Judas the Hero
102
description
Play script written by Alex Broun.
Transcript of Judas the Hero
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VOICE OF JUDAS
Every time I look at you I don't understandWhy you let the things you did get so out of hand.You'd have managed better if you'd had it planned.
Why'd you choose such a backward time in such a strange land?If you'd come today you could have reached a whole nation.
Israel in 4 BC had no mass communication.Don't you get me wrong.
I only want to know.
Did you mean to die like that? Was that a mistake, orDid you know your messy death would be a record breaker?
Don't you get me wrong.I only want to know.
Lyrics from Superstar from “Jesus Christ Superstar”By Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
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Cast of Characters
JUDAS of Kerioth, called Iscariot A revolutionaryISAIAH, his brotherISAAC, his cousinANTHONY, a followerSimon called JOSIAS, his father
JESUS of Nazareth A visionarySimon, called PETER )ANDREW, PETER’s brother )JOHN, a fisherman )JAMES, his brother )PHILIP )BARTHOLOMEW ) - Disciples and followersMATTHEW, a publican )THOMAS )Judas, called THADEUS )James, called ALPHAEUS )SIMON the Canaanite, called Zealots)MARY Magdalene )MARTHA )YOUNG MAN )
RomansPILATE, Governor of JudeaCAPTAIN
The ChurchCAIAPHUS, High Priest of Jerusalem
MALCHUS, his aideANNAS, his Father-In-Law
JAIRUS, ruler of a SynagogueHis UNCLEHis DAUGHTER
IsraelitesWOMANZACCHEUS, a house holderBARRABAS, a prisonerFATHERMOTHERCHILD
Centurions of the Roman Empire, High Priests, Scribes, Pharisees, Soldiers of theChurch, citizens of Jerusalem
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In darkness the cast are scattered throughout the theatre. A humming slowly becomesaudible and begins to build.
The lights go up faintly high on the stage, illuminating JESUS on the cross.
His body writhes in pain and blood drips from his wounds. He sweats profuselyand his breathing is hoarse.
It is clear he has been on the cross for sometime.
The humming grows into a single note that builds in volume as his body writhes again.The lights build to match the sound.
The note now becomes deafening and the light builds to a blinding intensity.
Suddenly the sound stops and in silence we see a blinding flash of light as JESUS’ bodywrithes in one final violent spasm.
His whole body is suddenly taut as every muscle stretches and then, as if his spirit hasdeparted, the body goes limp, hanging loosely from the cross.
The lights fade and go up on:
A MAN STANDING ALONE IN A SPOTLIGHT.
MAN : I remember when I met him. He was on fire. Liquid energy, glowingbright. Here was our answer. What we’d been searching for.The missing piece. The key. But that was at the start. Beforeeverything ... changed. (PAUSE) There was another start. Beforehe came. When we struggled alone.
1. Outside a prison. Kerioth. Night.
TWO CENTURIONS ARE ON GUARD.
CENTURION 1: Shit. (BEAT) Shit hole. (BEAT) Dump. (BEAT) Fuckingdump. (BEAT) This fucking dump is a shit hole.
CENTURION 2: Your command of the Roman language astounds me.
CENTURION 1: Likewise. We could’ve got stuck in Nazareth. Or Jerusalem.There’s a whore down there who takes on fifty men a nightand still comes back for more. Loves every second of it.And the beer. Instead, I get stuck in this fucking dump.
CENTURION 2: Spare me. Do these insights come for free or do I pay bythe sentence ?
CENTURION 1: A comedian too. How diverting.
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CENTURION 2 TAKES OUT SOME COINS, HE SHOWS THEM TOCENTURION 1.
CENTURION 1: What’s that for ?
CENTURION 2: I’ll give you five if you shut up.
CENTURION 1: Dick (BEAT) Dick head. (BEAT) That’s the problem withEmpires. You get stuck in shit holes with dick heads.At least back home there’d be something to eat. And drink.
CENTURION 2: What’s the point in whining ? It’s not going to change anything.Accepting your lot. That’s the answer.
CENTURION 1: Very insightful. Not only are you a dick head, you are fuckingold fashioned one as well. These are modern times, arsehole.All change. All go. You have the power. If you want something,take it. If you see a chance, make it happen.
CENTURION 2: I think a hear a song coming on.
CENTURION 1: Negativity. Destroys all who let it. Positive power. I knowthis man. Name of Caesar. You should talk to him..
CENTURION 2: I can’t wait. We’re here to do a job. Let’s just do it andgo home.
CENTURION 1: Some job. Guarding arseholes in a fucking dump. Two bitrevolutionary of some absurd cause.
CENTURION 2: They want to overthrow Rome.
CENTURION 1: That’s what I’m saying. Completely absurd. They couldn’toverthrow a pile of pigshit. They’ve got as much chance ofoverthrowing Rome as I do of getting laid tonight. (HELAUGHS) That’s the real secret - to getting through this shit.Never lose your -
A SHADOW DARTS ACROSS UPSTAGE.
CENTURION 2: Shut it.
CENTURION 1: I can talk if I want to.
CENTURION 2: Something ...
CENTURION 1: Oooh getting jumpy. (FEELING THE BARS) Solid iron.How’s he going to get through there ?
CENTURION 2: He has friends.
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CENTURION 1: Somewhere. Maybe. I don’t know why they bother to keepus up all night. He’s not going nowhere.
ANOTHER SHADOW DARTS ACROSS UPSTAGE. CENTURION 2RAISES HIS LANCE.
CENTURION 2: Halt ! Who goes there ?
CENTURION 1 BURSTS INTO LAUGHTER.
CENTURION 1: (MOCKING HIM) Halt. Who goes there ? You’re fuckingparanoid. There’s nobody there.Listen to me - you’re a fuckingCenturion. A fucking Centurion of the fucking Roman Empire.The most powerful Empire in the history of the world. We’reliving Gods. No one’s gonna dare to come anywhere near us.We’re all seeing. We’re all knowing. We’re fucking magnificent.
A CLAY JAR ROLLS ACROSS THE STAGE.
CENTURION 2: Who’s there ?
CENTURION 1: Calm down. It’s probably just an old beggar with one leg.
CENTURION 2: Show yourself. (HE MOVES TOWARDS THE SHADOWS)Stand forward !!!
A BEGGAR COVERED IN OLD RAGS, EMERGES FROM THESHADOWS.
CENTURION 1: See I was close. Two legs. (HE RAISES HIS LANCE ANDMOVES TOWARD THE BEGGAR) Fucking hobo. Nowfuck off before I shove this up your arse.
THE BEGGAR THROWS OFF HIS RAGS TO REVEAL A YOUNG MAN,BRANDISHING A DAGGER. THIS IS ANTHONY.
ANTHONY: Lay down your weapons and no one will get hurt.
CENTURION 1: (LAUGHS) Yeah, you and what army ?
ANTHONY: I am not alone.
CENTURION 1: And I’m the Queen of Sheba. Put down your knife beforewe cut your fucking head off.
CENTURION 2: (TO CENTURION 1) Pull back.
CENTURION 1: Pull back ? I’m not scared off this local piece of -
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A FIGURE LUNGES FROM THE SHADOWS. CENTURION 1STAGGERS FORWARD.
CENTURION 1: Fucking arsehole stabbed me.
CENTURION 1 FALLS ON TO HIS KNEES. BLOOD DRIPS FROM HISCHEST.
CENTURION 1: (SCREAMS) Help me. Don’t let me die. Not in this shit hole.
THE FIGURE COMES FORWARD AND REMOVES HIS HOOD. IT’STHE MAN FROM THE SPOTLIGHT. HE IS KNOWN AS JUDAS OFKERIOTH.
JUDAS: Tell him to be quiet.
CENTURION 2: (TO CENTURION 1) Stay still now. We’ll get help.
JUDAS: Give me the keys.
CENTURION 2 HANDS HIM THE KEYS. JUDAS THROWS THEM TOANTHONY. ANTHONY AND ANOTHER WHO EMERGES FROM THESHADOWS, KNOWN AS ISAAC, MOVE TOWARDS THE BARS.
CENTURION 1: Fuck ‘em. Fuck ‘em all. (HE SWINGS HIS LANCE WILDLY.)(SCREAMING) Sound the alarm ! Sound the alarm !
JUDAS: I will not tell him again.
CENTURION 1: (TO CENTURION 2) Sound the alarm you gutless prick.
JUDAS MOVES FORWARD QUICKLY. HE PULLS THE CENTURION’SHEAD BACK AND PLACES HIS KNIFE AGAINST IT.
JUDAS: Be still now.CENTURION 2: I’m not scared of you - diseased Jew.
HE SPITS IN JUDAS’ FACE. JUDAS IS STILL FOR A MOMENT.HE WIPES IT OFF.
ANTHONY AND ISAAC EMERGE FROM THE SHADOWSSUPPORTING A THIRD MAN, ISAIAH, BETWEEN THEM. ISAIAHBLEEDS DOWN HIS SIDE.
ANTHONY: We have him.
CENTURION 1 TAKES OPPORTUNITY OF THE DISTRACTION.HE PUSHES OFF JUDAS’ KNIFE AND GRABS HIS WHISTLE.HE STARTS TO BLOW.
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CENTURION 1: Intruders. Intruders.
JUDAS PULLS THE CENTURION’S HEAD BACK AND SLITS HISTHROAT. THE CENTURION IS SILENT. HE FLOPS FORWARD ON TOTHE STAGE - DEAD.
CENTURION 2 DRAWS BACK. THE OTHER MEN LOOK ON INSTUNNED SILENCE. JUDAS GESTURES AT CENTURION 2.THE CENTURION DROPS HIS LANCE.
JUDAS: (TO NO ONE IMPARTICULAR) He brought this on himself.(INDICATING CENTURION 2) Lock him up. (TOCENTURION 2) And take your comrade with you.
CENTURION 2 DRAGS CENTURION 1’S BODY OFF. ANTHONY ANDISAAC LOCK THE JAIL DOOR BEHIND HIM.
JUDAS HOLDS ISAIAH UP. ISAAC COMES BACK TO JUDAS.ANTHONY STAYS AT THE JAIL.
ANTHONY: Take Isaiah. I will stay and make sure he does not raisethe alarm.
JUDAS DOES NOT MOVE.
ANTHONY: Go. Quickly.
JUDAS AND ISAAC HELP ISAIAH OFFSTAGE. ANTHONY STANDS INFRONT OF THE JAIL, WATCHING.
2. The House of Judas and his father. A short time later.
JUDAS, ISAAC AND THE INJURED MAN, ISAIAH, ENTER.
JUDAS: Clear the table.
ISAAC WIPES THE TABLE CLEAR. THEY LAY ISAIAH ON TOP.
JUDAS: Hot water and oil. Hurry.
ISAAC EXITS. JUDAS’ FATHER, JOSIAS, EMERGES FROMTHE SHADOWS UPSTAGE. HE CARRIES A SIMPLE CANE.
JOSIAS: Are you all returned ?
JUDAS: All except Anthony. He remained to make sure we were not followed.
JOSIAS: Was that wise ?
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JUDAS: It was his decision.
JOSIAS: Where is Isaiah ?
ISAIAH: Here I am.
JOSIAS: Let me touch you my son.
JOSIAS FEELS HIS WAY TO THE TABLE USING HIS CANE. FOR THEFIRST TIME WE REALISE HE IS BLIND. HE REACHES ISAIAH ANDPLACES HIS HANDS ON HIS FACE.
JOSIAS: It is you. Are you well my son ?
ISAIAH: I will live. Just. Thanks to Judas.
JUDAS: Let us not forget Anthony and Isaac.
JOSIAS: They are all brave men. Oil and water.
