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.