Summary: How easily we can be prevented from making the most important decision of our lives, to be lit up for God in this dark world. In this drama, the devil tries to prevent people from lighting a candle.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 6min
Actors: 6M/F
Characters
Devil
5 candle-lighters
Production note: The devil, perhaps in costume of horns and red cloak, stands centre stage as guardian of the candle. Each character who enters may do so from any direction, and the devil with his cunning words tries to get rid of them all. The candle could be a large Easter candle, decorated for Christmas, which can easily be seen. Matches in a box should be available at its base, or on the table which supports the candle.
The devil walks back and forward relishing negative words.
Devil: (Enters, rubbing his hands ANGER: HATE: GREED: SPITE: SELFISHNESS:TERRORISM: ABUSE: DARKNESS).
First Person: (Enters, makes way towards candle).
Devil: What are you doing here?
First Person: It’s too dark in here, so I thought I’d light that candle.
Devil: CAREFUL you'll knock the candle over, you IDIOT! You’ve never been any good at anything, sit back down!
(First person leaves. Devil laughs and looks pleased and says EA-SY [clap,clap,clap] EA-SY [clap,clap,clap]) ANGER: HATE: GREED: etc.,
Second Person: (Enters, moves towards candle)
Devil: What are you doing here?
Second Person: It’s a bit dark in here, so I’m going to light that candle.
Devil: Nobody makes important decisions (snaps fingers) just like that. You’ve got the rest of your life to make up your mind. Go away and think about it, take your time. Put your television on, play a computer game, turn the hi-fi up. Chill out, will you?
Second person leaves. Devil laughs and looks pleased and says EA-SY [clap,clap,clap] EA-SY [clap,clap,clap]). SPITE: SELFISHNESS: etc.,
Third Person: (Enters, moves towards candle).
Devil: What are you doing here?
Third Person: Well, it’s a bit dark in here, so I was just going to light that candle.
Devil: But you've got exams coming up soon, and homework to do. Karate, judo, kick boxing, football, drama club. You haven't got time!
(Third person leaves. Devil rubs hands together, looks pleased and says EA-SY, etc) TERRORISM: ABUSE etc
Fourth Person: (Enters, moves towards candle, picks up box of matches)
Devil: What do you think you're doing?
Fourth Person: It’s dark in here, so I thought I’d better light the candle.
Devil: Well you can do… (Pauses while fourth person strikes a match)…but they’ll all laugh at you, call you names, religious freak, holy Joe, member of the God squad, “over the top”. I mean, do you really want all that hassle? Never be first to make a move, let somebody else light it.
Fourth Person: (Blows out match and leaves, making sure the box of matches are left near the candle).
Devil: (Is extremely pleased, laugh loudly and says EA-SY, etc) ABUSE, DARNESS ANGER, ETC.
Fifth Person: (Enters, moves towards the candle).
Devil: And what are you doing here?
Fifth Person: It’s a bit dark in here, so I’ve come to light the candle.
Devil: You’re too young.
Fifth Person: What’s that got to do with it?
Devil: You’re not bright enough.
Fifth Person: What’s that got to do with it?
Devil: Well, you’re not brave enough.
Fifth Person: What’s that go to do with it?
Devil: (Looking really worried yells) You’re not good enough!
Fifth Person: That’s got nothing to do with it.
Devil: Then why are you so keen to light the candle?
Fifth Person: (Lights candle and says) Because it’s better to light one candle, than forever curse the darkness.
Devil: (Shrinks back, covering himself with cloak and slinks away)
……………………………………
© Sheila Hamil, all rights reserved.
These dramas are intended for use in churches, youth clubs and schools and can be photocopied, but they are to be used in no way for personal gain, as I have printed them for you and am gaining nothing myself.
It is my wish that anyone making profit from them in any way, should direct those profits to Christian Aid or some other recognised charity. One or two stories are from sources unknown to me, and I will gladly credit the author or delete the work if necessary should anyone make it known to me. Contact: