter Play by Jewell
Ellen Smith
Copyright © 1983 Jewell Ellen Smith. First
performed at
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Time: From about 27 to 30 AD
Place:
Plot: Well-to-do Fisherman
Zebedee of Capernaum dreams of having a large fleet of fishing boats on the Sea
of Galilee; but his dream is shattered when his two sons desert the fishing
trade to become followers of an unusual carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth, who has
come to Capernaum and is creating something of a sensation as he heals the
sick, performs miracles, and teaches that the kingdom of God is at hand.
Finally, after Jesus the
Christ is crucified and resurrected, Zebedee comes to understand God's love for
man. Then, he declares, as he talks to the
"O Heart-Shaped Sea,
you are the most fortunate sea in all the world.… This day, the Son of
God, the Risen Christ, walked along your shores!
"And, O Sea of Galilee, I am the most fortunate man in all the
world. The Son of God, the Risen Christ, chose my two sons to walk with
Him."
Theme: God is Love.
Length of Play: about one hour.
Number of Players: Some 50
men, women and children. Many players will do two--even three--roles.
Background Scriptures: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Isaiah 53
Principal
Events Dramatized: (One parable: Rich Man and Beggar)
1. Healing of Centurion's servant
2. Restoring the sight of a blind boy
3. Casting demons out of wild man hiding in the
tombs
4. Part of the Sermon on the Mount
5. Blessing the Little Children
6. The Christ and the two thieves carrying their crosses
to
7. The burial. (pantomime) Guards flee when angels
come.
8. The women bringing spices to the
tomb—encountering angels.
9. Christ appears to Mary Magdalene
10.
The Christ serves breakfast beside the
The Characters (in the order
of their appearance):
ACT I, Scene 1
Zebedee, a veteran fisherman of
Salome, wife of Zebedee and the mother of James
& John.
Hashub, a
Clopas, blind servant boy of boat builder. (can be
played by woman)
Scene 2
A Certain Rich Man
Rich Man's Cup Bearer
Rich Man's Three Friends:
Rich Man's Two Servants (women, no lines, only a few
shrieks)
Lazarus, a poor beggar covered with sores
Four Stretcher bearers (only spokesman has lines)
A dog
Rich Man's Gatekeeper
Dancing Girl
First, Second, and Third Devils
First, Second, and Third Angels
Father Abraham
Scene 3
Centurion Atticus, a Roman Army officer stationed in
Christ Figure
Disciples:
James,
the son of Zebedee and Salome
John,
the younger son of Zebedee and Salome
Simon
Peter, formerly a fishing partner of Zebedee
Andrew,
Simon Peter's brother
Roman Soldier, a soldier
under the command of Centurion Atticus.
Scene 4
Wild Man, a mentally ill man, the cousin of Hashub
the boat builder
Three Swine Herders
ACT
II, Scene 1
Mothers from
First Mother
Second Mother, with one infant, two small children,
and a girl named Naomi.
Third
Mother
Fourth Mother
Fifth
Mother, with six small children.
Jairus, a citizen of
First and Second Friends of
Jairus
Scene 2
Crowd of People, including
Disciples Thomas, Philip, Nathaniel; Little Boy, Small Girl
ACT
III, Scene l
(no new players)
Scene 2
First, Second, Third, and Fourth Roman Soldiers
Old Deaf Man, Old Blind Man
Four Followers of Jesus: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, The
Other Mary, Salome (while in
First and Second Thieves
Three Grieving Women, from
Simon of Cyrene, a resident of North Africa,
visiting in
Alexander, older son of Simon of Cyrene
Rufus, younger son of Simon of Cyrene
Scene 3
Joseph of Arimathea, a ruler of the Jews and a
friend of the Christ.
Nicodemus, a secret follower of the Christ in
Two Roman Soldiers, guards assigned to the tomb of
the Christ.
First and Second Angels
SCRIPT
ACT
I
Scene 1. It is mid-afternoon
in
ZEBEDEE: Ah,
ZEBEDEE: looking toward
the sea Sometimes, I Like to talk to this old sea. Tell it
things. Ask it things.
ZEBEDEE: Sure. How old are
you now,
ZEBEDEE: You're doing fine,
ZEBEDEE: My father
taught me how to fish before I could walk. stops mending, but holds
net in hand as he reminisces. My earliest recollection is of sitting right
along here--in a boat with my father--and hearing him sing an old song as he
washed and mended his nets. I can't remember the words--except one line. Breaks
into singing.
"The
I wish I could think of the
rest of it. It told sort of an old legend about the day God made our sea.
ZEBEDEE: It was a tale, and,
a folk song--all about how God made the
ZEBEDEE: It is. It's
heart-shaped. The legend went that--
Now, son, remember this was just a legend.
The real and true record of how The Lord our God made the heavens and the earth
is written down in the sacred Books of Moses. He made it all. And on the
Sabbath he rested.
But the legend said that
after God finished the Earth he looked at it and was very pleased and thought
that it was pretty.
But when he took a second
look at one spot down here in
So, God reached down and
scooped out the place for the
Salome approaches with two
large and cumbersome baskets of food and interrupts Zebedee's story-telling
when she calls for
SALOME: calling loudly
SALOME: Come help me with
this food! Sets baskets down, rubs right hand against left arm. My arms
are about to break off!
ZEBEDEE: Tossing aside
net and going to help Salome Ah, Salome, We didn't see you coming. You're
early this afternoon. picks up basket My goodness, this is heavy.
What on earth have you fixed for our supper?
All walk on toward boat
SALOME: Just the usual bread
and cheese and fruit and stuff. Well, I did pack in some extra grapes and dried
figs. When you all are fishing all night I know you get plenty
hungry--especially the boys. looks around Where are James and
John?
ZEBEDEE: with a wave of
the hand They're on down the way--around the bend, where Simon and Andrew
have their boats tied up. The prophet from
SALOME: Well, I know you
think they ought to be here helping you.
ZEBEDEE: Yes, they should be
here, mending these nets. This one I'm working on has forty holes in it.
Salome comes close enough to
boat to see a batch of fish in the bottom of the boat. She is surprised that
they were not sold with the morning catch.
SALOME: lifting up mesh
container of fish. What're these fish doing here? Couldn't you sell 'em?
Or, is something wrong with 'em?
ZEBEDEE: taking fish
turning them around and admiring them. Oh, no! They're fine fish. Nice
fish. Nice as any we ever caught. sets fish down, turns to
ZEBEDEE: What is it,
ZEBEDEE: Yes, I know who you
mean.
KISH: Sir, if he's there,
sitting in Mister Simon's boat, telling those good stories, and if there are
droves and droves of people crowded 'round him, and if I can't see
Mister James and Mister John right away-- and-- and-- and--
ZEBEDEE: And, can you stay
and listen to just one story?
ZEBEDEE: with a laugh
It must be that I can read your mind,
SALOME: Zebedee, I've been
thinking. Maybe it would be a good thing for James and John to become followers
of this new prophet. He might--
ZEBEDEE: No! No! I won't
have it! John, you remember, was a follower of John the Baptizer. And what
happened to him? King Herod has him locked up! And it wouldn't surprise me one
bit if he chopped off his head! Something like that is bound to happen
to this new prophet.
James and John have got to
stick to fishing! I won't let them be as foolish as Simon Peter and
Andrew.
SALOME: What do you mean?
ZEBEDEE: Simon Peter and
Andrew are leaving the fishing trade to become disciples of this Jesus of
Nazareth. Simon came and told me himself--just before noon today.
SALOME: With some dismay
I can't believe it! Why-- I-- I--
ZEBEDEE: It's true. And
Simon seemed so happy! He said that this Jesus invited him and Andrew.
"Come and follow me! And I will make you
fishers of men!"
Those were his words. And I
know--as well as I know my name is Zebedee--that he will invite James and John
the same way, So--
SALOME: From what I hear,
everybody in
ZEBEDEE: Oh, I have nothing
against him, personally. It's my fishing business that I have to think about.
SALOME: What will you
do about Simon Peter and Andrew? You've been in partnership with them for
years.
ZEBEDEE: I've got a plan,
Salome. I can get along without Simon and Andrew, but I'm ruined if
James and John leave me!
So this is what I'm going to
do: I'm going to have two new boats built--one for John, one for James--nice,
big boats. Fancy!
And I'll buy Simon's boats,
if he wants to sell. And I'll show James and John how we can build up the
biggest fishing operation on the
SALOME: I had no idea you
were thinking of such as this.
ZEBEDEE: I'm expecting a
boat builder to come this afternoon to give me an estimate. Those nice
fish I saved are for him.
SALOME: Then you think that
when James and John see the boats being built, that they will lose all interest
in helping this prophet from
ZEBEDEE: Sure they will!
Fishing is in their blood--just like in mine!
Zebedee sees boat builder
and his apprentice coming. Apprentice carries a bundle of sail cloth samples
and is holding on to the sleeve of his master's cloak and walking cautiously.
Ah, here comes the boat craftsman now. I see his
servant boy is bringing cloth samples. So, I can even pick out the sails today.
That's great!
SALOME: with concern The
boy walks like he's blind, Zebedee!
ZEBEDEE: somewhat
surprised Well, yes, he does walk like a blind man. looks more
closely Yes, the poor lad is blind. goes to greet man and boy God's
peace to both of you.
HASHUB: God's peace to you
and yours, Honorable Zebedee.
CLOPAS: God's peace, Sir.
HASHUB: I must apologize for
being late.
ZEBEDEE: You're not so late.
I'm still mending my nets.
HASHUB: It was on account of
my sick, demented cousin. He got loose again, and ran away. None of us
could hold him!
SALOME: with sympathy
Your cousin ran away?
HASHUB: Yes, Ma’am.
The poor fellow is possessed with some kind of demons, I guess. He's crazy as a
lunatic. We keep him chained but today he broke the chains again and got away.
He ran up into the hills and hid among the tombs--like he always does.
ZEBEDEE: We're sorry to hear
this.
HASHUB: It can't be helped. brightens
tone Well, let's talk about these fishing vessels you want me to build. turns
to Clopas Clopas, unroll the sail cloth samples.
Clopas spreads out three
grades of sailcloth. Salome is much interested and comes to feel each piece,
but Zebedee is anxious to get on with plans for the boat hulls.
ZEBEDEE: We can look at the
cloth later. Come on over here and let me show you how big I want the boats
made. As I told you earlier, I want them to be identical.
Men go to boat. Salome and
Clopas keep looking at sailcloth.
HASHUB: Of course you'll want
me to use the best oak and cedar, won't you?
ZEBEDEE: The best you can
get. My sons, James and John, will be--
Kish comes running up, much
excited. He interrupts Zebedee.
ZEBEDEE: somewhat annoyed
at
ZEBEDEE: Not right now,
Zebedee ignores Kish,
continues talking to boat builder as the two climb into the boat.
ZEBEDEE: Now I want the mast
made a bit different from this one--so that the sails can be a good bit fuller,
and taller... voice trails off
Spotlight shifts to Salome
and Clopas as she calls to Kish
SALOME: calling out
Stops abruptly when he
notices that Clopas is blind; he points to Clopas, then touches his own eyes
with a finger, and silently forms these words so Salome can read his lips:
"Is he blind?" Salome nods her head, begins talking.
SALOME:
Boys nod to each other and
speak at about the same time.
CLOPAS: God's peace,
CLOPAS: I sure do! And the
longer they are, the better I like 'em.
SALOME: Before you start
telling the story Jesus told, maybe we'd better explain to Clopas who Jesus is.
SALOME: Well, Clopas, this
wonderful storyteller we're talking about is very unusual. His name is Jesus.
He's from
And he teaches in the
synagogue. Everywhere he goes, people flock to hear him talk. Some folks say he
is a prophet--like the prophets of old. Maybe Elijah, come back to earth.
I don't know about that. I
just know that when he speaks, he makes everything so plain because he tells
short stories--or parables--to show what he means.
SALOME: Go ahead
Zebedee and Hashub come up
behind group and sit down, unnoticed.
There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple,
and fine linen! And he fared sumptuously every day. His table was
just loaded down with good stuff.
Main stage curtain opens on
Scene 2 and
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, who
was laid at his gate, full of sores.
And all that the beggar wanted was to be fed with the crumbs that fell
from the rich man's table. Every day... Voice trails off, Scene 2 action
continues.
Scene 2
Scene 2--The Rich Man and
three of his friends are seated at a banquet table, eating and talking and
laughing and drinking--having a hip-hip-hooray good time. The cup bearer is
standing by, wine pitcher in hand. Two other servants scurry to and fro,
bringing in more and more food.
RICH MAN: laughing
loudly, and turning to his nearest companion as he slaps his fist on the table.
By the beard of Abraham, don't tell any more tall tales! You'll have me
splitting my sides! Rubs his side, laughs some more.
All companions laugh loudly
Rich Man turns to cup bearer. Don't just stand there, boy!
Pour us some wine! holds out glass.
CUP BEARER: nervously
Yes, Sir! Yes, Sir! Right away, Sir! We've got plenty wine!
Fills glasses of all,
starting with R. M. Four men continue eating, laughing, drinking as spotlight
picks up stretcher bearers bringing Lazarus to the Rich Man's gate and setting
him down. Lazarus is clad in rags, his arms, feet and legs wrapped in bandages.
LAZARUS: Please just set me
down here by the gate--in the usual place.
Men ease stretcher down.
STRETCHER SPOKESMAN: Will
you be all right, Lazarus?
LAZARUS: Yes, I'll be all
right. And I sure thank you--all of you. You're very kind. turns to look
around Did my little dog follow me today?
SPOKESMAN: Yes, here's your
dog. leads small dog to Lazarus, who pats him on the head We'll be back
to get you, at sundown.
Stretcher bearers leave.
Irate gatekeeper walks out, looks down at Lazarus.
GATEKEEPER: in scolding
but not harsh tone Beggar, here you are again! I told you yesterday not
to come back! The Rich Man doesn't like for you to be lying out here at his
gate, begging all the time.
LAZARUS: raising up on
one elbow. I won't hurt anything. Just let me have the crumbs that fall
from the Rich Man's table.
GATEKEEPER: grudgingly
If you didn’t look so pitiful, and if you weren't covered with sores, I
wouldn't fool with you, beggar man. But I'll go see if I can get you some
leftovers.
LAZARUS: Thank you, very
much.
GATEKEEPER: leaving,
shaking his head and talking to himself That beggar Lazarus is not going to
last much longer.
Lazarus lies back, closes his
eyes. Spotlight shifts to Rich Man's table, where the feasting is still in
progress. Rich Man is now half drunk.
RICH MAN: leaning toward
his companions How 'bout it, fellows? Would you like to see a dancing girl
dance?
1ST FRIEND: Yeah!
Let's see some dancing!
2ND FRIEND: Bring
on the dancer!
3RD FRIEND: Sure
thing! I like to see dancers dance! Really dance!
RICH MAN: Then, by the beard
of Abraham, you three gentlemen are going to see some real dancing! turns
to cup bearer Don't just stand there, boy! Go find a dancing girl! Get some
music makers! Cup bearer hurries out. Rich Man notices Gatekeeper coming in.
What do you want?
GATEKEEPER: Sir, I was
just--
RICH MAN: interrupting
Is that beggar Lazarus at my gate again?
GATEKEEPER: Well, yes, Sir,
he is. Could I please take him just a few crumbs?
RICH MAN: roaring out
By the beard of Abraham, no! That wretched beggar doesn't deserve my food!
1ST FRIEND: picking
up his plate. Here, Gatekeeper, take the poor wretch these scraps on my
plate. I'm stuffed. reaches to platter in center of table, picks up a beef
short rib that has lots of meat on it. This bone here ought to please him.
RICH MAN: standing up,
hollering out, and grabbing for the bone Don't you dare! That bone's got meat
on it. Give it to me! gets bone, sits back down, and starts chewing off the
meat--as if he were starving to death.
Gatekeeper slips out.
There's music in the background. A dancing girl comes swishing in and dances
before the men. The Rich Man's friends clap their hands, stamp their feet and
thoroughly enjoy the performance. Just before the brief dance is ended, the
Rich Man slumps over on the table--dead. But nobody notices. His wine glass is
dumped over, but he still clutches the bone in his hand nearest the audience.
Dancing Girl finishes her dance, bows to the men and then runs up to speak to
the Rich Man.
DANCING GIRL: enthusiastically
Sir, did you like my dance? Was it-- dancer screams out
CUP BEARER: bending over
Rich Man and feeling his brow He's dead!
Bedlam breaks out. Dancer and
servants scream again, run out. Three Friends scramble to their feet, crowd
around Rich Man.
1ST FRIEND:
What'll we do?
2ND FRIEND: Let's
go get help.
3RD FRIEND: We'll
have to go tell his family.
1ST FRIEND: Let's
go, then!
Three Friends hurriedly exit,
right stage. Three Devils enter from left and converge on Rich Man. CURTAIN on
main stage. Spotlight turns to Lazarus, who is now standing up beside his
stretcher--with three angels in attendance.
3RD ANGEL:
Lazarus, we've come to take you to heaven.
LAZARUS: Today?
2ND ANGEL: Yes,
Lazarus, today. Your Father Abraham is waiting.
