The Road to Bethlehem: An Interactive Drama By Michael Leathers

Transcription

1 NOW SERVING FRESH DRAMA The Road to Bethlehem: An Interactive Drama By Michael Leathers STORY A Wiseman prepares to lead a group of travelers on a journey to discover if the prophecies have come true. Has the long-awaited Messiah arrived? A skeptical servant agrees to join this journey for a price, but this servant soon reveals other motives for joining these travelers. At each stop, they encounter others who help or hinder their search along the road to Bethlehem. CAST Servant Wiseman Soldier Herod Oracle Elizabeth Zechariah Messenger Young Beggar Animal Keeper Animal Keeper s Child (non-speaking) Inn Worker Mary (non-speaking) Joseph (non-speaking) Various townspeople of all ages and merchants in the marketplace OPTIONAL CAST Attendants to Herod THEMES Christmas. One-Act.

2 rileysdiner.com THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: AN INTERACTIVE DRAMA 1 SCENE 1: The Journey Begins (We re in a room where up to 25 audience members have been seated. They are the TRAVELERS, waiting for the start of their journey to find the Messiah. A few props and set pieces suggest that we re in a village at the time near the birth of Christ. Music can play to set the atmosphere while these TRAVELERS wait. enters to sell some wares) (Bubbly and friendly; trying to make a few sales) Greetings. Good day to you. What a fine group of travelers. You are traveling, are you not? Many in our town talk about you. That you are the ones about to embark upon a grand journey, yes? Perhaps I can offer you some of my simple wares. To ease your journey, yes? ( displays a basket of goods) Some oil? To soothe your feet after a long day s walk. I have skins for water. Coverings to protect your head from the sun. ( enters, unknown to ) May I ask your business here? (Dismissive, not turning to see who has entered) One moment and I shall be with you. As soon as I finish with these generous customers. I recall granting no permission for merchants to enter and peddle their wares. (Turns and sees. Falls on knees before ) My lord, forgive me. I only wanted to help these fine people before they embark on such a long and treacherous journey. You know where we are going?

3 rileysdiner.com THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: AN INTERACTIVE DRAMA 2 Only whispers from the town. Some say you seek the Messiah. And what do you think of such rumors? Who am I to question such a noble journey? I only wish to offer my services. I am your servant. Do you doubt the Messiah has come? You may speak freely. (Hesitant) I am not a learned scholar. I know what I see. Our people have been waiting for hundreds of years for the Messiah to keep His promise. He has chosen to be silent while Rome beats down upon our backs more and more with each passing year. Do not mistake His silence for indifference. He has come and nothing shall be the same again. If you speak truth, why must we go to Him? Why does He not stretch forth His arm and wipe out the injustice that has rained down upon us for far too long? Perhaps you should join us and see. I have need of someone who can assist my fellow travelers on our journey. I am honored, my lord, but I do not know if I could leave my home for so long. (Smiling, pulls out a small sack of coins) I will pay you well to see to the needs of my guests.

4 rileysdiner.com THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: AN INTERACTIVE DRAMA 3 I am at your service. Then let us begin. I have companions from the East who have gone on before us, but we may yet overtake them. We shall first go to a home near Judea, where many speak of a miracle from God that has taken place there. As you wish, my lord, however Speak. Do not hold your tongue. What is on your mind? Certainly a Messiah would make His presence known first to the mightiest rulers of the land. There is much you have yet to learn about this Messiah. I have no doubt your words are true. Yet I know with confidence that men from your land have visited Herod himself. I have heard about this Herod. Wisdom tells me his is a door that should remain closed. It is your will, my lord. Travelers, let us see where our journey leads. Come, our search begins. ( leads the exit, with following the TRAVELERS) (End scene)

5 rileysdiner.com THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: AN INTERACTIVE DRAMA 4 SCENE 2: The Soldier s Orders (The stops his travelers at a small stable. A camel or donkey is inside. A stands nearby on a raised platform. is positioned near the. The is at the other end of the group, where he addresses the TRAVELERS) Before we continue our journey, I must make an inquiry. Please wait here with our servant, who will tend to your needs in my absence. ( exits) I need your assistance. On your way, commoner. Herod s soldiers do not answer to one so lowly. (Removing an official parchment) Silence. Do not let the foreigner hear you. I am on official business. (Hands him the parchment) See for yourself. It is from Herod himself. (Reviewing the parchment) This appears in order. What assistance do you require? The foreigner who just left, he wishes to take us to Judea. I must bring him before Herod, but he has been unwilling to listen to my suggestion. I cannot afford to arouse his suspicions. You, however, have the authority to order him to appear before Herod. You must make it so. As you command. ( enters)

6 rileysdiner.com THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: AN INTERACTIVE DRAMA 5 Travelers, let us continue our journey. (To ) You! Foreigner! State your business in our land. I am on a journey of utmost importance. My companions have gone on before me, and I must hasten to reach them. What is your destination? I seek a couple in Judea. Their names are Zechariah and Elizabeth. He is a priest, and I believe my companions may be at their home. What business have you with this couple? Only to confirm that a wondrous miracle of God has taken place. Which god? There are many. The one true God. He who created and loves us all. He who is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I know not these men or their God. The mighty and merciful Herod finds all deities of interest. He will welcome your words. Proceed to his court without delay. You are kind, but we must be swift if we wish to find

7 rileysdiner.com THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: AN INTERACTIVE DRAMA 6 -- It is not wise to reject an audience before Herod. Some have rejected his hospitality and found themselves in prison or without a head. Perhaps a slight detour will not hinder our journey by too much. Make haste. I shall send a herald ahead of you to announce your arrival. Do not trouble yourself. It will not be necessary. I believe it will be, and I shall send an armed escort to lead you. Their swords are sharp, and they shall keep you safe from thieves on this treacherous night. Nor would I wish you to lose your way and miss Herod s court. Your kindness is beyond measure. (Optional: Two soldiers enter to escort the TRAVELERS to the next scene) (End scene)

8 rileysdiner.com THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: AN INTERACTIVE DRAMA 7 SCENE 3: Herod s Court (The TRAVELERS, led by the and, enter Herod s court. The ORACLE, HEROD s right-hand man and mystic, stands and watches them as they enter. Several COURT ATTENDANTS see to HEROD, feeding him grapes and figs and fanning him. HEROD pays no attention to the TRAVELERS. When all have entered, the ORACLE speaks to them) ORACLE Commoners, fall silent. Bow your heads in the presence of King Herod, your merciful and benevolent ruler. HEROD You may look up. (He surveys the crowd, looking for someone. He smiles when he sees ) My herald has told me of your travels. Not long ago, several rulers from a far away land sought an audience before me. They, too, said they were seeking a miracle from the one true God. These may be my companions. ORACLE Silence! Do not speak to the almighty Herod unless he grants permission. END OF SAMPLE This play is protected by copyright law. It is illegal to print, transcribe or otherwise duplicate this electronic document. We hope you have enjoyed this sample. To prevent copyright infringement, the rest of this play cannot be displayed. To purchase this script with full performance rights or to purchase a full reading copy, hit the back button to return to