ISAAC ENTERS CARRYING A BOWL FILLED WITH STEAMINGWATER AND SOME WHITE CLOTHS.
JUDAS: It is here.
JUDAS, ASSISTED BY ISAAC, BEGINS TO WASH ISAIAH’S WOUNDS.
JOSIAS: Did all go well ? Was there no trouble ?
ISAAC LOOKS TO JUDAS. HE REMAINS SILENT.
JOSIAS: (TO JUDAS) Speak Judas.
JUDAS: None.
JOSIAS: You can not hide yourself from me my son. Your voice betrays you.
JUDAS: I did what was necessary.
ISAIAH: We spoke of no killing.
JUDAS: Would you have me return you to your cell ?
ISAIAH: A vow was taken.
JUDAS: Many vows were taken brother. Times are different now.
JOSIAS: Times may be different son but we must always remember our goal.
JUDAS: To achieve our goal we have to make sacrifices.
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JOSIAS: If you sacrifice who you are then no goal is worth achieving.(PAUSE) We must always remember, we must hold on tothis with all our strength, in battling our enemies we must notbecome those who we despise.
JUDAS LOOK AT HIS FATHER. PAUSE. HE RETURNS TO WASHINGISAIAH’S WOUNDS.
JUDAS: I did what was necessary. Nothing more, nothing less.
JOSIAS: These words are for another time. We are exposed now. We must leave.
JUDAS: Soon father. They know not who we are. Or where we stay.I shall get supplies from Jairus.
JOSIAS: You may endanger him too ?
JUDAS: He is protected by the Synagogue. As soon as Isaiah is wellenough to travel we will leave.
ANTHONY: (ENTERING) We may not have that time. We are undone Judas.You were recognised. They are on their way.
JUDAS: How am I recognised ? I did not know the man.
ISAIAH: Your fame outreaches you brother. You make such lofty speeches in themarket place and you think no one hears them ? You think you are notwatched ?
JUDAS: I should’ve silenced him too.
ISAIAH: Judas, have you lost all reason.
JOSIAS: Let it pass my sons. It was to be expected. You can not lead arevolution and remain anonymous. Enough now. I have preparedthe cart. Carry him out and bring the medicine.
ISAAC HELPS ISAIAH UP. JOSIAS PLACES HIS HAND ON ISAIAH’SSHOULDER AND THEY MOVE OUT.
JOSIAS: Come Judas. We must travel north to Nazareth.
JUDAS: I follow shortly. (THE OTHERS EXIT.) Stupid. Stupid !
ANTHONY: You were not to know.
JUDAS: But to lose everything now.
ANTHONY: Nothing is lost. The time to move would always come. Youspoke of that.
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JUDAS: We must drive these Romans from our land. If not with reason,then by force.
ANTHONY: And now the battle must be fought elsewhere. More must beconverted to our cause. It is you who must lead us Judas.
JUDAS: You appoint me as leader.
ANTHONY: By your actions you appoint yourself. Free us from this tyranny.
JUDAS EMBRACES ANTHONY.
JUDAS: That I should be blessed with loyalty such as this.
ANTHONY: Go now.
JUDAS: Yes we must.
ANTHONY: I will join you shortly.
JUDAS: No Anthony. It is too dangerous.
ANTHONY: If they do not find anyone here they will soon track you. I must delay them.
JUDAS: How ?
ANTHONY: I will spin my web. Go now. It must be done. (THEY EMBRACEAGAIN.) Go.
JUDAS: God be with you friend. You are a true serrael that you must return our land.
JUDAS: I promise you father, you will live to see that day. (PAUSE. JUDASHAS BEGUN TO RECOVER) Mystical powers. Is he a demon ?
JOSIAS: They say he is quite the opposite.
A MAN DRESSED IN AN OLD DIRTY ROBE ENTERS.vant.
ANTHONY: And also with you.
JUDAS LEAVES. ANTHONY DRAWS UP A CHAIR AND SITS AT THETABLE. HE POURS HIMSELF A GLASS OF WINE. SOUND OFBANGING OFF. THE DOOR BURSTS OPEN. A NUMBER OFCENTURIONS AND A CAPTAIN ENTER. AMONG THEM CENTURION 2.
ANTHONY: You are too late. They are long gone. While I led you here theybegan heading south on the road away from Kerioth. They arealready half a day away. Cheers.
ANTHONY SMILES AND RAISES HIS GLASS TO THE ROMANS.
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HE DRINKS. THE CAPTAIN LOOKS TO CENTURION 2.
CAPTAIN: Was he one of them ?
CENTURION 2 NODS.
CAPTAIN: You Jews must learn. Whatever you do, we willreturn to you - one hundred fold.
WITHOUT HESITATION THE CAPTAIN MOVES TO ANTHONY. HEPULLS BACK ANTHONY’S HEAD AND SLITS HIS THROAT.
THE CAPTAIN HOLDS HIS HEAD UP A MOMENT WHILE THE BLOODGUSHES FROM ANTHONY’S THROAT. THE CAPTAIN RELEASESANTHONY AND HE FLOPS FORWARD ON TO THE TABLE, DEAD.
BLACKOUT.
3. The Road to Nazareth. Dawn.
JUDAS PULLS THE CART ON WHICH ISAIAH AND JOSIAS LIE.ISAAC TRUDGES BEHIND. IT HAS BEEN A LONG JOURNEY THROUGHTHE NIGHT. JUDAS GRUNTS AND GROANS, NEARING EXHAUSTION.
HE TRUDGES A FEW MORE STEPS AND WITH A LOUD BELLOW,STOPS. HE LOWERS THE CART.
JOSIAS: Rest my son. We have travelled far.
JUDAS: How fares my brother ?
JOSIAS: He rests. His breathing is peaceful.
JUDAS TRIES TO CATCH HIS BREATH. JOSIAS FEELS HISWAY OUT OF THE CART. ISAAC POURS A CUP OF WATER FOR JUDASFROM A JUG HE CARRIES ON HIS BACK. JUDAS DRINKS.
JUDAS: Tell me father. Why must we travel to Nazareth ? Surely Bethlehemwould have been an easier road.
JOSIAS: It is the last place they would think we will venture. A Romanstronghold. And I have heard of a man there. They say hehas mystical powers. Perhaps he can help you with your cause.
JUDAS: It is your cause too father.
JOSIAS: I am to old Judas. It is for yourself, Isaiah and Isaac and all the otherchildren of Israel that you must return our land.
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A MAN ENTER. HE STOPS WHEN HE SEES JUDAS AND HIS FATHER.HE STUDIES THEM FOR A MOMENT THEN SUDDENLY MOVESFORWARD AND TAKES JUDAS POSITION DRAGGING THE CART.
HE LIFTS THE CART UP AND WITH GREAT EFFORT BEGINS TO MOVEIT SLOWLY FORWARD.
JUDAS: (TO THE MAN) What will you do my friend ?
THE MAN DOES NOT ANSWER. HE CONTINUES TO DRAG THE CART.
JOSIAS: Who has joined us ?
JUDAS: A stranger. He looks like a man but acts like a mule. He drags thecart for us. (TO MAN) Careful, you carry my brother there.
THE MAN AGAIN DOES NOT ANSWER.
JOSIAS: Perhaps he is a friend, easing our burden.
JUDAS: Or perhaps he is an enemy, leading us to an ambush. Speak, what is yourname ?
ISAAC HAS COME FORWARD AND WATCHES THE MAN CLOSELY.
JOSIAS: Perhaps he is like Isaac and has no words.
JUDAS: He has a tongue and he’ll use it. (HE PRODUCES A DAGGER)Or I’ll cut it from his mouth.
THE MAN LOOKS UP AND SEES THE KNIFE. HE SMILES ANDCONTINUES TO DRAG THE CART.
JUDAS: Put down the cart my friend.
THE MAN CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD.
JUDAS: Stop I tell you. Stop.
THE CART STILL ROLLS ON.
JUDAS: Obey me !
JUDAS LASHES OUT AND KNOCKS THE MAN TO THE GROUND.ISAAC RUNS TO HIM.
JOSIAS: You do not know who you strike.
JUDAS: I know a common thief when I see one. Come, we waste time.
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JUDAS PICKS UP THE CART.
JOSIAS: Stay a moment son. I feel we may have reached our destination.
ISAAC KNEELS ALONGSIDE THE MAN. HE STUDIES ISAAC INTENTLYTHEN TAKES ISAAC’S FACE IN HIS HANDS.
JUDAS: You waste your time, friend. He is mute.
THE MAN SUDDENLY BEGINS TO SPEAK.
MAN: He has words. Only he does not use them.
JUDAS: He is mute I tell you. Silent since birth.
MAN: (TO ISAAC) Open up your mouth and speak.
A PAUSE THEN ISAAC BEGINS TO COUGH, LIKE HE IS BREATHINGAFTER A LONG TIME. THE COUGHING SUBSIDES AND IN A SOFTVOICE HE SAYS:
ISAAC: ... Master ... ?
JUDAS IS DUMBFOUNDED.
JOSIAS: Wake up Isaiah. We have reached our journey’s end.
SUDDENLY A GROUP OF MEN ENTER. TWO RUSH TO THE MAN.THESE ARE JAMES AND JOHN, THEY HELP THE MAN TO HIS FEET.
JAMES: Master. Why do you leave us ?
JOHN: We know not where you are ?
MAN: I have made new friends.
ANOTHER MAN COMES TO HIS SIDE.
PETER: You bleed master. Which of your new friends did strike you ?
MAN: Always so quick to anger Peter. All is well here.
JUDAS: (TO THE MAN) And who are you who would take away a man’s cart, whospeak so grandly - and play tricks with throwing voices ?
ISAAC: There are no tricks ... Judas.
JUDAS: Speak. Let me hear your name.
ANOTHER OF THE MEN STEP FORWARD.
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ANDREW: This is the one true son of Man. The one who the prophet John spoke of.The one who will baptise with the Holy Ghost. (Mark 1,8)
JAMES: This is he that shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1, 21)
JOHN: The saviour who is Christ, the Lord. (Luke 2, 10)
PETER: This is he who when he was baptised the heavens did open upand the Spirit like a dove descended down upon him and therecame a voice from heaven saying : (Mark 1, 10 - 11)
PHILIP: “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1, 11)
JOSIAS: This is he of whom I spoke. Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee.(Mark 1, 9)
MAN: You all do speak too much. I am a simple fisherman, he that my fatherdid call Jesus.
JESUS MOVES TO JUDAS AND PUTS OUT HIS HAND. PAUSE.JUDAS TAKES HIS HAND. JESUS EMBRACES HIM.
JESUS: At last you have come Judas. Now we are complete.
SIMON THE CANAANITE: What Master ? Will you bring them amongst us ?
JESUS: We are all the children of the Lord, Simon the Canaanite. Bring themwith us. They need water and food.
WITHOUT FURTHER PROTEST THE DISCIPLES PICK UP THE CARTAND HELP JOSIAS. THEY MOVE OFF. JUDAS DOES NOT MOVE.
JUDAS: Wither will you lead us ?
JESUS: To the place you have always journeyed towards.
JUDAS: We come to free our land.
JESUS: We come to free the world. Come proud Judas of Kerioth. Begin yourjourney.
JUDAS: My journey began long ago.
JESUS: Then travel awhile with me.
ISAIAH: Brother, are we taken ?
JUDAS: I know not brother. I know not.
JUDAS FOLLOWS AFTER THE CART.
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4. Capernaum. The house of Zaccheus. Shortly after.
Gathered around are other FOLLOWERS - men, women and children. They preparefood in circles and talk. Among them is ZACCHEUS, the master of the house.
JOHN AND JAMES enter.
JOHN: The master has returned.
