By Casey Corless
A modern-day version of the Good Samaritan story, in which a former CEO tries to find a job.
Luke 10:25-37
Jesus
Joseph / Joe
Businessman 1
Businessman 2
Boss
(Crowd members, if desired.)
(The play starts in biblical times, with Jesus and his disciples sitting downstage.)
Joseph: Lord, how do I get into heaven?
Jesus: What does the law say?
Joseph: That I should love the Lord with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my strength, and with all my mind. And that I should love my neighbour as myself?
Jesus: Exactly … take this story.
(Jesus steps downstage, and his dialogue leads us into the next part of the play. As Jesus speaks, Joe enters and stands at the opposite side of the stage.)
Jesus: ABC Insurance Corporations has today announced that it is ceasing operations. This has left five hundred unemployed. Says a speaker for the CEO, Joe Bloggs, "We're very sad at having to let the company go but unfortunately our finances have lately been very tight." Oh, and tonight's lotto numbers are 5, 23, 13, 77 and 81.
(Joe is speaking to either the audience, or else a small crowd of people.)
Joe: Look, I'm really sorry this has happened, but … well … I'm just sorry. Your paychecks will be in the mail as soon as possible. Call me if you need a reference? (The crowd begins to exit.) Look, guys. Oh!
Jesus: Days turned into months for Joe. Months of unemployment. He couldn't find a job. Finally, he decided to apply for a few jobs.
(Joe picks up a newspaper. He looks at it.)
Joe: Well … how's this - finance manager?
(A Businessman enters, sits at a desk. He is speaking to someone on the phone.)
Businessman: Yes, I'll definitely put you down for the job. Goodbye. Next please. (Joe crosses to him.) Ah, hello sir. So, what's your previous experience in this field of work?
Joe: Well, I did insurance for a little while …
Businessman: You're good at maths?
Joe: Uh-huh.
Businessman: What was your name again?
Joe: Joe.
Businessman: Joe …
Joe: Bloggs.
Businessman: Oh, Joe Bloggs. You mean from ABC Insurance Corp? Well, um, look, I've got a lot of people interested in this position. In fact, I've already got someone in mind. Um, thanks anyway …
(The Businessman exits. Joe moves to center stage. Jesus speaks again.)
Jesus: The next job Joe decided to apply for was as a solicitor in a law firm.
(Another Businessman enters. Joe crosses to him.)
Businessman 2: Hi there.
Joe: Hello.
Businessman 2: So, you're here to apply for the solicitor's position, right?
Joe: Yes.
Businessman 2: What background do you have in this kind of work?
Joe: I studied law at Harvard University, and I've worked in insurance for ten years.
Businessman 2: Really? Well. I'd love to have you onboard.
Joe: Really?
Businessman 2: Yes. Where was your previous place of employment?
Joe: ABC Insurance Corp …
Businessman 2: ABC? You mean the one that went bankrupt … well … um. On second thoughts …
(Businessman 2 exits. Joe stands by himself.)
Jesus: By now, Joe was feeling sad. Rejected. Why couldn't he get a job? Until …
(Jesus holds up a sign. It reads: 'Insurance Salesman Wanted! Call 123456!' Joe reads it and pulls out a cell phone and dials, before exiting.)
Jesus: That was it - Joe had found a job! It was at a big, bustling insurance company.
(Joe enters, led by the Boss.)
Boss: And here's your office. On the top floor of GoodSam Tower. With city views. State of the art computer, company car …
Jesus: In fact, Joe became such a good employee that when the Boss was …
Joe: … going out of the country, really?
Boss: Yes, to London.
Jesus: In fact, the Boss wanted Joe to …
Joe: … be in charge while you're gone? Really?
Boss: Uh-huh, Joe. I'll be gone for a month. But, if everything goes well, then a promotion could be in order!
Joe: Really? Wow!
(The characters reassemble into their positions as in the start of the play.)
Jesus: Now, which of the three businesmen was a neighbour to Joe?
Joseph (sheepishly): The one who stopped and helped him?
Jesus: Exactly. Now YOU go out and do the same!
…………..
Copyright Casey Corless, all rights reserved.
This play may be performed without royalty payment, provided no charge is made
for admission to the performance. In return for free use, the author would like
to be told of any performance. He may be contacted at spotlight_123@yahoo.com.au