by Peter Harrison
The piece is a visual representation of the major worries in our lives and how Jesus is able to deal with them. In His words "Do not worry."
Man/Woman
Jesus
Carrier 1
Carrier 2
Mat 6:25-34
Music: Salva Mea, Faithless (The music crescendos throughout the piece, until Jesus speaks when it returns to a quieter level. During the crescendo the music should be played loud - to make the audience feel slightly uncomfortable and therefore alert)
(Jesus enters as Jesus in a plain white t-shirt and stands (if possible) centre stage on raised platform facing downstage with a neutral face.)
(Man/Woman enters in a plain coloured top (preferably a bold colour like red or purple) and wearing a rucksack. S/He stands (if possible) beneath Jesus facing downstage with a neutral face.)
(Carrier 1 enters through back entrance wearing a plain black t-shirt with a ring-binder folder (with WORK printed on it). S/He continues upstage and as s/he does so appears to be flicking through the pages of the folder but with no emotion before standing between Man/Woman and Jesus and announcing in a loud neutral voice):
Carrier 1: Work.
(Carrier 1 places the folder inside the rucksack, Man/Woman appears to feel the extra weight added to the rucksack, Jesus remains neutral. Carrier 1 exits side stage.)
(As soon as Carrier 1 exits, Carrier 2 enters through back entrance wearing a plain black t-shirt with a ring-binder folder (with RELATIONSHIPS printed on it). He continues upstage and as s/he does so appears to be flicking through the pages of the folder but with no emotion before standing between Man/Woman and Jesus and announcing in a loud neutral voice):
Carrier 2: Relationships.
(Carrier 2 places the folder inside the rucksack, Man/Woman now starts to feel the strain added to the rucksack and seems to squirm under the weight, as Man/Woman moves Jesus looks down but his face remains neutral. Carrier 2 exits side stage.)
(As soon as Carrier 2 exits, Carrier 1 enters through back entrance with a ring-binder folder (with CHURCH printed on it). He continues upstage and as s/he does so appears to be flicking through the pages of the folder but with no emotion before standing between Man/Woman and Jesus and announcing in a loud neutral voice):
Carrier 1: Church.
(Carrier 1 places the folder inside the rucksack, Man/Woman staggers forward under the weight, Jesus remains standing but now his face shows concern - he is frowning. Carrier 1 exits side stage.)
(As soon as Carrier 1 exits, Carrier 2 enters through back entrance with a ring-binder folder (with HEALTH printed on it). He continues upstage and as s/he does so appears to be flicking through the pages of the folder but with no emotion before standing between Man/Woman and Jesus and announcing in a loud neutral voice:)
Carrier 2: Health.
(Carrier 2 places the folder inside the rucksack, Man/Woman falls to her knees and is obviously distressed, and Jesus is clearly worried. Carrier 2 exits side stage.
(In a loud bold but loving voice Jesus says):
Jesus: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
(With this Jesus steps down and removes the rucksack and puts it on himself. Man/Woman is clearly delighted, smiles and exits side entrance. Jesus looks up at the audience (he shows no sign of weakness whilst carrying the rucksack), smiles and exits side entrance.)
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Copyright Peter Harrison, all rights reserved.
This script may be used free of charge, provided no charge is made for entrance
to the performance. In return, the author would like to be told when the script
is used. He may be contacted at: PeterH87@aol.com