A Midsummer Canaanight’s Dream
By Eric Stapleton
Summary:
A humorous look at Joseph after he has been cast down into the well by
his brothers. He reflects on the possibility of his being arrogant
and the seeming absence of God’s provision. Joseph rejoices (prematurely)
as a rope is handed down to him from above. God has answered his
prayer…kind of. Joseph still has more work to do…
Cast
Joseph
Judah (voice)
Script
Joseph: (to audience) Once upon a time there was this cool guy named Joseph.
He was so cool that his dad gave him a beautiful, one of a kind, first
edition, coat of many colors. And he was so cool that God told him
that he was going to rule over his father, brothers and mothers.
Yep, mothers. Joseph was so cool he had to have more than one.
It’s a long story, read the cliff notes. Anyway, God talked to Joseph
in a dream and told him all this. Now, that is not the kind of information
that a guy can keep to himself, so Joseph let his brothers know what God
told him so they wouldn’t stop being so jealous and get with the program.
You know, so they wouldn’t tease him for being dad and mom’s favorite or
put sand in his blanket or (directed upward) THROW HIM INTO A EVER-FLOODING
WELL. C’mon guys let me out! (no response) Pleeeeze?
Look, you can keep the coat just let me out of here. I won’t even
tell dad or moms about it this time! (no response) A joke’s
a joke guys. Let me out. (still, no response) Ok, have
it your way. Ha, ha. Laugh it up now! You won’t be laughing
when God has his way and you’re cleaning the dirt out from underneath my
fingernails! (starts to dodge back and forth as if something is being
thrown down at him) Oh, come on guys, I was only kidding. (one
hits him) Hey that one was close! I was just kidding. Come
on, Naphtali, I’ll stop making fun of your name. (an aside)
Even though it sounds like a girl’s. Reuben, Gad?. (no response)
Are you guys still there? Hello. Olly olly oxen freeee!
Son of Shechemite! They left me here. I can’t believe it!
What am I going to do now? I could always talk to the guy who got
me into this mess. What’s the use? He knows I’m here.
But why has God allowed me to be here when he promised me I’d be a ruler.
God, you promised! I don’t get it. I thought that if I had
your blessing then everything would be all good. Isn’t that what
it means to have your blessing? That’s what it should mean anyway.
How can I be ruler over my brothers from INSIDE OF AN EVER-FLOODING WELL?
I’m supposed to be over them, aren’t I? At least, I thought that’s
what the dreams meant. Maybe they didn’t mean that at all.
Maybe the dreams were just about wheat and astronomy. Of course,
how could I be so stupid! Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here. How
am I going to get out of here? I’m going to die here. Come
on, God let me out. Pleeeze? (on his knees) O God, please
please please please get me out of here.
Voice: O Joseph!
Joseph: God?
Voice: No. It’s your brother Judah, you idiot. Look,
I’m going to hand you down a rope, you grab it, and we’ll pull you up.
Joseph: See, I was right all along. God is in control!
The day of deliverance has arrived. Joseph you da man! (starts to
dance) You go boy, it’s your birthday--
Voice: You keep on dancing! They’re going to love that down
in Egypt. (laughs)
Joseph: Egypt?
Blackout
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© Eric Stapleton, All rights reserved
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are
not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange
for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and
for what purpose the play is performed. He may be contacted at: eric_the_nomad@netzero.net