JESUS and JUDAS enter, the FOLLOWERS fall to their knees. Behind them arethe other disciples, several pulling the cart carrying JOSIAS and ISAIAH.
JESUS: Where is Zaccheus ?
ZACCHEUS COMES FORWARD. HE KNEELS BEFORE JESUS.
ZACCHEUS: Master you have returned.
JESUS: (HELPING HIM UP) Stand brother. My friends here are in needof food and drink.
ZACCHEUS: It shall be done. (TO JUDAS) You are welcome.
ZACCHEUS BOWS AND MOVES OFF.
JESUS: (LOOKING AROUND) Please friends. Rise, go about your work.
JUDAS: They bow before you as if you were God himself.
JESUS SMILES AND CALLS.
JESUS: Matthew.
A HUGE MOUNTAIN OF A MAN COMES FORWARD.
JESUS: We need beds for Isaiah and his father.
MATTHEW BOWS AND MOVES OFF. SOME OF THE OTHERDISCIPLES AND FOLLOWERS HELP ISAIAH AND JOSIAS.
A WOMAN APPROACHES JESUS. SHE FALLS AT HIS FEET.
WOMAN: Master, my daughter is bound by spirits. Free her.
JESUS: Rise sister. (THE WOMAN STANDS) Give me your hand.
SHE TAKES JESUS’ HAND.
JESUS: Lead me. (TO JUDAS)
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THEY MOVE UPSTAGE.
JUDAS: (MOVING TO JOSIAS) Father.
JOSIAS: Stay Judas. Talk to your new friends.
JUDAS: Friends ? Father, we waste time.
JOSIAS: Give peace son. Isaiah and I must rest after our long journey.Besides, are you sure this is not where our journey takes us ?
JUDAS: If this is where my journey takes me I feel we are lost.
MATOSIAS: You can not tell so soon. Travel down the road awhile before youdecide. Remember, every wrong turning brings you a step closer toyour true path.
JOSIAS IS LED OFF, FOLLOWING ISAIAH. ISAAC STAYS WITH JUDAS.
JUDAS: (TO THOMAS) Who are these people ?
THOMAS: They come from Jerusalem and from Idumea.
ALPHAEUS: And from beyond Jordan.
PHILIP: Some even from about Tyre and Sidon.
JUDAS: Why ?
PETER: They come to follow the Lord.
JUDAS: Why are so many sick and lame ?
THADEUS: They come because they believe –
BARTHOLOMEW: They will be cured.
JUDAS: Clearly they are not cured.
PETER: Those who truly believe are cured.
JUDAS: (LOOKS AT HIM, SMILES) Tell me more.
PHILIP: You want to hear of miracles. (JUDAS NODS). Brothers.
THE DISCIPLES LAUGH. PHILIP GESTURES FOR THEM TO SIT INA CIRCLE. PHILIP STANDS IN FRONT OF THEM. AS THEY RECITETHE MIRACLES - PHILIP ACTS THEM OUT.
PHILIP: Begin.
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ANDREW: The blind receive their sight
JAMES: And the lame walk
SIMON: The lepers are cleansed.
JOHN: And the deaf hear
THADEUS: The dead are raised up.
JUDAS LAUGHS
BARTHOLOMEW: And the poor
PHILIP: Have the gospel preached to them. (Matthew 11,5)
PHILIP FINISHES WITH A FLOURISH. THE DISCIPLES APPLAUD.
JUDAS: The last I can believe ...
THADEUS: Brother, it is true.
JUDAS: (GESTURING AROUND HIM) As I can see.
JAMES: Coming down from the mountain in Galilee a man was cleansed ofleprosy (Matthew 8, 3-4)
JOHN: In the country of Gergesenes two men stricken with devils were purged –
JUDAS: Of their purses.
ANDREW: The demons were driven into a herd of feeding swine.
THADEUS: The swine became so infected they ran violently down a steep hilland perished in the sea. (Matthew 9, 28-32)
JUDAS: Expensive miracle.
SIMON: In a corn field, just near here, an old man with a withered handtouched the master’s cloak and it was restored. (Matthew 12,13)
MATTHEW: Soon after a man deaf and dumb had his senses returned.(Matthew 12, 22)
PETER: You saw yourself how he made your brother speak.
JUDAS: A clumsy party trick. Next he’ll turn water into wine.
PETER: You can not deny it is so.
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PAUSE.
JUDAS: Isaac. Come forward.
ISAAC STEPS FORWARD.
JUDAS: Show the men your new found voice. Come now. Speak.
ISAAC IS SILENT.
JUDAS: Speak I say. The master gave you back your voice. Let us hear it.
ISAAC REMAINS SILENT. JUDAS TURNS TO THE DISCIPLES.
JUDAS: No voice. I wonder where has it gone ? Party tricks.
JUDAS MOVES AWAY.
ISAAC: Brother, I can speak.
JUDAS STOPS AND TURN.
ISAAC: But not when I’m standing next to you.
LAUGHTER.
JUDAS: (TO THE DISCIPLES) Another comedian. You learn your games well.
PETER: See for yourself.
A FAMILY ENTER CARRYING A SMALL BOY, CRIPPLED WITH PALSY,ON A CRUDE MATTRESS MADE FROM STRAW. (Mark 2,4).FOLLOWING THEM ARE TWO ELDERLY SCRIBES.
FATHER: Where is he they call Master ?
PETER GESTURES TO JESUS WHO SITS UPSTAGE AMONGST ACIRCLE OF FOLLOWERS.
THE FATHER RUNS TO JESUS AND THROWS HIMSELF TO THEFLOOR.
FATHER: Master.
JESUS GOES TO THE MAN AND KNEELS IN FRONT OF HIM.HE LIFTS THE MAN UP.
JESUS: What ails you brother ?
FATHER: My son is sick with palsy ? We have brought him to you.
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JESUS: Why my friend ?
FATHER: So that you may cure him.
JESUS: Your son’s sins are forgiven. (Mark 2,5)
SCRIBE 1: Who is this man to blaspheme ?
SCRIBE 2: Who can forgive sins but God only ?
JUDAS: (TO PETER) I don’t think your man’s too popular with the local scribes.
JESUS: (TO SCRIBES) Why do you question what you know in your heart ?(Mark 2,8)
SCRIBE 1: We know only the power of god.
JESUS: What is easier to say to those who suffer of palsy ? Your sinsare forgiven ? Or arise. Take up your bed and walk. (Mark 2, 9)
SCRIBE: You have the power to say neither.
JESUS: I do this, so that you know the Son of man has power on earthto forgive sins. (HE GOES TO THE BOY. HE KNEELS ANDSTROKES THE BOY’S HEAD) I say to you, stand up. Take up your bedand go your way into the house. (HE STROKES THE BOY’S HEADAGAIN. THEN STANDS BACK.)
PAUSE. THE BOY DOES NOT MOVE. JUDAS STIFLES A LAUGH.
PETER: (TO JUDAS) Not just yet.
SLOWLY THE BOY’S BODY BEGINS TO RELAX AND STRAIGHTEN.AS IF THAWING HIS ARMS, LEGS AND BACK SLOWLY COME TO LIFE.
THE SCRIBES STAND BACK IN AMAZEMENT.
ONCE HIS BODY IS STRAIGHTENED, THE BOY WITH SURPRISINGEASE STANDS AND PICKS UP HIS STRAW MATTRESS, AS IF HE HADNEVER BEEN STRICKEN. HE WALKS INTO THE HOUSE. (Mark 2,12)
THE FAMILY THROW THEMSELVES AT JESUS’S FEET. THE MOTHERIS CRYING UNCONTROLLABLY.
FATHER: Praise the lord. Praise God.
SCRIBE 1: (TO JESUS) This is the work of the devil. The Church will hearof the spells you cast.
THE SCRIBES DEPART. JESUS TRIES TO HELP THE FAMILY TO
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THEIR FEET. THEY KEEP FALLING TO THE GROUND.
A NUMBER OF THE DISCIPLES MOVE IN TO HELP THE FAMILY.THEY LEAD THEM OFF TO BE WITH THEIR SON.
AS THEY LEAVE JUDAS COMES FORWARD AND BEGINS TO CLAP.HE TOSSES A FEW COINS AT JESUS’ FEET.
JUDAS: Nice show. How much do I owe you ?
PETER: (MOVING TO HIM) Do you not hear what the master said ?
SIMON THE CANAANITE: Why do you question what you know in your heartis true ?
JUDAS: I know nothing but what I see with my eyes. And what I see is a bunch ofclowns, led by a cheap trickster.
JESUS: What are you scared of Judas ?
JUDAS: I’m not scared. My brothers and I have an important job to do and we’rewasting time.
PETER: Enough master. Let me lead him away.
HE REVEALS A KNIFE ON HIS BELT.
JUDAS: Now I’m really scared.
JESUS: (TO PETER) There are some that stand here which shall not taste ofdeath till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
PETER STEPS BACK.
JUDAS: Okay, the floorshow’s over. What’s for desert ?
JAIRUS, THE RULER OF THE LOCAL SYNAGOGUE, ENTERS.HE LOOKS LOST AND BEWILDERED.
JUDAS: (SEEING HIM) Jairus. What are you doing here ?
JAIRUS: I’m looking for ...
JUDAS: It’s alright. We are all well. You heard -
JAIRUS SEES JESUS. HE COLLAPSES TO THE FLOOR.
JUDAS: Jairus. Stand up. Don’t bow before this man.
JAIRUS: Help me.
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JESUS: What ails you brother ?
JESUS MOVES TOWARDS JAIRUS, BUT JUDAS STOPS HIM.
JUDAS: (TO JESUS) Stay away. I know this man. He is a ruler of our Church anda man skilled in medicine. You can not cure him.
JOHN: (HOLDING JUDAS BACK) Stand aside friend.
JESUS: (GOING TO JAIRUS) What ails you brother ?
JAIRUS: My little one is sick. We don’t know what’s wrong. She is almost ...
HE BEGINS TO CRY.
JESUS: Peace brother.
JAIRUS: I pray you. Come to her, lay your hands on her that she may behealed. So she may live.
JUDAS: Jairus. What are you saying ? Don’t ask this man. He is a fake. Come. Letus find a physician.
JAIRUS: Please Judas. Look into his eyes. You know what you see. He is theonly one who can help her now.
JESUS: Help him.
JOHN AND JAMES HELP HIM UP.
JAIRUS: Thank you master. This way.
JESUS: (WITHOUT LOOKING AT HIM) Come Judas.
JUDAS: (SARCASTIC) Yes master.
THE DISCIPLES, JESUS AND JAIRUS EXIT. JUDAS FOLLOWS.
5. The House of Jairus. Capernaum. Later
JESUS AND JAIRUS ENTER, FOLLOWED BY JOHN, JAMES, PETER, JUDAS,ISAAC AND OTHER FOLLOWERS.
JAIRUS: This way master.
THEY PASS BY A GROUP OF WOMEN. ONE REACHES OUT ANDGRABS JESUS’ CLOAK. SHE IMMEDIATELY TAKES HER HAND AWAY.JESUS STOPS.
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JESUS: Who touched my clothes ?
PETER: Master, you see this throng and ask who touches you ?
JESUS: Who grabbed my cloak ? Come forward.
THE WOMAN, FEARING AND TREMBLING, (Mark 5, 33) COMESFORWARD. SHE KNEELS BEFORE HIM.
WOMAN: Master it was me. I did touch your cloak.
JESUS: Why sister ?
WOMAN: I have had an issue of blood for twelve years.
JUDAS: Is there no end to this ?
WOMAN: I have seen many physicians and spent all I have. But when I heard youwere coming. - I knew that if I just touched your clothes I would bewhole.
JUDAS: Jairus, do you hear this ?