1ST ANGEL: You
have been a good man, Lazarus. You have trusted in the Lord your God. So He has
sent for you.
LAZARUS: I'm ready to go.
2ND ANGEL: You will
rest in Abraham's bosom--forevermore.
First and Second Angels lead
Lazarus away. Third Angel lingers, stoops and speaks to the dog of Lazarus.
3RD ANGEL: Little
Dog, don't worry. Your master's going to a place where he won't have to beg, or
be sick, or be hungry any more. And you'll be all right. His friends will come
get you--before the sun goes down.
Third Angel leaves. Lights
direct audience attention to set depicting hell. Three Devils lead in Rich Man,
who is now in heavy chains.
RICH MAN: moaning and
groaning and dragging his feet Oh! Ohhhh-hhh-hh-h! Where are we? Where're
you taking me? Ohhh-hh-hh-h!
1ST DEVIL: You
foolish man! We're down in hell!
2ND DEVIL:
Where'd you think you'd go when you died?
RICH MAN: I didn't think
about going anywhere! Oh-h-hh-hhh-h! Gim'me some water! pants My tongue!
I'm dying of thirst! Water! Lem'me have some water!
3RD DEVIL: Sit
down! And hush! There's no water down here! There's nothing down here but fire
and brimstone and fools like you.
Devils set Rich Man up on stool, secure his chains,
and sit down to guard him.
Curtain on main stage opens,
just as Three Angels usher Lazarus in to Father Abraham.
1ST ANGEL:
Honorable Abraham, here is Lazarus.
Abraham holds open his arms,
embraces Lazarus in bear hug.
ABRAHAM: Ah, my son, welcome
to heaven.
LAZARUS: You are Father
Abraham, aren't you?
ABRAHAM: Yes, my son. I've
been here a long time. Come, come, sit beside me. Turns to angels Put a
robe on Lazarus. And play on the harp for him.
Two sit side by side. One
angel puts white robe on beggar. Another plays her harp (Note: a flute may be
substituted for the harp.) for him. Spotlight shifts back to Rich Man in hell.
RICH MAN: pointing up to
Lazarus and Abraham. Look. Look. It's that beggar, Lazarus! And Father
Abraham! raises voice to call loudly Father Abraham! Father Abraham! Can
you hear me, Father Abraham?
Abraham walks over to edge
of stage, looks down into hell area, speaks very calmly.
ABRAHAM: Yes, Rich Man, I
can hear you.
RICH MAN: Father Abraham,
have mercy on me! Send Lazarus down here with a little water to cool my tongue.
I'm tormented in this terrible place. Lazarus could just dip the tip of his
finger in water and put it on my tongue.
Illustrates by sticking out
tongue and touching it with his forefinger.
LAZARUS: quite willingly
I'll go take him some water, Father Abraham.
ABRAHAM: No, son. I'm sorry.
turns again to Rich Man That can't be, Rich Man.
Remember how on earth you had nothing but good
things? Lazarus had nothing but bad. Now, he is comforted. And you are
tormented.
Besides, there's a great
gulf fixed between us and you. Nobody can come from hell up to heaven. Nobody
can go from heaven down into hell.
RICH MAN: Then, Father
Abraham, I beg you to send Lazarus back down to earth--to my father's house. I
have five brothers. And he could testify to them and keep them from coming to
this place of torment.
LAZARUS: I'll go back and
tell 'em--if you want me to.
ABRAHAM: No, no, my son. turns
again to Rich Man Your brothers have the words and the warnings of Moses
and the old prophets. It's all in the sacred writings. They can learn of God
from the writings.
RICH MAN: No, Father
Abraham, they won't pay the holy writings any attention. But if some one went
to them from the dead, they would repent, and change their ways
and serve God and not come here!
ABRAHAM: If your brothers
won't hear Moses and the prophets, they wouldn't be persuaded, though some one rose
from the dead!
Sits back down by Lazarus,
harp music continues briefly.
End of Scene 2
Lights dim. Curtain closes. Spotlight returns to boat set, and this
constitutes the beginning of Scene 3. There is no break.
Begin
Scene 3
Scene 3--Immediately after
the Rich Man and Lazarus parable, at Zebedee's boat beside the
ZEBEDEE: getting up
HASHUB: I never heard a
story like that in my life!
SALOME: Looking toward
centurion Zebedee, isn't that Roman soldier coming yonder the centurion
that built the synagogue?
ZEBEDEE: somewhat surprised
Yes! It's Centurion Atticus. A highly respected Roman! goes to meet
Centurion A. Good Day, Sir!
CENTURION: Out of breath
Good day, Honorable Zebedee. Excuse me for interrupting like this! I'm looking
for the prophet from
ZEBEDEE: Not today, Sir. But
we're expecting-- Ah, he's coming now!
Enter Christ Figure, James
and John, Simon Peter and Andrew.
CENTURION: highly
pleased. This is most fortunate!
ZEBEDEE: Those men with him
are my two sons and my friends Simon Peter and Andrew.
CENTURION: Could you please
introduce me to him--as quickly as possible?--I want him to help my servant!
He's at the point of death.
ZEBEDEE: Of course! Come! ushers
Centurion toward approaching group.
Salome, Hashub and boys have
been looking at the sail cloth samples again; but when Christ Figure and
Centurion meet, they ease themselves over to listen. Hashub leads Clopas.
ZEBEDEE: Jesus of
Centurion bows
CHRIST FIGURE: God's peace
to you, Centurion. I have heard much mention of you in
CENTURION: very seriously
Sir, I came to beg a favor. My servant Felix, who is very dear to me--he's
almost like my father--is sick unto death. Will you heal him?
CHRIST FIGURE: Yes. If you
have faith, I will heal him. Come. Is your house nearby?
CENTURION: Ah, Sir, my house
is not far from here, but I am not worthy for you to come under my roof.
You are a great physician,
sent from God. Just speak the word here. And my servant will be healed.
CHRIST FIGURE: Centurion,
you have that much faith in me?
CENTURION: Sir, you are one
with authority, even as I am. As a Roman Centurion, I have ten
Centuries--with one hundred soldiers each--under my command. When I say to one
group 'do this,' they do it.
And when I say to another
group 'do that,' they do it.
Also, my servants. When I
say 'go,' they go. When I say 'come,' they come.
So, Sir, you have only to
command this great sickness to leave my poor, dear servant and it will leave.
And he will live!
CHRIST FIGURE: turning to
companions I have not found faith like this, no, not in
Pauses, gazes up in to the
sky, folds hands for a silent prayer, turns again to Centurion.
Your servant's illness has now gone.
CENTURION: Ah, thank you,
Great Master!
Bows, then straightens up,
salutes C. F. with the Roman Army salute, wheels around and strides away.
Before Centurion gets off stage, a running soldier rushes to meet him.
ROMAN SOLDIER: quickly
saluting and speaking between gasps for breath. Sir! Your servant! He's well!
Just this minute he got up! He’s well!
Centurion and Soldier hurry
away. All bystanders register amazement, saying the following things--all at
the same time. C. F. walks down to boat, leaving group talking among
themselves.
Zebedee: This is
astonishing! I thought he was just a gifted prophet. I didn't know he performed
miracles.
Hashub: It’s amazing! grabs
Zebedee's arm and pulls him aside. Honorable Zebedee, who is this
man Jesus?
James: hurrying to join
C. F. Master, it must be that you have all power!
John: going with James
Master, every day you amaze us!
Simon Peter: to Andrew
He is like no one we've seen before.
Andrew: He is anointed by God.
Clopas: What happened?
Salome quickly leads blind
and confused Clopas aside.
CLOPAS: to Salome
Ma’am, what happened? What did he do?
SALOME Clopas, Jesus did a wonderful
thing! He healed a sick man over in the city--simply by saying the word,
here by the sea!
If he can do that,
Clopas, he can heal your eyes! And make you see!
CLOPAS: eagerly Oh,
Ma’am, I wish he could! But I was born blind.
SALOME: Come on, let's ask
Jesus. leads Clopas toward C. F. At same time, she calls John. John!
JOHN: turns Yes,
Mother? comes back to Salome.
SALOME: Ask Jesus of
Nazareth if we could speak with him.
JOHN: But, Mother, he's
about to go into the city.
SALOME: It's for Clopas,
here.
JOHN noticing blind boy
for first time Oh. pauses I see. Sure, I'll speak to the Master. hurries
back to C. F. Master?
CHRIST FIGURE: Yes, John?
JOHN: My mother would like
to talk with you, before you leave. It's about a blind boy.
CHRIST FIGURE: A blind boy? looks
around Bring him to me.
Salome hurries over, leading
Clopas. Others gather around.
SALOME: Jesus, Sir, this is
Clopas, who helps his master build boats. He's blind. Please have mercy on him
and heal his eyes!
