By Frank Irace
Violence in the family is portrayed in this short skit.
Note: This script is intended to go with the Tracy Chapman song "Behind the Wall" from her album entitled Tracy Chapman.
Ephesians 5, Colossians 3
Man #1
Wife #1
Teenage boy
Man #2
Wife #2
Young girl
911 operator
Two guns
Scene 1: Dark studio
(This sketch is played out with the players situated in seats with the audience. They play out their characters from opposite ends of the room. Actors must have distinct voices to differentiate between characters. Dialogue begins as soon as song ends.)
Song: Behind the Wall (Tracy Chapman)
Man #1: ( Shouting ) I work hard! So what if I stop for a few drinks!
Wife #1: Sam, can't you see what you're doing to our family!
Man#1: I provide! Don't tell me what to do! This is my house!
Young girl: Dad! Please leave her alone! You're hurting her!
Man #1: Get outta here! Before I give you some of this! This time it'll take more than one policeman to save you!
( Pause )
Young man: I owe you nothing Pop! You were never there for me! You were never there for Mom! I can't wait to get out of this hell! As soon as I turn 16, I'm gone!
Man #2: You little punk! I've given you everything! This is how you show your appreciation! I brought you into this world, and I can take you out!
Young man: Get off of me!
Man #2: I'll kill you, you little punk!
Wife #2: Jonas, leave him alone! I said leave him alone!
( Pause )
Wife #1: Sam you're choking me! Honey, call the police!
911 operator: Hello 911. What's your emergency?
Young girl: Please help! My dad is drunk. He's choking my Mom. Please...
911 op: Calm down sweetheart. What's your address?
Young girl: 555 Riverside Drive.
911 Op: Stay on the phone, we're sending someone over.
Man #1: Ow! You bit me! I'll kill you! ( Gunshot )
Young girl: No!!!!
( Pause )
Man #2: Get away from me, Joan! I said get away from me! This little punk gives me nothing but headaches!
Wife #2: Jonas! Look at him! He can't breathe! Put down the gun! Please, put down the gun!
Young man: Go ahead Dad! You never were much of a man! Pull the trigger! I'll see you in hell! That's where you belong! I'm just like you!
Man #2: You little...( Gunshot )
Wife #2: Jonas! You killed my baby!
( Song goes on )
( Pause )
Narrator: Last year nearly four million American women were physically abused by their husbands or boyfriends. Forty two percent of women who are murdered, are killed by their male partners. Consequently, over three million children are at risk to exposure of parental violence each year. Physical abuse is only one aspect. Mental and emotional anguish caused by harsh words is another. This was not God's original design for the family. The Bible tells Husbands to love their wives and do not be harsh to them.* The scriptures further admonish Fathers to not embitter their children.* There will be a day when every man will stand before God to give an account.
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© Copyright Frank Irace Frank.Irace@usa.xerox.com
The author allows for use of this script to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you would like to make a donation to the author’s drama team, please send your contibutions to: Frank Irace, 146 Cuyler Street, Palmyra, NY 14522, USA.