JESUS: (JESUS TOUCHES HER FOREHEAD GENTLY) Daughter, your faithhas made you whole. Go in peace and be free of thy plague.(Mark 5, 34)
WOMAN: Thank you master. (SHE KISSES HIS HAND)
JUDAS: Cured of course. (HE GOES TO JAIRUS) Brother, it is all lies.Come let us go.
A MAN ENTERS UPSTAGE. JAIRUS STEPS FORWARD TO FACE THEMAN.
JAIRUS: What say you Uncle ? I have brought Jesus to save my child.
UNCLE: He comes too late. She has departed .
JAIRUS RUNS OFF PAST THE MAN. HE TURNS AND FOLLOWS.
JUDAS: (TO JESUS) Now you see how dangerous these games you play are.He could’ve called a physician - instead he went in search of youand your miracles. (EXITS)
JESUS FOLLOWS JAIRUS OFF.
JESUS: Come brothers. (TURNING TO FOLLOWERS) I beg you brothersand sisters. Do not follow, but wait till we return. (Mark 5,37)
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THE LIGHTS GO UP UPSTAGE ON A SMALL BEDROOM. IN THE BEDLIES JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER. SHE IS SURROUNDED BY MOURNERS.JAIRUS KNEELS AT HER SIDE.
JUDAS ENTERS. HE LISTENS FOR BREATHING. HE PUTS HIS EAR TOHER CHEST
JUDAS: She is gone brother.
JUDAS COVERS HER HEAD WITH THE BLANKET. HE COMFORTS HISFRIEND. JESUS ENTERS WITH THE DISCIPLES.
JUDAS: Stay back friend. This is no place for you.
JESUS: Why make you these tears ? The girl is not dead. She does but sleep.
JUDAS: (TO JESUS) Enough. Leave here.
JAIRUS: What would you have us do ?
JESUS: Where is the girl’s mother ?
A WOMAN STEPS FORWARD.
JESUS: The rest leave us. Please.
THE MOURNERS DEPART LEAVING JUST THE PARENTS, DISCIPLESAND JUDAS. JESUS GOES TO THE BED AND PULLS BACK THEBLANKET. HE SMILES.
JUDAS: Brother I beg you. Stop this.
HE TAKES THE GIRL’S HAND.
JESUS: (HE WHISPERS) Talitha cumi. Sister, your parents are waiting,arise. (Mark 5, 41)
ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THE GIRL’S EYES BLINK OPEN. SHE SITS UPAND STRETCHES. IN SHOCK JUDAS, STAGGERS BACKWARDS. HESUPPORTS HIMSELF AGAINST THE WALL.
JUDAS: God save us all.
THE CHILD LOOKS AROUND.
CHILD: Why is everyone looking at me ? I’m hungry.
THE PARENTS RUN FORWARD AND EMBRACE THE CHILD.
JAIRUS: Master, how can we thank you ?
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JESUS: I ask you not to speak of this. She was ill and now is well.That is all. Now, she is hungry. Give her something to eat.
THE PARENTS LEAD THEIR CHILD OUT.
JESUS: (LOOKING TO JUDAS) Come brothers, there is much to be done.
JOHN AND JAMES FOLLOW JESUS OUT. PETER GOES TO JUDAS.
PETER: What say you now Judas of Kerioth ?
JUDAS IS SILENT. PETER DEPARTS.
THE LIGHTS CHANGE.
6. Capernaum. The house of Zaccheus. The next day.
MORNING. BRIGHT SUNLIGHT.
JUDAS, STILL IN SHOCK, SITS ON A ROCK. MATTHEW SITS NEARBY,SHARPENING A STICK WITH A KNIFE. AFTER AWHILE :
JUDAS: Brother, tell me.
MATTHEW: He speaks. I thought you had lost your tongue.
JUDAS: What are words worth now ? After what I’ve seen.
MATTHEW: Stick around. You’ll see a lot more. I remember on the shores ofGalilee when the wind roared like it would never end and lightningshot -
JUDAS: He brought a child back from the dead.
MATTHEW: As he did with Lazarus. And Simon’s mother, he brought back fromfever. (Luke 4, 38-39)
JUDAS: She was dead. I saw it with my own eyes. I held her lifeless hand inin my fingers.
MATTHEW: It is beyond comprehension.
JUDAS: But tell me. There must’ve been five thousand people in front of thathouse. Why did he send them away and not tell them of what hehad done ?
MATTHEW: That is his way.
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JUDAS: If the Romans knew the power he possessed – the power to overcomedeath - they would run screaming back to Rome.
MATTHEW: He is not concerned with Roman or Jew. He seeks to liberate the soul.
JUDAS: How can you liberate the soul and not the body ?
MATTHEW: It is his way.
JUDAS: Not for long.
ISAAC AND ISAIAH ENTER, SUPPORTING JOSIAS.
ISAIAH: What say you brother ?
JUDAS: I say it is good to see you fit and well.
JOSIAS: Morning my son.
JUDAS HELPS THEM TO SIT.
JUDAS: But should you be up like this ? Surely you should still be in bed.
JOSIAS: We remembered your words son.
ISAIAH: You were anxious to move on.
JUDAS: Our destination is reached brother. We have no need to goanywhere. I have seen power here that will make the Romans weep.
MATTHEW SMILES AND STANDS.
JUDAS: One more question brother. What were you before ... ?
MATTHEW: Before I met him ? I ran a drinking house in Bethpage.Nice little place. You might have heard of it. The Half a Sheep.
JUDAS: But how is it such a great man surrounds himself with ...
MATTHEW: Publicans and sinners ?
JUDAS: Forgive me.
MATTHEW: No offence. Pharisees asked him the same thing. He said:“They that are well have no need of a Doctor. But those do who aresick. I came not to call the righteous but the sinners to repentance.”(Mark 3, 17) Made them pretty mad. Still, most of what he says does.
MATTHEW LEAVES.
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JUDAS: I have been thinking brothers.
ISAAC: That sounds dangerous.
JUDAS: I estimate the crowd yesterday at about ten thousand. I’ve asked aroundand it’s the same and even bigger everywhere else as well. That gives usabout 150,000. Say only forty percent of those are men. Gives us an armyof 60,000 who, now this is the good bit, will do whatever he wants themto. Now we start by marching on somewhere small, out of the way, likeBethany. We consolidate then march on Jericho.
ISAIAH: Jericho ?
JUDAS: This guy brings back men from the dead. No one can stop us.
JOSIAS: There may be one problem. Maybe he doesn’t want to march on Jericho ?
JUDAS: He may not now. He just needs a little convincing.
JESUS ENTERS, FLANKED BY THE REST OF THE DISCIPLES ANDFOLLOWERS.
JUDAS: Brother, a word please.
JESUS: Good morning to you too Judas.
JUDAS: Sorry. Good morning. But I need to discuss something quite important.In private.
JESUS: Of course brother. But later. First I have something to say. Somethingthat concerns you all. Please Thadeus. Find Matthew and bring himhere.
THADEUS EXITS.
JESUS: (CALLS) Friends, gather around. I have something to tell you.
ALL ARE QUIET. THEY GATHER AROUND JESUS.
MATTHEW: (ENTERING WITH THADEUS) Sorry. (SHOWING STICK) Tryingto find myself a chicken.
LAUGHTER.
JESUS: Welcome Matthew. Welcome all. The word of God is known to us alland the word of God says that all are equal in his eyes. And so it is.But the time has come to choose twelve. Twelve disciples. And thesetwelve that have followed me in my regeneration, I say to you, when theSon of Man shall sit in the throne of his glory you also shall sit upontwelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19,28)
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JAMES: But which twelve Master ?
JESUS: So also say the Lord : many are called but few chosen and thuslet it be so.(Matthew 20,16) These twelve I will ordain that they shouldbe with me and that I might send them forth to preach the word ofGod. (Mark 3,14) They will have the power to heal sickness and castout devils. (Mark 3, 15)
PETER: Master, you will give us that power.
JESUS: Yes Simon who I call Peter - I give that to you.
JESUS HOLDS OUT HIS HAND. PETER GOES TO JESUS. PETER TAKESJESUS’ HAND. IMMEDIATELY HE FALLS TO THE FLOOR AND LIES STILL.
JESUS: James the son of Zebedee and John, James’ brother. I name themBoanerges - the Sons of Thunder. (Mark 3, 17)
HE TOUCHES THEM AND THEY BOTH FALL DOWN.
JESUS MOVES AMONGST THE GROUP, TOUCHING THE MEN ASHE CALLS THEIR NAMES. AS HE DOES THIS THEY TOO FALL TO THEFLOOR.
JESUS: And Andrew and Philip and Bartholomew and Matthew, andThomas and James, the son of Alphaeus and Thadeus andSimon the Canaanite. (Mark 3, 18)
ONLY A FEW ARE LEFT STANDING NOW. THREE YOUNG MENSTAND TO THE RIGHT, EAGERLY AWAITING THE LORD’S TOUCH.JUDAS STANDS AWAY FROM THEM.
JESUS GOES TO THE YOUNG MEN AND SUDDENLY MOVES AWAY.
ISAAC: Master, that is only eleven ? There is one more.
JESUS IS SILENT.
ISAAC: Master ?
JESUS GOES TO JUDAS. HE LOOKS AT HIM.
JUDAS: The last is Judas. Judas Iscariot. (Mark 3,19)
JUDAS IS NONCHALANT. THERE ARE CRIES OF DISAPPROVAL.
YOUNG MAN 1: But master how can it be Judas ? He is from Kerioth.Not Galilee. He is not one of us.
JESUS: All the more reason to choose him.
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YOUNG MAN 2: But we know nothing of him ?
JESUS: (STILL LOOKING AT JUDAS) We know nothing of anybody. All wehave - we have on faith.
JESUS REACHES OUT AND TOUCHES JUDAS’ FACE. HE STROKESHIS CHEEK. JUDAS IS UNMOVED. SUDDENLY HE MOVES AWAYFROM JUDAS.
JESUS: Now let them sleep. They will need their rest. As do I.
HE LEAVES ABRUPTLY. THE FOLLOWERS ALSO LEAVE.
JOSIAS: Son, you have been chosen.
JUDAS: We have all been chosen. We chose ourselves when we decided to stay.
ISAAC: But you are one of the twelve.
JUDAS: (LOOKING AT THE OTHERS) The twelve sleeping beauties ?
ISAIAH: You do not sleep brother.
JUDAS: I have too much to do. We have found our leader. We have theresources - now we need a plan. A plan to free our country.
JUDAS DEPARTS.
ISAIAH: Shall we follow him father ?
JOSIAS: And say what ? Whatever we say, he will not hear. Let us rather watchover the sleeping beauties.
LIGHTS FADE. END PART 1.
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Part 2.
Again the spotlight.
JUDAS: Jesus was serious about sending us forth to preach. He sent usoff in teams of two to spread the “word of God”. Whatever thatmeant. This was a waste of valuable time. But he was in charge – for now- so I went. And after six months we returned to Capernaum. He waswaiting.
Scene 1. An open place.
THE LIGHTS GO UP ON JESUS, NOW WEARING A BRIGHT WHITE ROBE,SURROUNDED BY JOHN AND JAMES, ANDREW AND PETER AND MATTHEWAND PHILIP. THEY ARE LAUGHING.
MATTHEW: Now tell them what really happened brother ?
PHILIP: It is true I swear it.
ANDREW: On your life.
PHILIP: Without a moment’s hesitation.
JESUS: He saved a goat.
PHILIP: A big fat dirty one.
JAMES: Not to mention ugly.
PHILIP: Cured him. Once lame, now can walk. And a dog too.
JOHN: A dog as well.
PHILIP: Restored his teeth.
MORE LAUGHTER.