CHRIST FIGURE with utmost
gentleness, kindness Come here, my son. reaches out, puts both hands on
Clopas' shoulders So you are Clopas, and you build boats.
CLOPAS: Yes, Sir.
CHRIST FIGURE: Clopas, do
you know who I am?
CLOPAS: No, Sir. But I can
tell that you're somebody wonderful.
C. F.: Clopas, do you know
who God is?
CLOPAS: Oh, yes, Sir! God is
the Lord in heaven--the God of our Father Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob,
the God of us all.
C. F.: If I told you that
God sent me into the world so that the blind may receive their sight, and the
lame walk, and the lepers be cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead raised
up, and that the people may hear the good news of salvation--would you believe
me?
CLOPAS: Yes, Sir. I would
believe you.
CHRIST FIGURE: God sent me,
Clopas. He sent me to do all those things. And more.
Close your eyes, son. places
tips of fingers on boy's eyes, lifts head and prays Our Father in Heaven,
bring glory to Your Name through this young boy. Give him light in his eyes.
Give him peace, and give him faith to know eternal life. A-men. drops hands
from boy's eyes
CLOPAS: crying out,
joyously I can see! I can see! I can see everything! kneels before C. F.
Master! Master! Thank you!
Bystanders gasp in
amazement, murmur approval. Boat builder Hashub runs and kneels beside Clopas,
at feet of C. F.
HASHUB: Oh, Master, you have
the power of God in your hands! I beg you to come heal my cousin! I beg you!
He's possessed by demons!
C. F.: Where does your
cousin live? helps Clopas and Hashub to stand.
HASHUB: He lives in the area
of the Gadarenes. Gad’-a-reens But this morning he broke his
chains and ran into the hills. He's up there somewhere, hiding.
He cuts himself with stones
and screams and cries out--day and night.
Sir, No man can tame him,
but you could make him well. Couldn't you?
C. F.: Come, let us go and
find him.
JAMES: Master, John and I
know those hills of the Gadarenes.
SIMON PETER: Master, this
place is on the other side of the sea. Let's go in my boat.
C. F. leaves, all
others--except Zebedee and Salome--follow.
ZEBEDEE: with a tone of
resignation I guess so,
ZEBEDEE: sitting down
near boat and automatically picking up a net. Oh, Salome, Salome, what will
I do? Did you see my boys? They just ran off to look for that crazy man without
saying one word to me!
SALOME: Zebedee, don't worry
so.
ZEBEDEE: What's to become
of my fishing business?
SALOME: But, Zebedee, this
Jesus is--
ZEBEDEE: I know. I know.
This Jesus is like no one we've ever seen before. I have to admit that he is no
ordinary prophet.
SALOME: He’s more than
a prophet.
ZEBEDEE: As I watched him
heal that blind boy, I thought to myself He’s-- He’s-- He’s
sent here by God. Maybe, through him, God is visiting His people!
SALOME: Yes. I had the same
feeling.
Zebedee puts aside the net,
picks up container of fish from the boat.
ZEBEDEE: Let's go home,
Salome.
Two leave. Lights go out.
End of Scene.
ACT
I, Scene 4
Scene 4--Christ Healing the Demoniac. Note to
players: Please read Mark 5:1-21; Matthew 8: 28-34; Luke 8:26-34. This will
help you get the feel of this miracle.
Scene 4: Just before
nightfall, the following day, in the hills where the demoniac man is hiding
among the tombs and rocks. There are many shrubs and boulders in the area. As
the curtain opens, the lunatic is hiding behind a large boulder. He screams as
if in pain and then creeps out, looking in all directions. His clothes are
tattered, his hair unkempt, his bearded face bloody and dirty. On his legs are
streaks of blood, and about both ankles are remnants of a broken chain. He
holds a jagged rock in one hand. When the demoniac sees the Christ Figure and
his companions approaching, he becomes highly disturbed.
WILD MAN: screaming
Don't come near me! Don't come near me! leaps behind a rock
HASHUB: We won't hurt you!
It's me--your Cousin Hashub, from
WILD MAN: peeping from
behind rock I know you, Cousin Hashub. And I know this man in the white
robe. points directly at C. F. and advances a few steps toward him
You're Jesus, the Son of the
most high God! That's who you are!
CHRIST FIGURE: Son, what is
your name?
WILD MAN: My name? Just call
me Legion! A Roman Legion! Six thousand soldiers! For I have a legion of demons
down in me! Knocks his fist against his chest Six thousand demons!
CHRIST FIGURE: If you trust
in me, I will command the legion of demons to leave you.
Wild Man kneels before C.
F., lifts arms to plead.
WILD MAN: Oh, Master, I,
myself, wish you would send them away. But they cry out "No!
No!" Hear them? heightening his voice to speak as the demons
"No! No! Don't send us away! What have we demons to do with you, Jesus,
you son of the most high God? We adjure you by God, that you torment us
not!"
CHRIST FIGURE: Come out of
this man!
WILD MAN: speaking as the
demons "Don't send us out into the sea! Don't! Don't! Just over the
hill there's a herd of swine. Let us enter the swine! We beg! We beg! We
beg!"
Wild Man resumes his natural
voice.
Please, Master. Send the demons into the swine! For my
sake! Please!
CHRIST FIGURE: It shall be
so. Legion of demons, go to the swine!
Wild Man falls prone at the
feet of Jesus, and lies there, as if dead. C. F. kneels beside him, lifts his
head in his arms.
CHRIST FIGURE: turns to
companions Give me some water to bathe his face.
James unfastens flask of
water at his belt. John quickly takes off his head cloth. They pour the water
on the cloth and C. F. uses it to soothe the face of the Wild
WILD MAN: now in his
right mind. Master, you have saved my life!
You have sent the demons
away. Let me come with you and be your disciple!
C. F.: with much
compassion. No, my son. It is better that you return to your own house and
your own city and tell what a great thing God has done for you. God has had
compassion on you.
WILD MAN: I will,
Master! I will! Every day of my life I will tell it! I'll tell my
friends! And I'll tell it in the ten cities of
Three swine herders come
rushing around the corner, waving their arms, much excited. They're on their
way into the city to report what's happened to their swine. They stop talking
among themselves and stop to relate the strange event to the CHRIST FIGURE and
his followers. All speak fast, breathlessly, and with a measure of shock.
1ST SWINE HERDER:
panting and highly excited Strangers! Gasps for more breath Let
us tell you what happened! You won’t believe it! gasps But it
happened! Our swine! They all just drowned! keeps breathing heavily.
2ND S. H.:
Ever’ last one of 'em! They jumped in the sea! still out of
breath Not three minutes ago!
3RD S. H.: also
panting Strangest thing you ever saw! gasps The three of us were
just standin' there, talkin'--like always. An--
1ST S. H.: We'd
just fed the whole herd. Fed 'em plenty!
3RD S. H.: still
breathless An' all of a sudden they started squealing and
carrying on! An' next thing you knew they went runnin' down to the bluff and
just dived over!
Bends himself over and waves
arms to show how swine went over the cliff
2ND S. H.: Ever'
last pig went over! The big 'uns! The little 'uns! The middle sized 'uns! There
was one big splash! SHEWWW-WW-W- W EEW! imitates enormous wave created,
shakes his head Two thousand swine gone! I could'a cried!
1ST S. H.: I'll
tell you this: I been herdin' swine for forty years, and I never saw nothin’
like it! comes directly to Wild Man Stranger, did you ever hear
of such a thing?
WILD MAN: calmly No.
I never did. But I can tell you why your swine went over the cliff and
dived into the sea. The demons that were in me went into your
swine.
ALL SWINE HERDERS: horrified
Demons?
WILD MAN: Yes. Just few
minutes ago, my Lord, here, motions toward C. F.
cast a Legion of demons out of me, and they drove your swine into the
sea.
All Swine herders gasp in
disbelief, show great fear.
2ND S. H.: May
God have mercy on us!
1ST S. H.: coming
to C. F. and pointing his finger. Stranger, we don't know who you
are! But leave! Leave these hills of the Gadarenes.
2ND S. H.: Yeah!
You'd better leave. still somewhat out of breath We don't want nothin'
to do with a man who’s got power over demons!
3RD S. H.: grabbing
the sleeves of his two companions. Come on, let's us leave here!
Swine herders hurry off.
Curtain closes.
End of Scene 4 and ACT I
Begin
ACT II
Scene 1--More than two years
later, shortly before the Passover festival. It is mid-afternoon at Zebedee's
fishing wharf on the
Instead, he stares toward
the sea. And, at the half-finished boat which lies rotting not far from the
boat in which he sits. Zebedee's dream of building a fleet of fishing boats has
been shattered, for his sons have become disciples of Jesus of
As the afternoon wears on,
now and then two or more residents of
He talks to himself, and to
the sea, as he waits for Salome to bring his supper basket.
ZEBEDEE: Ah, Sea of
No. No. Of course not. You
are shaped like a man's heart, but your heart has never been broken.
Sure, the storm winds rage,
and make your waves roll high. Gales come and your waters beat against the
shore. But this does not break your heart.
Heart-Shaped
You have no sons.
No sons to leave you.
No sons to follow a mighty prophet sent here by the
LORD.
When he said "Come, be
fishers of men," my two sons forsook all and went with him.
A young girl and two mothers--one
carrying an infant, the other leading two small children--come by and stop.
1ST MOTHER: calling
Fisherman, Sir?
ZEBEDEE: turning around
Yes?
1ST MOTHER: We're
looking for the prophet--Jesus of Nazareth.
2ND MOTHER: Have
you seen him pass this way?
ZEBEDEE: Yes, he's on over
the way there. gives a wave of the arm Half the people in
1ST MOTHER: Thank
you very much. We want him to bless our children. Group starts moving on
YOUNG GIRL: Mother, am I too
old and too big to be blessed?
2ND MOTHER: Of
course not, Naomi.
YOUNG GIRL: Good. I was a
little bit worried.
2ND MOTHER: to
other mother Do you think we ought to wait for the other women and their
children? Or, should we go on?
Three other mothers and six
children come into view.
1ST MOTHER: There
they come. Let's wait. raises hand to beckon to second group Come on!
The prophet is over this way. points
All mothers and children
move on together and exit out door on right of stage. A
WIFE: Is it true that
he has raised a man from the dead?
C. MAN: Yes. It's true. It happened
in the
Man and Wife move on. Jairus
and two friends pass by, stop briefly to talk to Zebedee; for Jairus and
Zebedee are well acquainted.
JAIRUS: Zebedee? Zebedee
looks up, smiles and lifts hand in recognition. Could you please tell us
where the Nazareth Prophet might be teaching this afternoon?
ZEBEDEE: Yes, Honorable
Jairus. He's not far over that way--just over the crest of the hill.
JAIRUS: Thank you.
Men move on, talking as they
go.
1ST FRIEND: Have
you all heard that not long ago this Jesus healed ten lepers? All
at the same time!
2ND FRIEND: My
brother saw him do that. In the past few years he's healed all manner
of diseases.
Three men move on. Spotlight
picks up Salome, who is on her way to take Zebedee his supper basket. She stops
to rest, and, to think out loud.
SALOME: setting basket
down. Whew! This long walk to take Zebedee's supper every afternoon just
about gets me!
I hope I find Zebedee in a
good mood. Poor man. He worries so. I've got to figure out exactly how
to explain my plan for James and John to him.
Zebedee may not want
me to speak to Jesus about James and John--about their future. But I
think I ought to. A mother should look out for the future of her
children.
Maybe when I tell Zebedee what
I overheard this morning, down by the synagogue, he'll think my idea is all
right.
Picks up basket, resumes
walk. Zebedee sees Salome approaching, climbs out of boat to meet her and to
take basket of food.
ZEBEDEE: Ah, here you are,
Salome, with my supper basket. Peeps into basket Full of good
stuff--as usual.
SALOME: Well, I don't know
how good it will all taste. But I tried!
ZEBEDEE: That's what you
always say.
Two settle themselves down.
Zebedee begins mending nets.
SALOME: seriously
Zebedee, this morning when I went to buy bread, and was passing by the
Synagogue, there were three men--strangers--standing right at the Synagogue
steps. They were talking fast and waving their hands. I still don't know who
they were, but they must have been from
Anyway, I wanted to hear
what they were saying. So, I pretended I was an old, old woman and went creeping
by. gets up, shows Zebedee how she walked like an aged, crippled woman.
ZEBEDEE: You didn't!
SALOME: Yes I did! And quick
as I could buy my bread, I went creeping back--in the other direction!
ZEBEDEE: What'd they say?
SALOME: They were saying
that the fame of Jesus of Nazareth has spread everywhere! Through all Galilee,
all Judaea, even beyond
And, that in
ZEBEDEE: with much
surprise Make him king?
SALOME: Yes! King! Get rid
of the Romans! Set up a new kingdom! Then, the oldest looking one of them said
something I couldn't quite understand.
It was about the high priest
in
ZEBEDEE: shaking his head
I don't know either. But there have been revolts against the Romans before.
None of them last. There has been one group of patriotic zealots after
another--hundreds killed--much blood wasted.
Salome, we'll never
be free of the Roman yoke. Not in our lifetime.
SALOME: You can't tell what might
happen. Just suppose the people did make Jesus of Nazareth our king!
Think how great that would be for James and John!
ZEBEDEE: What do you mean?
SALOME: They could have
important positions! One could sit on his right hand! The other on the
left! He admires both of them. I know that!
ZEBEDEE: Salome, you are a typical
mother! You want the best for--
Zebedee interrupts himself
when he sees James and john hurrying toward the boat--coming from the direction
of the place where Jesus is teaching.
Well, well, look who's
coming! The Sons of Zebedee themselves!
Much pleased, Zebedee and
Salome go to greet their sons. All exchange warm embraces.
SALOME: James and John!
JAMES: Hello, Father! How
are you, Mother?
JOHN: Mother! How are you?
It's good to see you, Father!
ZEBEDEE: Boys! Boys! It seems
such a long time since we saw you.
JAMES: We came to get you.
Both of you.
JOHN: We want you to come
hear Jesus teach! He's right over there.
JAMES: He has such wonderful
things to tell us! You've got to come!
SALOME: Let's go, Zebedee!
ZEBEDEE: Well, I'll go with
you--this one time. Though I should stay here and mend nets.
JOHN: We'll help you mend
nets, Father--when we get back. We haven't forgotten how.
ZEBEDEE: You're staying in
JOHN: Yes, Sir. And tomorrow
we start out for
JAMES: Just this morning he
received word--actually it was a warning--that he shouldn’t go to
All walk on--toward place
where Jesus is teaching. James and Zebedee walk in front. Salome and John keep
talking, briefly.
SALOME: I've been trying to
get your father to go to Passover this year, but he won't talk about it.
JOHN: It's always such a wonderful time. I'm looking forward... voice
trails off
Main stage curtain opens--showing the Christ Figure seated and teaching
a crowd of people gathered 'round him. Zebedee, Salome and their sons sit down
quietly at the edge of the crowd. This marks the beginning of Scene 2. There is
no break. The Christ Figure is speaking.
ACT
II, Scene 2: Part of Sermon on the Mount, Blessing Little Children
Scene 2--on a hillside near
the Sea of Galilee, outside
CHRIST FIGURE: Verily,
verily I say unto you: keep the commandments of God.
JAIRUS: seated near C. F.
Master, tell us, which is the greatest commandment?
C. F.: The first, and
greatest, commandment is this: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; and with all thy
strength." Cf. Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30, 33; Luke 10:27
And the second commandment
is like the first: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
Moreover, I say unto you all
this commandment: "Love your enemies. Do good to them who hate
you." Luke 6:27
Crowd shows much surprise. A
murmur of disbelief sweeps through group.
JAIRUS: Master, love our
enemies? This is a hard teaching!
CROWD: murmuring, in
unison Very hard.
C. F.: Do unto all men as you
would have them do unto you.
Be merciful, as your Father in heaven is merciful.
Judge not, and you shall not be judged.
Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned.
Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.
Give, and it shall be given
unto you--good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.
For with the same measure
that you measure out to others, it shall be measured to you again.
(For above, See Luke 6)
Be pure in heart. For
"blessed are the pure in heart; they shall see God. Blessed are the
peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God."
Be the salt of the earth. Be
the light of the world. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Cf.
Matthew 5
Crowd murmurs its approval.
JAIRUS: Master, these are
marvelous teachings.
CROWD: in unison, but subdued tone.
Marvelous!
ANDREW: standing not far
from C. F. Master, tell us this: who shall be the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven? Cf. Matthew 18:1-4
Christ Figure looks over the
crowd, spots a small boy.
C. F.: to little boy
Come here, Little Boy. beckons
LITTLE BOY: gets up
Me, Sir? Mother gently urges her son forward
C. F.: Yes, come to me for a
minute.
All mothers whisper their pleasure
to each other. Little Boy goes to C. F., who takes him up in his lap.
C. F.: Verily, verily I say
unto all of you that "except you be converted and become as little
children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.
"Whosoever therefore
shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom
of heaven."
C. F. leans over and
whispers in Little Boy's ear.
LITTLE BOY: looking up at
C. F. God loves little boys?
C. F.: Yes, my son, He does.
Small Girl approaches C. F.
SMALL GIRL: Sir, does God
love little girls?