JESUS: Are we not all God’s creatures ?
PHILIP: I give you Disciple Matthew. Guardian angel of goats and dogs.
MATTHEW: With rotten teeth.
JESUS: And you Andrew, and my beloved Peter ? Did you twobring salvation in the animal kingdom ?
ANDREW: My brother’s faith is strong, master. The light in him burns bright.Those he saved are too great to mention.
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PHILIP: Well mention a few ?
PETER: Brother please. My wonders are not so great.
ANDREW: But wonders still. In Siloam, there where the tower fell and killed somany, (Luke 13,4) did he find a family so struck by grief thatthey had been eaten by demons for nearly a year. He placedhis hands upon the mother and behold a light shone above herhead and the demons were transported. To each child then didhe go and one by one the light appeared and they were reborn.
PETER: The power of God is great.
JESUS: The faith of Simon Peter is great.
JESUS EMBRACES PETER.
JESUS: And what say you James and John ? How went your travels ?
JOHN: We did walk through Chorazin and Bethsaida.
JAMES: Spreading the word of the one true God as you did bid us.
JOHN: But our words did fall on deaf ears and many turned their backs to us.
JAMES: Near Chorazin we did find one man who was ill with a terrible fever.
JOHN: We both placed our hands on him and he was cured.
A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FROM THE OTHERS.
JESUS: Remember the power that you have comes from God. Now let us eat anddrink. You are tired after your long journeys.
MORE APPLAUSE. OTHER FOLLOWERS MOVE OFF TO CARRY OUTJESUS’ INSTRUCTIONS.
JUDAS AND THADEUS ENTER, COVERED IN DUST FROM THEIRLONG JOURNEY. THADEUS WEARS A CENTURION’S HELMET.
JUDAS: Some work, others sit and laugh.
JESUS: Brothers, more of our flock has returned. Thadeus, come letme welcome you.
JESUS HUGS THADEUS.
JESUS: It is good to see your safe return. How fares your work ?
THADEUS: Hard and tiring but worthwhile.
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JESUS: I am pleased to hear it. (TO JUDAS) And you brother ? What will younot embrace me ?
JUDAS: I didn’t want to dirty your nice white robe.
JESUS: It will be clean again.
JUDAS EMBRACES JESUS.
JESUS: Welcome brother.
PHILIP: (GRABBING THADEUS’ HELMET) And what’s this ? Thegift of a new Convert.
HE TRIES IT ON.
THADEUS: We met a Centurion in Jerusalem.
JUDAS: He didn’t quite see things our way.
ANDREW: So you convinced him ?
JUDAS: Something like that.
JESUS: He who lives by the sword brother, dies by the sword.
JUDAS: Hopefully.
PETER: (TO JUDAS) Jerusalem brother ? I do not remember theMaster asking us to go to Jerusalem. You were meant for Bethany.
JUDAS: We took a detour. We heard news of John the Baptist.
JESUS: Of John ? Tell me what you heard.
JUDAS: He sits rotting in a Jail cell. A prisoner at Herod’s mercy.
JAMES: They will free him.
JOHN: Master, say that they will.
JUDAS: He is Herod’s plaything. He will go free only he if lets him.Unless he was to be taken by force.
JESUS: We will pray for him ?
JUDAS: Not much good that’ll do when Herod cuts off his head.
JESUS: (SUDDENLY ANGRY) The power of prayer is the strongest power wehave. You should learn that.
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JUDAS: Certainly.
JESUS MOVES AWAY. MARY ENTERS, CARRYING A BOWL.
JUDAS: (SURPRISED TO SEE HER) What ? You here ?
MARY MOVES TOWARDS JESUS. JUDAS INTERCEPTS HER.
JUDAS: Stay away from him.
HE KNOCKS MARY TO THE GROUND.
PETER: Judas. Why do you treat this woman so ?
JUDAS: Woman ? This is a vile whore. I know stories about her from Jerusalem.This is one schooled in the street and tainted with scum.
ANDREW: You know this woman ?
JUDAS: I met her in Jerusalem.
PETER: “Met” ?
JUDAS: Yes, I met her. But even if I hadn’t I would still know who she is. Herexploits are legendary. (JUDAS SPITS ON HER.) Out whore. I knowwho you are. You cannot cast your spells here. Get out.
JESUS STANDS.
JESUS: Call you her whore ?
HE GOES TO JUDAS AND KNOCKS HIM TO THE FLOOR.
JESUS: You hypocrite. Outrageous villain. Are you without sin ?Are you pure and white ? If you are then take up this rockand I will gladly watch you cast her down. I say to you all, let he whois without sin throw the first stone.
EVERYONE IS STILL.
JESUS: No, I say to you that whosoever looks on a woman with lust in his eyeshas already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5,28)
JESUS GOES TO MARY. HE HELPS HER UP.TO JUDAS.
JESUS: This woman is full of repentance. Her old life destroyed hersoul and now she seeks a new one - following the word of God.She is forgiven and now tends to us. Feeding us and washingour robes till they shine like new each day.
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HE RETURNS TO JUDAS.
JESUS: And you Judas ? You who has tarnished his soul more times thancan be counted. You who is full of self will and self importance. Youwho have killed and maimed for your great cause. You choose tojudge her.
JUDAS: My cause is the one true cause. The cause of all true Sons of Israel.
JESUS: No, all the foolish Sons who choose to follow you. You who wouldblock out the sun and carry mountains on your back.
JESUS MOVES AWAY. SILENCE. JUDAS GETS TO HIS FEET.
JUDAS: Do you forget you chose me as one of your twelve ? I have crawled on myhands and knees for you for the last six months. Through the heat and dirt.Through towns I never wanted to see, in places my worse nightmare couldnot have dreamed. I have even stood smiling with Romans to carry yourword of god. And now you choose to outcast me. Throw out for this whore.
JESUS: You should need no thanks. The work should be enough. If youtruly believed.
JUDAS: Well you should know. You chose me. Yes - you chose me. JudasIscariot - one of your twelve. To sit on a throne for all of eternity.Did you choose wisely ? Did you make a mistake ? What say you ?Did the great Son of Man make a mistake ?
JESUS: I am human, just as you.
PETER: What say you Thadeus ? Did the Master choose right ? Did Judas workhis wonders. Speak brother.
THADEUS: There was much to do and little time.
PETER: Did he work wonders ? Save a soul, ease a fever. Did he teach theword of God
THADEUS: We had other aims as well.
PETER: What aims ? Did he work wonders ?
JUDAS: Yes, I worked wonders. I met a Centurion and I cut off hisfucking head. One less Roman in the world - that is a wonder.
ANDREW: No brother, no.
JUDAS: What say you Master ? I throw myself at your feet. Tell me andI will go. If I am not one of your chosen, if you did chose wrong.Just say one word and I will go. One word.
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SILENCE. JESUS REACHES OUT AND STROKES JUDAS FOREHEAD.
JESUS: How can so much anger be trapped in such a noble face ?
JUDAS: It is righteous anger. It is necessary anger. It is the anger that willhelp us achieve our goal.
MARY: No anger is good. Nothing good can come from anger.
JESUS HOLDS OUT HIS HAND TO MARY. SHE TAKES ITAND SHE LEADS JESUS SLOWLY OFF.
PETER RUNS TO JESUS.
PETER: You have heard this man speak Master. How can you let him stayamongst us ?
JESUS: He has been chosen brother. His place is here with us. (TO ALL)Good night brothers. Your brave work has made my heart full. Goodnight Judas. I am glad you have returned.
JESUS AND MARY EXIT. PAUSE.
PETER: Tell me Judas. If you hate this work so much why do you stay ?
JUDAS: Because I want what you want.
ANDREW: And what is that brother ?
JUDAS: To see our Master crowned as the King of Israel. To see all menbow before his throne.
JAMES: And will you stop at nothing to see it done ?
JUDAS: Nothing. I have not spent six months in vain. I have started formulatingplans to see it done. I used the time wisely I spent time in Jerusalem.
PHILIP: Meeting Mary ?
JUDAS: (SMILING) Apart from that. I worked out our next move.
PETER: Which is ?
JUDAS: We’ve done enough grass roots stuff. It’s time to go for the big punch.
ANDREW: Jerusalem ?
JOHN: Are you mad ?
JAMES: They will kill him as soon as he comes through the gate.
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THADEUS: No Judas is right. We should go to Jerusalem.
PETER: Brainwashed too brother ?
THADEUS: How else must we achieve our goal if we do not face the enemyhead on ?
JAMES: And who is our enemy brother ?
JUDAS: Those who would oppose his rule.
PETER: Our only enemies are those who lack in faith.
JUDAS: I must be mistaken but the Romans don’t seem too big on the “word ofGod”. At least those I have met.
MATTHEW STANDS. HE STARTS TO EXIT.
PHILIP: The lord of the Animals. Where do you wander ? Do you sensean ailing chicken ? A stuffed duck ?
MATTHEW: I am tired. I am going to sleep.
PETER: So should we all. Good night brothers.
THE DISCIPLES EXIT, LEAVING JUDAS AND PETER.
PETER: Good night Judas.
JUDAS: Good night Simon Peter.
THEY EXIT ON DIFFERENT SIDES OF THE STAGE.
Scene 2. Capernaum. Bright daylight.
A CENTURION STANDS ALONE ON STAGE, WAITING NERVOUSLY. JESUSENTERS, FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY THADEUS, JUDAS AND PETER.
JUDAS: Master, I beg of you not to do this. You can not help this man.
JESUS: If he does believe, he will be healed.
JUDAS: He is a Roman.
PETER: But his servant is an Israelite.
JUDAS: Who serves a Roman. I beg of you Master. Think of what theyhave done ?
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JESUS: Do not judge a man by what colour he wears Judas. Rather judgehim by what he is.
JUDAS: A thieving murderer.
JESUS: No one is all good or all bad Judas. Nothing is that simple.Because he was born in Rome, do I not help him ?
JUDAS: They are all killers.
JESUS: And killers too can be saved.
JESUS AND PETER GO TO THE CENTURION.
JESUS: You ask for me.
THE CENTURION KNEELS.
CENTURION: Lord, trouble you not yourself. For I am not worthy that youshould enter under my roof. I am not worthy to even come toto ask for help. But say the word and I know my servant shall behealed. (Luke 7, 6-7) For I am also a man given with authority.Having under me soldiers and when I say to one of them “Go” -he will go. And to another “Come” and he comes. And to myservant “Do this” and it is done. (Luke 7, 8) If you say “Behealed”, my servant will be well.
JESUS TAKES THE CENTURION’S HAND AND HELPS HIM TO HIS FEET.
JESUS: I say to you all - I have not found so great faith. (TO CENTURION) No,not in Israel. Take me to your servant and he will be well.
JESUS AND THE CENTURION EXIT, FOLLOWED BY PETER.
JUDAS: It is probably for the best. It buys us time. If the master had nothelped him they may have retaliated.
THADEUS: Master, will we follow ?
JUDAS: You go along. Tell me what you see. I will not watch one Roman’stroubles being soothed. Go now.
THADEUS DEPARTS FOLLOWING JESUS. JUDAS SITSON A ROCK. HE RUBS HIS FEET.
MARY ENTERS WITH A BOWL. SHE SEES JUDAS AND STOPS. JUDASLOOKS AT HER.
JUDAS: Early morning washing ?
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MARY: The Master’s feet are sore. I bathed them.
JUDAS: How considerate. My feet are also sore.
MARY EMPTIES THE BOWL. JUDAS MOVES TOWARDS HER.
JUDAS: May I ask you a question Mary ?
MARY: If you wish.
JUDAS: Why do you stay here ?
MARY: I stay here because when I am with him I feel at peace.
JUDAS: I’m sure there’s plenty of money to be made in Jerusalem.
MARY: I have looked into the face of God. After that, what need do I have formoney ?
JUDAS: You still need to eat. Somewhere to sleep. But then you already have that.
MARY: Before I met him I dreamt of him everyday. The one who make me feelcomplete.
JUDAS: You’re breaking my heart. (BEAT) I dreamt of the one who would helpme save our land.
MARY STANDS, SHE BEGINS TO EXIT. SHE STOPS.
MARY: Judas, I know that you do not like me and you don’t want me here.
JUDAS: It’s not that I don’t like you. It’s just I don’t think it’s a good look. TheSon of Man with … you. Anyway, what does it matter ? He has made hisdecision.
MARY: It is important to me. I hated my life. Romans, Israelites, husbands, sons,soldiers, farmers. Most of the time I wished I was dead. Now I am glad tobe alive. Don’t resent me that gift.
JUDAS: What do you care what I think ? You snared the first prize.
MARY: Because he listens to you. I don’t why but he does – and it scares me.
BEAT. SHE EXITS. SUDDENLY ALPHAEUS AND SIMON ENTER.THEY BREATHE HEAVILY, EXHAUSTED FROM A LONG RUN.
JUDAS: Alphaeus, Simon. Are you pursued ? How many are there ?
ALPHAEUS: No Judas. We are alone.
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SIMON: We bring news of John the Baptist.
ALPHAEUS: It is said that Herod will kill him.
SIMON: Where is the master ?
JUDAS: He has gone with Peter to do important work.
ALPHAEUS: What of Matthew and Philip ?
JUDAS: They are nearby.
SIMON: Bartholomew and Thomas await us at Herod’s house.
ALPHAEUS: If we are quick we can save him.
JUDAS: We may not save him regardless.
SIMON: Perhaps we should wait for the master.
JUDAS: He may be sometime. Let us gather up those we can. Isaac andmy brother. Matthew and Philip. How many men does Herod have ?
ALPHAEUS: Fifty at least.
JUDAS: Then we will need a plan. Come, we are wasting time.
THEY RUN OFF.
Scene 3. Mount of Olives, Bethphage. (Matthew 21,1)
JESUS SITS ON A ROCK. MARY IS WITH HIM. NEARBY ARE PETER,ANDREW, JOHN AND JAMES. THEY WAIT ANXIOUSLY.
ANDREW: But where did they go ? Is there no word ?
PETER: It is Judas’ work. The bad apple shall spoil the entire harvest.
JOHN: Brother we can not judge without knowing all the facts.
ANDREW: Perhaps they are set upon by bandits...
PETER: The chief bandit is among them.
JAMES: Master, what say you ? Are they in danger ?
JESUS: There is only one who knows all James and that one is God. He knows allthat has come and all that is to come. What each man thinks in his head
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JESUS: (CONT) and his heart. Who is evil and who is pure and who is bound fordamnation and who bound for glory.
JOHN: But what must we do ?
JESUS: We must sit and pray. Pray for knowledge of his will and the power tocarry it out. Seek guidance on what he would have us do.
JAMES: That’s sure to help.
JESUS: But if he would have us wait - then wait we must. He is the onetrue God and all we seek is all he desires.
ANDREW: Surely master we must do something ?
JESUS: We must Pray. Is prayer not action enough. (PAUSE) Comebrothers, sit with me.
THE FOUR DISCIPLES LOOK AT JESUS. THEY ARE UNCERTAIN.PETER MOVES FORWARD AND SITS IN FRONT OF JESUS. SLOWLYTHE OTHER THREE FOLLOW.
JESUS: Now brothers. Let us pray.
THEY BOW THEIR HEADS IN SILENT PRAYER. AFTERSOMETIME JESUS RAISES HIS HEAD AND OPENS HIS EYES.
JESUS: They have returned.
MOMENTS LATER MATTHEW, PHILLIP AND ISAAC ENTERCARRYING A LARGE OBJECT ROLLED IN DIRTY CLOTH. ALPHAEUS,SIMON, THOMAS AND BARTHOMOLEW ARE CLOSE BEHINDFOLLOWED BY ISAIAH, THADEUS AND FINALLY JUDAS.
JUDAS CARRIES A LEATHER BAG. (Matthew 14,12)
MATTHEW, PHILLIP AND ISAAC LAY THE OBJECT DOWN. SILENCE.
JUDAS GOES TO THE OBJECT.
JUDAS: Behold the great prophet.
HE UNWRAPS THE CLOTH AND A BLOODIED ARM FALLS ON TO THESTAGE.
THE DISCIPLES DRAW BACK IN REVULSION. JESUS IS SILENT.SLOWLY HE WALKS FORWARD AND KNEELS BEFORE THE BODY.
HE TAKES HOLD OF JOHN’S HAND.
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JESUS: Come brothers, let us bury him.
JUDAS: What ? Would you bury him incomplete ?
JUDAS SLIDES THE LEATHER BAG ACROSS THE STAGE.
JESUS LOOKS AT THE BAG. HE TRIES TO HOLD BACK HIS TEARS.
JESUS: Oh dear brother. What misery has befallen you ?
JUDAS: What has befallen him ? Come friends, gather round, and let me tell youthe fate of John, the Baptist. The one who came before clearing the pathof God. He was imprisoned at Herod’s whim and hearing of this the gooddisciples Simon, Thomas, Barthomolew and Alphaeus did seek to freehim. They returned here to seek help but found only a few of us as theMaster had led several away to help a poor Roman Centurion. Centurionswho we now shall hear more of. We went with them to seek how wecould liberate the great prophet who at the pleasure of Herod, theTetrarch of Galilee, had been taken to his house. You see Herod has abrother, Philip, the Tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and his brotherhas a daughter - the beauteous Salome. Herod did lust after this daughterand was so desperate to see her perform her famous dance of the Sevenveils that he promised he would give her anything she wanted if shewould dance for him. Anything. So Salome did dance and Herod didswoon and then the lovely Salome asked for her hideous payment. Thehead of John the Baptist. For she too did know of the great prophet and inturn lusted after him, asking only a single kiss. A kiss, which John -proud and pious - would not give. So she asked for his head so she couldplant her kiss on his dead lips, such was her whimsy. Oh but Herod, to hiseternal credit, you’ll like this part Master, did claw and moan and ask forher to repent. But the lovely Salome stood firm and so Herod bid aCenturion – you recall Master, those men of great faith - to cut off theBaptist’s head. And the Centurion, being a loyal Roman, immediatelycarried out his deathly task. So here lies your voice crying in thewilderness. Now he cries no longer. He lays before you, in two pieces.(BEAT) But Master what news of you ? How fares the Centurion’sservant you so gently went to heal ? Will you not give John the sameblessing ? Here at last is a challenge to match your great powers.
PETER HAS HEARD ENOUGH.
PETER: (A BELLOWING CRY) Devil !
HE RUSHES AT JUDAS BUT IS STOPPED BY JESUS WHO PUSHES HIMTO THE GROUND.
JESUS: Oh generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from thewrath to come ? (Matthew 3,7). A good man, out of the good treasureof his heart brings forth good things and the evil man out of hisevil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say unto you
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JESUS: (CONT) this day that for every idle word men shall speak they shall giveaccount on the day of judgement. And by their own words they will bejustified and condemned. (Matthew 12, 34-37) On that day the angelsof heaven shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just.And cast them into the furnace of fire and there shall be wailing andmoaning like none that has ever been heard before. (Matthew 13, 49-50).Then shall two be in the field. One shall be taken and the other left. Twowomen shall be grinding at the mill. One shall be taken, the other left.(Matthew 25, 40-41) And pity those who are with child and to those whogive suck in those days. For as the lightning comes out of the east andreaches even to the west, so shall also be the coming of the Son of Man.The sun shall be darkened and the moon shall not give up her light.The stars will fall from heaven and the power of the heavens shall beshaken. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man inheaven and then shall all the tribes of earth mourn for they shallsee the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with powerand great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of atrumpet and they shall gather together his chosen from the four winds,from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24, 19-31) The day willcome in which there shall not be left one stone upon another that willnot be thrown down. Nation shall rise against nation and kingdomagainst kingdom. Great earthquakes will be everywhere. Famines andpestilence and sights and signs from heaven shall be seen. There willbe wars and rumours of war and there shall be horror such as hasnever been since the beginning of the world to this time and as shallnever be seen again. (Luke 21, 6-11.) And when these things come topass then look up. Lift up your heads for your redemption drawethnigh. (Luke 22,28) O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall Isuffer you ? (Matthew 17, 17) You serpents, how can you escape thedamnation of hell ? (PAUSE. TO THE DISCIPLES) Think not that I amcome to send peace on earth. I came not to bring peace but a sword.(Matthew 10,34) For these be the days of vengeance that all things whichare written will be fulfilled ? (Luke 21, 22)
JESUS EXITS.
SILENCE. EVENTUALLY JUDAS SPEAKS.
JUDAS: Now we are ready. (HE LOOKS AT THE BODY) Come, let us bury himover there. Beneath that olive tree so he may gaze down upon this holyplace for all eternity.
THADEUS GOES TO HELP JUDAS. FOLLOWED BY SIMON.SLOWLY THE OTHER DISCIPLES BEGIN TO HELP.
PETER STANDS APART.
JUDAS: What brother ? Will you not give John your blessing ?
PETER: I come Judas.
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THEY BEGIN TO CARRY THE BODY OFF. THEY STOP. THE LEATHERBAG SITS CENTRE STAGE. PAUSE.
MARY PICKS IT UP AND CARRIES IT OFF.
THEY EXIT.
Scene 4. Judas’ shelter. That night.
JOSIAS IS LYING ON THE BED. ISAAC SITS NEARBY, WATCHING HIMSLEEP. JUDAS AND ISAIAH ENTER, IN THE MIDST OF CONVERSATION.
JUDAS: Soon my brother, he is almost ready. Did you not hear thepassion in his voice. These be the days of vengeance.
ISAIAH: He spoke of many things brother. But neither Rome or Israel.
JUDAS: He spoke of the day of judgement. Our time is near. How faresour father Isaac ?
ISAAC: Once he cried out in sleep but now he is peaceful.
JUDAS STROKES HIS FATHER’S HAIR. HE KISSES HIM ON THEFOREHEAD. ISAIAH SITS.
ISAIAH: But Judas ...
JUDAS: Speak brother ?
ISAIAH: Sometimes I fear for you.
JUDAS: I fear for all of us.
ISAIAH: I fear you are travelling down a road and you know not where itends.
JUDAS: It ends in liberation.
ISAIAH: Or despair.
JUDAS: Faith brother. Be strong. We are close now. So close. We havethe power now to crush these Romans and we have almostharnessed it. Did you not hear him ? Vengeance is rising inhis soul. It just needs one more push to unleash the power of heaven.
JESUS HAS ENTERED, UNSEEN BY THE OTHERS.
JESUS: (FROM THE SHADOWS) Would you harness me like a mule brother ?
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JUDAS: Brother, you surprise us.
JESUS: A dumb workhouse to do your labour.
JUDAS: We spoke in jest.
JESUS: The only power I have Judas is given to me by my father. I am hisbeacon. He will use me as he may.
JUDAS: Of course.
JESUS GOES TO JOSIAS. HE STROKES HIS HEAD.
JESUS: How fares your father ?
ISAAC: He sleeps master.
JESUS: And what does he dream of ?
ISAAC: (SMILING) The kingdom of God.
JUDAS: What brings you to us Master ?
JESUS: Does the mule disturb you Judas ?
ISAIAH: My brother means for what do we owe this honour ?
JESUS: I am curious Judas.
JUDAS: About what ?
JESUS: The Romans.
JUDAS: Master ?