C. F.: reaching out for
girl. Yes, my child. Sets her on other knee, and bends to speak to both
children
Audience attention is
distracted--toward Mothers. They begin getting up. First Capernaum Mother moves
toward Simon Peter and speaks to him, rather loudly.
1ST MOTHER: firmly
Sir, would you please move? We Mothers from
SIMON PETER: with
surprise Why, lady! You-- You-- You don't know how busy--
1ST MOTHER: There
are five of us who've brought our children! To be blessed!
2ND MOTHER: We
know he's sent by God.
SIMON: speaking fast,
with little patience True. But now, ladies, let's be reasonable. The Master
is busy! He's teaching about the
3RD MOTHER: to
Simon, loudly We just want him to bless the children!
4TH MOTHER: You
heard what he just said about children.
SIMON: almost at wit's
end Maybe some other time, ladies!
5TH MOTHER: loudly,
with hands on hips But we walked all the way from
Mothers talk among
themselves, rather loudly, all at same time:
1st: This man doesn't know what he's
talking about! What'll we do?
2nd: Let's ask Jesus, ourselves!
3rd: Come on, let's go to Jesus. I know
he loves children.
4th: shaking finger at Simon Sir,
don't you like children?
5th: It's such a little thing to ask!
SIMON: raising voice
Now, ladies, ladies, get quiet! We can't hear what the Master is saying!
C. F., still holding Little
Boy and Small Girl, notices battle of words.
C. F.: calling Simon
Peter?
SIMON: coming towards C.
F. Yes, Master.
C. F.: What seems to be the
question over there?
SIMON: Master, all these
mothers from
C. F.: with much
tolerance Ah, "let the little children come unto me, and forbid them
not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
There is considerable
shifting about as children gather in front of Christ Figure and the disciples
and other followers move to background. Mothers stand on either side of C. F.
and children. Little Boy and Small Girl return to their mothers so that C. F.
can gather other children into his arms. When the children are still, C. F.
turns to adults.
C. F.: Verily, I say unto
all of you that you take heed to love and care for the little ones. "For
in heaven they have angels who always behold the face of my Father which is in
heaven." Cf. Matthew 18:10
C. F. lifts head to pray Father, bless these little
children--all little children--for evermore. A-men.
Mothers quietly lead their
children away, going completely off stage. Salome, James and John make their
way to C. F.. Others gather in two clusters--one around Zebedee, the other
around Simon--and
turn backs to audience. C. F. moves to talk with Salome and James and John.
JOHN: to C. F.
Master?
C. F.: turning toward
John, James, and Salome Yes, John?
JOHN: My mother, here, wants
to ask a special favor--for James and me.
C. F.: cordially Ah,
Madam Salome, what do you want me to do?
SALOME somewhat flustered
Oh, uh-- uh-- Master, I'm afraid I'm just like all those other mothers! I want
to ask a special favor for my sons!
C. F.: A favor for James and
John? They're my dear "Sons of Thunder!" Places one arm
around shoulders of James, the other across John's shoulders I also call
these two my "fishers of men!" What should I do for them?
SALOME: When you come into
your glory, let one of them sit on your right hand and the other on your left!
C. F.: in disappointed,
crestfallen tone Oh, Madam Salome! I don't believe you know what you ask.
That honor is not mine to
give. Who shall sit on my right hand and who shall sit on my left, my Father in
heaven will say. He will give that honor to those for whom it is
prepared.
SALOME: Yes, Master. bows
head slightly, steps back.
C. F.: James and John, you
two cannot drink of the cup I shall drink of. And could you be baptized with
the baptism that I am baptized with?
JAMES: Yes, Lord. We'll
drink of any cup.
JOHN: And be baptized with any
woe. We'll do anything for you, Lord!
C. F.: Ah, you know not what
lies ahead--when we go to
JOHN: Lord, what are you
saying?
JAMES: What bitter cup?
C. F.: calling all group
together Come to me, all of you.
All gather around C. F.
slowly, quietly as he continues talking
We must go now into
It is written: "The
shepherd shall be smitten, and the sheep shall be scattered."
When I tell you that the Son
of Man shall be betrayed and condemned to death, you cannot believe.
Yet, this is so.
All the Scriptures shall be
fulfilled. Even the sorrowful words of Isaiah must come to pass: Cf. Isaiah
53
"He is despised and
rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief....
"He was wounded for our
transgressions: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes we are healed....
"He is brought as a
lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he
openeth not his mouth.
"He was taken from
prison and from judgment... he was cut off out of the land of the living; for
the transgression of my people was he stricken.
"And he made his grave
with the wicked, and with the rich in his death. … Thou shalt make his
soul an offering for sin....
"He hath poured out his soul unto
death...."
C. F. pauses, alters stance
slightly
These scriptures must be
fulfilled. But after I am risen, I will meet you here in
Let us go. My work is to do the will of my Father in
heaven.
C. F. walks away; disciples
and others follow, talking in low tones among themselves. Zebedee, Salome,
James and John linger behind.
ZEBEDEE: to J. and
J. Boys, I didn't exactly understand what Jesus of Nazareth was talking
about. Do you?
JAMES: No, Sir. Except that
he is the shepherd and we disciples are the sheep who will be scattered.
ZEBEDEE: Possibly so.
JOHN: Father, we believe
Jesus is the long-promised Messiah!
JAMES: Yes, Father. He is
the Messiah. He's the Son of God!
ZEBEDEE: alarmed over his
sons' beliefs Boys! Boys! What you're saying couldn't be possible!
Jesus of Nazareth is
from God. I believe that, because he couldn't do the miracles he does if he
were not from God.
But, the Son of God? No, no,
boys. changes tone But enough of such talk. Come on, let's go mend
those nets.
SALOME: Zebedee, tomorrow
let's go with all of them to
ZEBEDEE: I'd love to go--the
best in the world--but I just can't. I can't leave my business for two or three
weeks. The fish merchants in
SALOME: with resignation
All right, if that's the way it is.
ZEBEDEE: brightly You
could go. Yes, Salome! Why don't you do that? You could stay with our Cousin
Joanna.
SALOME: Yes, I could
stay with Joanna!
JOHN: enthusiastically
It's all settled then, Mother!
JAMES: Yes, you're coming
with us to
CURTAIN (End of ACT II)
ACT
III Scene 1
Scene 1--Some three weeks
later. It is mid-morning at Zebedee's fishing wharf on the
ZEBEDEE:
ZEBEDEE: I'll be glad
when my wife gets back from
ZEBEDEE: laughs
Picks up basket--or
string--of fish, admires them
Zebedee starts off in one
direction, Salome comes hurrying in from the other.
Zebedee turns around
ZEBEDEE: calling back
What do you want?
ZEBEDEE: Good! hurries
back, hands fish to K. Here, you take the fish! calls out to S.
You're back! You're back! Thank heaven! runs to meet Salome, gives her a
bear hug.
SALOME: I am so glad
to be home! without taking a breath Zebedee, you can't imagine what
happened! Some of it dreadful! Some of it, unbelievable!
ZEBEDEE: with alarm
James and John? Are they all right?
SALOME: Yes, they're all
right. Shaken and scared, but all right. I've seen 'em since it happened.
SALOME: Jesus was put to
death! Crucified!
ZEBEDEE: horror-stricken
Oh, no!
ZEBEDEE: How horrible! Who--
Who-- Who did such a thing? And why?
SALOME: Jesus didn't stay
dead! He arose on the third day!
Both Zebedee and
ZEBEDEE: slowly,
deliberately Salome? What did you say?
SALOME: I said he rose from
the grave--the third day after he was buried! That's what happened! James and
John have both seen him alive!
We all saw him crucified, dead, and buried.
ZEBEDEE: anxiously
Here, sit down, Salome, and tell us everything. Everything that happened.
As Salome sits down, she
begins the narrative.
SALOME: It was on Friday
morning of Passover week. Several of us women were going from Cousin Joannah's
house to the temple, when we heard a great commotion in the street and saw some
Roman soldiers coming. And we could hear some people weeping. At first we
thought it was a funeral procession. Then...
Voice trails off as Scene 2
gets underway. There is no break.
Scene 2
Scene 2: The Friday morning
of Passover Week.
Each prisoner carries his
own cross. The thieves are in front, the Christ Figure in the back.
James; John and Simon Peter
walk near the Christ Figure. Each time they try to assist him, the Third
Soldier drives them aside.
Grieving Women wail and
follow close behind C. F. and disciples. The First Grieving Woman manages to
give C. F. a drink of water, but is shoved away by Fourth Soldier.
The procession enters from
ballroom door right of stage, crosses ballroom--in front of stage--and exits
out door left of stage.