JESUS: Tell me about the Romans.
JUDAS: Well there is not much to tell. The Roman Empire is governedby Tiberius Caesar and they occupy most of the known world.Against the will of the true inhabitants of the land they seize.Pontius Pilate is their appointed Governor here in what theycall Judea and Herod is the Tetrarch -
JESUS: I speak of your hatred of the Romans. Such impassioned fury.What gave it birth ?
JUDAS: It is old pain.
JESUS: Speak brother.
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JUDAS: (GOING TO JOSIAS) See this old man. The lifeless sockets inhis head. This is the work of the Romans. A small token of their legacy.
JESUS: How did it happen ?
JUDAS: Why re-hash old events ? It is done. Let it go.
JESUS: My brother how can you let it from you when you clutch it soclose to your heart ? When it is the fuel that propels you every secondof every day. That drives you on and on to greater frenzy ? Inside yourpain will fester. Speak. Unlock your heart.
JUDAS: I need my secrets brother. They spur me on to vengeance.
JESUS: Or greater pain. You can not hide anything from meJudas. You know that. Speak.
SUDDENLY JOSIAS SPEAKS.
JOSIAS: A night of many years ago. A night of countless sorrows.
JESUS: Go on Judas.
PAUSE.
JUDAS: The Romans were searching for a child. One who had beenprophesised who would overthrow Rome and her masters.They thought he was in Nazareth or one of the coastalregions. So Herod in his infinite wisdom made a decree. He sentCenturions to every coastal city to slay every child two years andunder. Kerioth was such a city. When our father heard of this hetook my brother and I and secured us beneath the floor boards.When the Romans arrived they searched the house in vain.But they were adamant. The local Consul, an officious and accurate man,had told them of two children who did reside within. They beat my bravefather but still he would not disclose our whereabouts. They struck himagain and again but still he would not break. So they took a hot pointerfrom the fire side and drove the burning end into his eyes.His screams muffled our cries. Then they turned to my mother …She was not so lucky. The blood weeped through the cracks in thefloorboards and saturated our blankets. When our father eventually pulledus out we were stained in blood. Ah yes, the Romans. (Matthew 2,16)
JUDAS PLACES HIS HAND ON HIS FATHER’S HEAD.
JUDAS: Even today I still have only one question about that night. Did they findthe one they searched for ? He who was prophesised ? Or had he beenforewarned and slipped away never knowing the carnage he would wreak
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on the vulnerable and innocent. Safe and warm in a foreign country whilethousands of innocent children died in his name.
SILENCE.
JESUS: Judas.
JUDAS: Will you hear more brother ?
JESUS: The one you speak of – he stands before you.
PAUSE. JUDAS IS VERY STILL.
SUDDENLY HE EXPLODES WITH A LOUD BELLOW AND CHARGES ATJESUS. HE SMASHES HIM INTO THE WALL AND POUNDS HIM WITHBOTH FISTS.
ISAAC AND ISAIAH RUSH TO JUDAS AND DRAG HIM OFF JESUS.
THEY ARE SURPRISED TO FIND THEIR BROTHER IS SOBBING.
JESUS RAISES HIS HEAD. HE SEES JOSIAS’ HAND. HE TAKES HOLDOF HIS HAND AND KISSES IT.
JESUS: And sayeth the lord: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall becomforted.
JUDAS: Shut up. Don’t you – You killed her. You – killed – her !
JESUS: Know you no joy ?
JUDAS: I will know only the joy of your death.
ISAIAH: Brother, no !
JOSIAS KNEELS BEFORE JESUS.
JESUS: Why do you kneel old man ?
JOSIAS: Lord, it is of great and terrible selfishness to consider myself withso many greater things at stake. But I am old, as you say, and mytime is nearly gone. I have but one wish before I leave this earth.To look into the eyes of my sons that I love so. To see their faces.Grant me that and I will long for nothing more.
JESUS PLACES HIS HANDS ON JOSIAS’ HEAD. HE SMILES.
JESUS: Open your eyes old man. Look at your sons.
SLOWLY JOSIAS OPENS HIS EYES. HE BLINKS ONCE, TWICEAS HIS EYES BEGIN TO ADJUST. HE LOOKS AT JESUS.
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HE TAKES JESUS’ HAND AND KISSES IT.
JOSIAS: Oh great and merciful God.
JESUS: Come Judas, let your father gaze upon you.
JUDAS HESITATES THEN MOVES SLOWLY FORWARD.
JUDAS: Father.
JOSIAS TURNS AND SEES HIM. JUDAS FINALLY BREAKS.HE KNEELS AND HOLDS HIS FATHER IN HIS ARMS.
JOSIAS: Can there ever be a more wondrous moment than this ?
ISAAC: This is the one true god. Abide by him.
JOSIAS: Come Isaiah and Isaac. Here is one blind who now can see.
ISAIAH: Is it true ?
ISAAC: Most gracious miracle.
ISAIAH AND ISAAC KNEEL IN FRONT OF HIM.
JOSIAS: Is this my own Isaiah? Where are your golden curls ?
ISAIAH: It was over thirty years ago father.
JOSIAS: And this young Isaac. He who now can speak.
ISAAC: Only to give praise.
JOSIAS: Let me take you in my arms.
HE EMBRACES THEM BOTH.
JUDAS: (TO JESUS) Whatever you have done – you will not be forgiven.
BEAT. JESUS EXITS. THE LIGHTS START TO FADE.
JUDAS WATCHES HIS FATHER AND BROTHERS.
Scene 5: The Triumph Triumphal Entry. Bethany. Palm Sunday.
JUDAS AND THE DISCIPLES ARGUE. NEARBY ON A ROCK SITSJESUS, COMFORTED BY MARY.
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JUDAS: We can’t just stroll in unannounced.
PETER: It is what we have done all along.
JUDAS: But this is our destination. We have reached our goal.
ANDREW: And that should be enough.
JUDAS: It still needs something.
PETER: He has given us all we need.
SIMON : I say we enter boldly. We make our intentions clear.
BARTHOLOMEW: Would you have us armed ?
SIMON : Sticks. Stones. We show we have power.
PETER: We already have power.
JUDAS: Crude weapons are wrong but we must have something.A symbol. An image.
PHILIP: Why are you always so concerned with what is outside brother ?What matters is what happens within.
JUDAS: Within won’t tell them who we are. Who we bring with us.How important this is.
JOHN: They will understand soon enough.
SIMON : Or they will be made to understand.
ANDREW: We could carry him in.
THADEUS: Like a king.
JAMES: But what is his thrown ?
JUDAS: No. We must not thrust him upon them. We must let them chose.
ALPHAEUS: As they will.
JUDAS: We need a simple entrance. One of them. A worker. (PAUSE)He must ride a mule.
LAUGHTER.
PETER: A donkey ?
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JOHN: Are you mad ?
JAMES: The king of all kings on the back of a mule.
JUDAS: It’s understated, unpretentious. Humble.
THADEUS: As he is.
MATTHEW: Judas, you go too far.
JUDAS: Have you a better suggestion ? (NO RESPONSE) Let us askhim. Let him decide.
THEY MOVE TO JESUS.
PETER: Master. Judas has something to ask you.
JESUS: Speak brother.
JUDAS: Brother, we stand on the edge of Jerusalem.
JESUS: It is so.
JUDAS: The time has come to enter. We wonder how you may proceed.
JESUS: How say you King of Kerioth ?
JUDAS: Master – I am but a humble servant.
JESUS: Then what say you humble servant.
JUDAS: I say simple and non-threatening. Show you are one of thepeople. You come to save them.
JESUS: They have the power to save themselves.
JUDAS: Yes, but you can guide them.
JESUS: What do you suggest ?
JUDAS: Carried by a mule. Your loyal brothers following behind you.
JESUS: Your workhorse on a workhorse ? Your mule on a mule ?
JUDAS: Master.
JESUS: And where will you walk Judas ?
JUDAS: Behind you, with the other disciples.
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JESUS: Would you rather not lead ?
PETER: Master, do not abide this. It is a mockery.
JESUS: Not with you beside me Peter. It is done, as it is written. Andrew, Thomas.Go you into the village over, in which you will find a black colt tied, onwhich never a man sat. Untie him and bring him to me. (Luke 19, 30)
PETER: Master !
JESUS: Would you cry out against me Peter ?
PETER: No my lord.
JESUS: And if any man does ask you why you do untie the colt ? Say untohim that the Lord has need of him. (Luke 19, 31)
THOMAS AND ANDREW EXIT.
JUDAS: Brother, you say this colt has never been ridden. Perhaps wecan find something ...
JESUS: A little more tame.
JUDAS: More suitable.
JESUS: An old donkey perhaps. With a sway back and rotting teeth.
JUDAS: Easier to ride brother.
JESUS: I am not easy enough ? Stay awhile brother and you shall see. The horsewill bear me.
JUDAS: As you say. And now for us.
THADEUS: We bow our heads.
JAMES: A sign of respect.
JUDAS: Good.
PHILIP: We walk behind him. Loyal followers.
JUDAS: Yes.
JOHN: Or we walk in front . Covering his path.
JOHN GOES FORWARD AND LAYS DOWN HIS CLOAK. (Luke 19,36).JAMES FOLLOWS HIS EXAMPLE.
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JUDAS: Better. But we still need ...
ALPHAEUS COMES FORWARD WITH A BRANCH FROM A PALMTREE. MARY WIPES JESUS’ BROW.
JUDAS: Brother, what will you do with that ?
ALPHAEUS: The master is hot Judas. I seek to cool him.
HE WAVES THE PALM NEXT TO JESUS, FANNING HIM.
JUDAS GOES TO THE TREE. HE RIPS OFF ANOTHER BRANCH.
JUDAS: A sign of peace.
SIMON : And strength.
BARTHOLOMEW: Unity.
THADEUS: And hope.
JUDAS: A promise that we bring new life. Come brothers, take one.
THE DISCIPLES, SAVE PETER, JOHN AND JAMES, STARTBREAKING OF BRANCHES.
THOMAS AND ANDREW RETURN WITH THE BLACK COLT. JESUS STROKES THE HORSE’S MANE.
THOMAS AND ANDREW TAKE OFF THE CLOAKS AND LAY THEM ONTHE HORSE. THEY HELP JESUS UP. JUDAS WATCHES ONNERVOUSLY. THE HORSE ACCEPTS ITS RIDER.
JESUS: (SMILING) Ye of little faith Judas.
JUDAS: I think only of your safety brother.
PETER COMES FORWARD AND LAYS HIS CLOAK WITHJOHN AND JAMES’.
PETER: Master, will you lead us.
JESUS: Yes Peter, I will. ( TO JUDAS) Are we ready kind sir ?
JUDAS: Yes brother. (TO ALL) And no words. The more we speak, the less thepower.
JOHN: You wish us to travel in silence ? This is not a funeral march.
JAMES: The king of kings enters Jerusalem.
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MATTHEW: It is a celebration.ANDREW: Let us give thanks.
BARTHOLOMEW BEGINS TO SING. THE OTHERS JOIN IN.
SONG: Blessed be the KingThat cometh in the name of the lordPeace in heavenAnd glory in the highest (Repeat)(Luke 19, 38)
THE PROCESSION MOVES OFF.
THOMAS AND ANDREW LEAD THE HORSE.
JAMES, JOHN AND PETER LAY THEIR CLOAKS IN FRONT OF THEHORSE, RE-LAYING THEM ONCE THE HORSE IS PAST.
THE OTHER DISCIPLES WAVE THE PALMS, FANNING JESUS.MARY WALKS BEHIND, JUDAS ALONGSIDE.
THEY EXIT AND RE-APPEAR IN ANOTHER PART OF THE STAGE.IN FRONT OF THEM THE GATES OF JERUSALEM.