These six players enters
from opposite direction: Old Blind Man, Old Deaf Man, Mary Magdalene, the Other
Mary, Joanna, and Salome-in-Jerusalem.
Simon of Cyrene and
Alexander and Rufus enter from downstairs bar area.
Please keep in mind that
this scene must be brutal, heart-breaking, and fast moving. The procession will
halt only when the Christ Figure falls and First Soldier drags in Simon of
Cyrene to compel him to bear the cross.
First and Second Soldiers
march in, abreast.
1ST SOLDIER: shouting
Clear the streets! to companion I hate these crucifixion
details!
2ND SOLDIER: Me
too! Why do we always get stuck with the dirty work?
1ST SOLDIER: Our
Centurion is a weakling! That's why! For two shekels, I'd ask for a transfer! calls
back over his shoulder Step lively back there! You two thieves, quit
dragging your feet! turns back, prods first Thief with spear.
Old Blind Man and Old Deaf
Man almost bump into Second Soldier.
2ND SOLDIER: shouting
Clear the streets! Old men pay no attention. Out of the way, you old
men! whacks at them with spear, misses Can't you see or hear? moves
on
Old Men, driven aside,
stumble, almost fall
OLD BLIND MAN: to companion
What's going on?
OLD DEAF MAN: I don't know! looks
again The Lord have mercy! They're taking prisoners to be crucified!
Old Men turn round to run
away, almost bump into Mary Magdalene and companions. At same time, Third
Soldier yells out.
3RD SOLDIER: yelling
at James, John, Simon Peter Stay away from the prisoner!
Disciples move aside so that
First Grieving Woman can give water to C. F.
4TH SOLDIER:
Woman, get out of the way! shoves First G. W. to ground.
Four women entering from
left swerve to the side to avoid running into two old men, and, try to slip
past First Soldier and Second Soldier.
1ST SOLDIER: loudly,
harshly Clear the street! Where do you women think you're going?
Four women run forward. They
shriek with horror when they recognize third prisoner. They run to Christ
Figure. At same time he falls under the weight of his cross and that part of
the procession comes to a halt.
MARY MAGDALENE: kneeling
by C. F. Oh, Master! Not you! Not you!
Ohh-hh-h!
JOANNA: wailing Oh,
Master, they're going to kill you!
OTHER MARY: Oh, Master!
Master!
SALOME: running to James
and John James! John! Maybe we could get help!
Sons try to comfort Salome.
3RD SOLDIER: Move
aside! Move aside! women move back
Third Soldier stoops, shakes
shoulder of C. F.
Get to your feet, prisoner! Get to your feet!
C. F. is unconscious, does
not move.
Aw, for the love of Caesar! He's out cold!
At the same time, Second
Soldier gets First Thief and Second Thief off stage. First Soldier strides back
to see why procession has halted. Fourth Soldier comes forward, stops, looks
down at C. F. Simon of
1ST SOLDIER: much
frustrated What's going on back here? Get going! Get going! We haven't got
all day!
3RD SOLDIER: hurrying
to meet First Soldier That third prisoner back there has about had it.
Pontius Pilate had him flogged nearly to death! Thirty nine lashes!
1ST SOLDIER: I
wish the great Pontius Pilate had the job of just one crucifixion! He
wouldn't order so many!
Fourth Soldier joins
companions.
4TH SOLDIER: Say,
you guys, we gotta be careful. We sure don't want this fellow back here dying
on us till we get him nailed to his cross. He's a king!
3RD SOLDIER: What
do you mean, a king?
While Soldiers talk the
Christ revives. First Grieving Woman manages to give him a drink of water--with
the help of Mary Magdalene. John takes crown of thorns off head of C. F., hides
it under his cloak. Mary Magdalene wipes brow of C. F. with her head covering.
4TH SOLDIER:
Yeah! That's right. You didn't see this sign? holds up sign
Pontius Pilate ordered this nailed up over his head: "Jesus of Nazareth,
King of the Jews!"
1ST SOLDIER:
Well, king or no king, we've got to get him on up to
Hey, you! Come carry the
cross for this poor wretch!
SIMON OF
1ST SOLDIER: Yes,
you! advances toward Simon and his boys
Boys cling to their father's
cloak.
ALEXANDER: Father! What's
that soldier going to do to us?
RUFUS: I'm scared, Father!
Let's leave!
SIMON: Don't worry, boys.
Everything will be all right. turns, stands his ground before First Soldier
Don't ask me to take the cross!
1ST SOLDIER: I'm
not asking you. I'm telling you!
SIMON: But I'm a stranger in
1ST SOLDIER: grabbing
Simon's collar with one hand and placing the point of his spear at his throat
with the other
I don't care who you are!
I don't care where you came from!
And I don't care who you know, or don't know!
Pick up that cross!
Drags Simon to C. F.
Wide-eyed, frightened boys
dart away--toward Simon Peter, who puts his arms around them and gets them into
a safe place. Women back away. Simon lifts up cross.
1ST SOLDIER:
Hurry up, now! And you wailing women shut up!
3RD SOLDIER: to
James and John. You two guys! Get the prisoner on his feet and on up the
hill!
James and John help C. F. to
stand, support him--one on either side--as the procession moves slowly forward.
First Soldier moves to head of column.
1ST SOLDIER:
Moo-oo-o-ve, out!
Simon of Cyrene walks, or
staggers, for the cross is heavy, right behind First Soldier. Christ Figure,
James and John come next and are urged along by Third Soldier. The Grieving
followers are next. Fourth Soldier brings up rear. Women resume their weeping
and wailing and keep up same even after they're off stage--to give the illusion
that the procession is fading away.
End of Scene 2
Spotlight
directs audience attention back to Salome, Zebedee, and
ZEBEDEE: Salome, you say
this dreadful crucifixion was on that Friday morning?
SALOME: slowly, sadly. Yes;
Nearly all day we watched him hang on the cross. It was dreadful. Sad.
Sad. shakes her head, wipes eyes
But he didn't blame
anybody.
He even prayed for
the soldiers who pierced his side. He said, "Father, forgive them, for
they know not what they do."
He spoke kind words to the
thieves hanging there beside him.
And he spoke to his mother,
Mary.
Then, he asked our John to take care of Mary.
Finally--it must have been
about the middle of the afternoon--he cried out: "My God, My God, why hast
thou forsaken me?"
And then he died. wipes
eyes again
ZEBEDEE: much moved
Oh! My! My!
SALOME: Oh, no,
Two of Jesus' friends in
Here, pantomime Scene 3
begins. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus enter with linen-wrapped
"corpse"--as Mary Magdalene, Other Mary, Joanna and
Salome-in-Jerusalem watch. And as Salome continues her narrative.
One friend was a ruler named
Joseph of Arimathea. And the other one was a secret follower named Nicodemus.
They bought fine linen and
spices and buried him in a new tomb. It was in a garden. And some of us women
slipped in to see where they laid him.
You see, our plan was that
as soon as the Sabbath was passed, we'd go to the tomb and take more
burial spices. That was the least we could do....voice trails off
Pantomime, still in
progress, goes on. After men place "corpse" in tomb they roll the
stone across the entrance and leave, taking no notice of four women. Women
whisper to each other, look at the tomb briefly, and hurry away.
SALOME: The authorities
posted a guard at the tomb. Two Roman soldiers--to watch, night and day.
Enter soldiers. Take up
positions on either side of tomb entrance.
But, sometime in the night on Saturday night--we
don't know just when--God sent angels!
Angels enter.
The soldiers were so frightened they fell over like
dead men.
Soldiers keel over.
Of course as soon as they came to themselves they
ran away!
Soldiers scramble to their
feet and flee. Angels roll away the stone and enter the tomb.
Early in the morning on the first day of the
week--long before daylight--we women went to the tomb to take the burial spices.
By we, I mean Cousin Joanna,
the Other Mary, Mary Magdalene, and me.... voice trails off
Joanna, Other Mary, and
Salome enter, carrying a lantern and the spices. They talk among themselves as
they walk along.
SALOME-in-Jerusalem: Where's
Mary Magdalene? I thought she was coming with us.
JOANNA: She'll be along in a
few minutes. motions others to halt I just thought of something. We're
going to have a problem.
OTHER MARY: What, Joanna?
JOANNA: The stone! Who'll
roll away the stone for us?
OTHER MARY: Oh, my! I had
forgotten about that. That stone will be heavy. We should have asked
some of the men to come with us.
SALOME-in-J.: Maybe we can
manage somehow. Let's go ahead and try.
Three move on toward tomb.
Joanna is first to see the angels at the tomb.
JOANNA: crying out
Look! Angels!
Women gasp with fright,
start backing away.
1ST ANGEL: Don't
be afraid.
JOANNA: We-- We-- We brought
burial spices, and--
2ND ANGEL: We
know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified. But he is not here.
1ST ANGEL: He is risen!
Women are amazed, beyond
measure. They all speak at once, as follows:
JOANNA: Risen? He's alive?
How could that be?
OTHER MARY: You mean he's
not dead now?
SALOME-in-J: Jesus is risen
from the grave?
2ND ANGEL: Come
see the place where the Lord lay. beckons to women, leads them to the tomb.
They look in.
1ST ANGEL: Go
quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead!
JOANNA: We will! We'll tell
them right away! turns to other women Let's go!
Three start moving away
2ND ANGEL: Say to
the disciples that the Lord will meet them in
Angels stand still until
three leave, then exit. Three women meet Mary Magdalene, who is en route to the
tomb. Only Other Mary stops long enough to speak with her.
OTHER MARY: grasping Mary
Magdalene's arm Mary Magdalene, he's not there!
MARY MAGDALENE: Where are
you going?
OTHER MARY: To tell the
disciples!
Hurries on to catch up with
companions. Women run on, leaving Mary Magdalene in garden. By this time angels
have disappeared. Mary Magdalene runs to tomb, enters, comes right back out,
much distressed.
MARY MAGDALENE: wiping
her eyes, speaking to herself Oh, they've taken my Lord away!
As Mary M. walks slowly from
tomb, she meets Christ Figure, whom she assumes is the gardener.
MARY MAGDALENE: Oh, Sir! You
are the gardener. Maybe you could tell me something, something I must
know! They've taken my Lord away. Do you know where they laid him?
CHRIST FIGURE: Mary!
Mary kneels at his feet for
she recognizes his voice.
MARY MAGDALENE: astonished
Master! It's you! It's you!
CHRIST FIGURE: Yes, Mary.
MARY MAGDALENE: You are alive!
Oh, Lord! My Lord!
CHRIST FIGURE: Go and tell
my disciples that soon I will ascend to my Father, and your Father; and to my
God, and your God.
Helps M. M. to rise
And tell them that I will meet them in
MARY MAGDALENE: joyously
Yes, Master! I will! I'll tell them all. I know where they're hiding!
M. M. leaves hurriedly. C.
F. walks away, in the opposite direction.
End of Scene 3
Spotlight goes back to Salome, Zebedee, and
ACT
III--Scene 4
Scene 4. Immediately after
Scene 3, at Zebedee's boat. Salome has just finished telling Zebedee and Kish
of the resurrection of the Christ, as it occurred while she was in
ZEBEDEE: getting to his
feet and speaking with a mixture of relief, elation—sheer joy
Now I know the truth!
My sons were right. I was wrong.
Jesus is the Son of God! The Christ!
Turns to Salome and
Salome!
For the whole world! It means he has
conquered death!
He--
Zebedee and Salome turn
quickly--to see James, John, Simon Peter, Andrew, Thomas, Philip, and Nathanael
approaching.
ZEBEDEE: joyously
Yes! It's the boys! And Simon Peter! And Andrew! And Thomas! turns to Salome
Do you know those other two?
SALOME: Yes. That's Philip
and Nathanael. Oh, I'm so glad they're back from
Zebedee and Salome go to
meet group
ZEBEDEE: Boys! Simon Peter!
Andrew! All of you! This is a blessed day! Salome just told me and
JOHN: Father, we've seen
Jesus!
JAMES: Twice! He has
appeared to us twice since his resurrection!
SIMON PETER: Yes, Zebedee,
our Lord lives! We've all seen him. And he told Mary Magdalene he would meet
us--here in
ZEBEDEE: When?
SIMON PETER: We don't know
when. But we will wait for him.
ZEBEDEE: Well, it's getting
late. Come to our house for the night, and wait there.
SALOME: Yes, I'll fix
supper--for all of you.
JOHN: Mother, we've made
other plans. But maybe we'll eat breakfast with you.
SALOME: All right.
SIMON PETER: We all want to
go fishing tonight. The Lord can find us on the sea--or anywhere.
Turns to other disciples
Do you all remember the night he walked on the water?
And the night he calmed the storm?
All disciples respond at the
same time, some saying one thing, some another as follows:
Philip: I'll never forget his walking on the water.
Andrew: Yes, we remember.
Nathanael: I remember that at the time we were so amazed!
James: We didn't know then that he was the Christ!
John: I'll never forget any of his miracles!
SIMON PETER: turning to
Zebedee and slapping him on the shoulder Zebedee, come go with us! We
haven't all fished together in a long time!
ZEBEDEE: much pleased
Well, yes! I'll go fishing with you. It has been a long time--nearly three
years. I'll take my boat.
SIMON PETER: No, come walk
on around the bend and sail with us. My boats will be waiting, I'm sure. turns
to
All men except Zebedee,
James and John start leaving.
ZEBEDEE: Salome, we'll all
be back at daylight.
SALOME: Good, I'll have
breakfast waiting at the house.
Salome leaves. Zebedee,
James and John hurry to catch up with others. They walk three abreast--Zebedee
in the middle, with an arm across the shoulder of each son.
End of Scene 4
Begin Scene 5
Scene 5--Early the next
morning, just at dawn. Not far from Zebedee's boat, which is tied up at his
wharf on the
CHRIST FIGURE: praying
Holy Father, I have so little time left now to be on earth, so little time to
talk to my beloved few--my chosen ones.
Help me to tell them once again of love--your love,
my love.
Father, "I have
glorified thee on earth; I have finished the work which you gave me to
do."...
My disciples have believed
that you sent me, for "I gave them the words which you gave me."
Again, I pray for them, and
not for them alone, but for "all who shall believe on me through their
word."
Let "the love wherewith
you have loved me be in them, and I in them." A-men.
Note to players: Above
prayer is based on the prayer of Jesus, as recorded in John 17.
All in fishing party enter.
They halt momentarily when they see the Christ Figure.
JAMES: with excitement
That's our Lord! Isn't it?
JOHN: Yes, it's him!
OTHERS: almost in unison
The Master!
CHRIST FIGURE: calling
Come! Come over here, my Children! Come have breakfast!
Disciples, Zebedee and
CHRIST FIGURE: Here, have
some fish. Simon Peter, pass the bread.
Simon Peter takes bread
basket around. Each takes a cake of bread. Each takes some of the fish. Some
sit down, some remain standing. C. F. continues to talk as he distributes fish.
CHRIST FIGURE: Honorable
Zebedee, did you catch many fish last night?
ZEBEDEE: No, Master. Not any.
SIMON PETER: We didn't even see
a fish.
CHRIST FIGURE: After a
while, I will show you where to cast your nets, and you will catch an
abundance.
Sits down.
Now, once more, I want to talk to you about love.
God's love.
Simon Peter, do you love me?
SIMON PETER: Oh, yes, Lord.
I do.
CHRIST FIGURE: Then you must
feed my sheep.
SIMON PETER: Feed your
sheep?
CHRIST FIGURE: Yes, if you
are sure you love me, feed my sheep.
SIMON PETER: Lord, I'm sure.
CHRIST FIGURE: Do you,
Simon? And the rest of you? waves hand to include whole group. Do you
love me more than all these things--the sea, the fish, the world? gives
sweep of the hand
SIMON PETER: Oh, yes, Lord,
you know we love you! all murmur agreement
CHRIST FIGURE: Then you are
to feed the sheep of my pastures--when they turn astray and turn every one to
his own way. For I have borne the iniquity of them all.
You are to continue in my
love; for "as the Father has loved me, so have I loved you." John
15:9
Many times have I told you
that you are to love one another, as I have loved you. This do.
You are to go into the whole
world, teaching my word, my love--so that all may know life eternal in the only
true God, and in Jesus Christ, whom he has sent.
You are witnesses of all these things.
Come, now. Come walk with me. And talk with me.
And be not afraid. I will be with you, always.
All except Zebedee and
ZEBEDEE:
ZEBEDEE:
ZEBEDEE: And tell her that I
will be home, after a while.
Zebedee goes down toward his
boat, to talk to the sea.
ZEBEDEE: leaning against
his boat and looking out toward the sea Ah, old Heart-Shaped Sea of
Galilee, I have something to say to you.
When I was a child, I heard
the legend that God made you like the heart of a man. But I never heard why.
Pause Now, I know. It was to show His love.
O Sea of Galilee, you are
the most fortunate sea in all the world--not because your shape is like the
heart of a man, but because slowly, now this day, the Son of
God, the Risen Christ, walked along your shores!
And, O Sea of Galilee, I am
the most fortunate man in all the world. The Son of God, the Risen
Christ, chose my two sons to walk with Him.
Zebedee stands silent for a
second or so, then turns and leaves--going toward his home.
END OF PLAY
-- Jewell Ellen Smith
28 January, 1983