Scene: 6. The Gates of Jerusalem. A short time later.
JESUS HOLDS UP HIS HAND. THE PROCESSION STOPS.
JUDAS: Why have we stopped ?
MARY: He speaks.
JESUS: Oh Jerusalem. If you knew, even on this day, that which does belong toyour peace. But now it is hidden from your eyes. (Luke 19, 42)
MARY STARTS TO GO TO HIM. JUDAS STOPS HER AND MOVESFORWARD HIMSELF.
JESUS: (LOUDER) For the days shall come, when your enemiesshall build a trench about you and circle you completely, to keepyou in on every side. (Luke 19, 43)
JUDAS: Brother.
JESUS: And they shall lay you Jerusalem even with the ground, and yourchildren with you. And they will not leave one stone unturned,nor one rock upon another. Awake Jerusalem, your timeof reckoning is at hand. (Luke 19, 44)
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JUDAS: Master, is this wise ?JESUS: I speak from my heart Judas.
JUDAS: We seek only to free Jerusalem. Not to bring her to her knees.
JESUS: Is it not one and the same ? Let all burn in fire so that in those ashessomething new will arise.
JUDAS: You will anger the Priests.
JESUS: Think you that they must be saved. Those who have turneda house of prayer into a den of thieves. (Luke 19, 46)
JUDAS: We need them as allies.
JESUS: We have no need for those who place themselves above God.
JESUS BECKONS TO THE DISCIPLES.
JESUS: Come brothers. I must speak to you.
JUDAS: (TO THADEUS) We can do without these little outbursts.
THE DISCIPLES GATHER AROUND. THADEUS STAYS WITH JUDAS.
JESUS: Behold we go into Jerusalem and all things that are written bythe prophets concerning the Son of Man shall be accomplished.(Luke 18, 31)
JUDAS: (TO THADEUS) I thought the prophet was dead.
JESUS: For I shall be delivered to the Gentiles and I shall be mockedand spitefully treated and spat upon.
THE DISCIPLES OBJECT, CALLS OF “No”, “Never”.
JUDAS: (TO THADEUS) And they will make you mad.
JESUS: And they shall scourge me and put me to death.
THE CRIES GROW LOUDER : “Master”, “No”, “Save us”JESUS HOLDS UP HIS HANDS TO QUIETEN THEM.
JUDAS: (TO ISAIAH) Kill the Son of God. I can just see it.
JESUS: But on the third day I shall rise again.
JUDAS: (TO THADEUS) Won’t take three days. (LOOKING OFF) Perfect. (TOJESUS) Master, the Pharisees approach.
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CAIAPHUS, MALCHUS, HIS ASSISTANT, AND SOME OF THEPHARISEES AND SOLDIERS OF THE CHURCH ENTER.
MALCHUS: Who are they that sing of the King that cometh in the name of the Lord ?
PETER: It is only we disciples.
MALCHUS: (MOCKING) And who are you that stands on such a proud horse ?
JAMES: He is Jesus. He they speak of.
MATTHEW: From Galilee.
MALCHUS: Then Jesus, rebuke your followers. It is blasphemous to declaimas they do.
JESUS: It is you who blaspheme sir.
MALCHUS: How say you ?
JESUS: In the way you corrupt word of god.
THERE IS UPROAR AMONGST THE PHARISEES.
MALCHUS: I must warn you Nazarene, you stand amongst the highestpriests of Israel.
JESUS: And I must warn you sir, you stand amongst those I have chosento spread the one true word of God.
AGAIN UPROAR AMONG THE PHARISEES, CRIES OF “BLASPHEMY”AND “SINNER”.
CAIAPHUS STEPS FORWARD AND WAVES MALCHUS BACK.
CAIAPHUS: You must forgive us brother, we have neglected to introduceourselves. I am Caiaphus, high Priest of this city, and this isMalchus, my trusted servant. Around me, as was spoken, are our mosttrusted servants of the church of Jerusalem.
JESUS: As was also spoken I am Jesus, and these are my twelve chosen.
CAIAPHUS: And why journey you to Jerusalem ?
PHILIP: We come to fish.
ANDREW: We are fishers of men.
LAUGHTER FROM THE DISCIPLES.
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HIGH PRIEST 1: Do you mean to bring trouble to our city ?
JESUS: We bring nothing but the word of God.
MALCHUS: What know you of the word of God ?
CAIAPHUS SILENCES MALCHUS.
CAIAPHUS: We have your assurance then ?
SILENCE.
CAIAPHUS: I ask you again, we have your assurance that you donot seek to bring disturbance here ?
JUDAS: We are simple men of God. We come to give thanks. Nothing more.
HIGH PRIEST 1: What say you Jesus of Nazareth ?
PAUSE. JESUS LOOKS AT CAIAPHUS.
CAIAPHUS: What say you ?
BEAT.
JESUS: He speaks true. We seek to do nothing but the will of God.
CAIAPHUS: Then you are welcome. Open the gates.
THE GATES ARE OPEN. CAIAPHUS AND THE HIGH PRIESTS ENTERFIRST FOLLOWED BY THE PROCESSION.
PETER PULLS JUDAS ASIDE.
JUDAS: Release me brother.
PETER: Hear me Judas, you do not speak for the Lord. No one knows his mind.
JUDAS: They were barring our entrance.
PETER: Then that is as it should be. Nothing happens in God’s world that he hasnot ordained. He is our Lord and Master and sees all. He does not needyour guidance.
JUDAS: We needed to get through the gates.
PETER: We need nothing but to serve him. To put our faith, completelyand without reservation in him. He needs no prompting.
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JUDAS: He also spoke of vengeance and destruction. Did you not hear that ?
PETER: He is the one true God. I have no questions. But I say untoyou these words Judas - cursed be he that places himself before God.
JUDAS: We all have the same goal brother.
PETER: I have no goal but to follow him.
PETER FOLLOWS THE PROCESSION. JUDAS PAUSES FORA MOMENT. HE OOKS AT THE GATE AND SMILES.
JUDAS: Careful Jerusalem. You know not what you do.
JUDAS EXITS AS THE LIGHTS FADE.
END PART 2.
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PART 3
SPOTLIGHT. JUDAS.
JUDAS: We had been in Jerusalem three weeks and still nothing hadhappened. I was growing impatient. Our goal was clear but perhapshe lacked the nerve to push onwards. Stakes were high now.Eyes were watching us. Delay could be dangerous.
Scene 1. An open place. Bright sunlight.
MARY, ASSISTED BY MARTHA, IS BATHING JESUS’ FEET. SHE POURS OILFROM AN ALABASTER POT INTO A BOWL. SHE PLACES JESUS’ FEET IN THEBOWL. (Mark 14, 3) (Matthew 26, 10-13)
JUDAS ENTERS. HE WATCHES FOR AWHILE, THEN:
JUDAS: Perhaps there is a more appropriate place to do this.
MARY: I am only bathing his feet.
JUDAS: Yes, but -
JESUS: Can I have no comfort ?
JUDAS: I just think you would be more comfortable somewhere else.People will talk.
JESUS: You would have Mary and I go indoors ?
JUDAS: No, probably not. (BEAT) Couldn’t she just rub your head ? This oil is soexpensive. (HE HOLDS UP THE ALABASTER POT) This is a month’swages for some of our followers.
MARTHA: I paid for it.
JUDAS: It’s not that. People starve and here you are bathing your feet in liquidgold. People may say we are just like them.
MARY: Just like who ?
JESUS: Judas, if I can have no respite my heart will break.
JUDAS: It was just a thought. (PAUSE) Master, may I ask you something ?
JESUS: Yes Judas.
JUDAS: Our work in Jerusalem ? How is it progressing ?
JESUS: How do you think it is progressing ?
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JUDAS: I am asking you.
JESUS: Why ask when you are not interested in my answer ?
MARY: You have no need you ask. Wherever the master travels, hundredsfollow in his footsteps. His every word is repeated throughout the city.
UDAS: It is true. You have gained an incredible amount of power ina very short time.
JESUS: The only power I have comes to me through God.
JUDAS: As you say. But Master ... I am wondering when we will utilise thatpower ?
JESUS: I utilise it every day.
JUDAS: In Bethseda, near the olive tree, you spoke of the coming of a neworder. Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom.
JESUS: And so it shall be ?
JUDAS: But ... when ?
MARY GOES TO SPEAK. JESUS STOPS HER.
JESUS: Is there no more oil ?
MARY POURS THE REMAINING OIL INTO THE BOWL. SHE RUBSJESUS’ FEET. SILENCE, SAVE THE WATER, THEN JESUS SPEAKS :
JESUS: Tell me Judas, what would you have me do ?
JUDAS: That day John died. When we buried him on the hill.
JESUS: Underneath the olive tree.
JUDAS: We spoke of dreams and ideals.
JESUS: We spoke of a new dawn.
JUDAS: Master, the time has come for action. A clean strike.
JESUS: Against who ?
JUDAS: The Romans.
JESUS: Are they too not God’s creatures ?
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JUDAS: Master - do you not remember ? We buried John the Baptist in twopieces. They are inhuman.
JESUS: “The Son of Man has come not to destroy man’s lives but tosave them.” (Luke 9, 56)
JUDAS: But to save the many perhaps you must destroy the few ? You also said:“I bring not peace but a sword.”
PAUSE.
JESUS: We are spreading the one true word of God.
JUDAS: As we have done.
MARY: And will continue to do.
JESUS: The rest is in God’s hands.
JUDAS: Yet we have been in Jerusalem for three weeks and we do nothing,except of course for the unfortunate incident at The Synagogue.
JESUS: My father’s house should be a place of prayer.
JUDAS: As you said. But they are own people. You attacked them and theRomans stood by and laughed.
MARY: They had turned it into a common flea market.
JUDAS: Which you would be an expert on.
JESUS: Judas - when you insult Mary, you insult me.
JUDAS HOLDS UP HIS HANDS IN APOLOGY.
JUDAS: In Bethseda, near the olive tree, you spoke of the coming of a new age.We have power. The power to rise up, to reach out, to strike down. Thepower to free our land.
JESUS: Sweet Judas, can’t you see ? It’s already over, everything isdone, all we can do now is wait. And pray for strength.
JUDAS: But with the following we have with one simple word we could ruleJerusalem.
MARY: We already rule Jerusalem.
JUDAS: In body as well as spirit. Master, we have the resources nowand the power. We must not lose our nerve.
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JESUS: No, we must not.
JUDAS: We have a common goal. A common purpose. We must drive through.
MARY: Have you heard nothing the master has said ?
JUDAS: I have listened to every word. I have heard him speak of painand suffering. Now is the time to end it.
JESUS: Is it that simple ?
JUDAS: The weapon is in your hand. Use it. Strike down these oppressors. “Askand it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door willbe opened unto you.” (Matthew 7, 7). Are these not your words ?
JESUS: Are we talking of parables ?
JUDAS: I am talking about the coming of the Kingdom of God.
MARY: Judas, look around. Feel this moment. The Kingdom of God isalready here. You just have to let yourself see it.
JUDAS: Master. We are ready. We must take this chance. It may not come again.
PAUSE.
JESUS: What will a man profit if he gains the whole world but loses his soul ?(Matthew 16, 26)
JUDAS: Master ?
JESUS: If it be God’s will, then it will be so.
JUDAS: Is that it ?
JESUS: Yes Judas, that is it.
PAUSE.
JUDAS: As you say. I must tend to my father.
JUDAS EXITS.
Scene 2. The house of Pilate.
CAIAPHUS AND MALCHUS SPEAK WITH PILATE. (Mark 3, 6)
MALCHUS: He is a threat to your stability in the region.
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PILATE: How so ?
MALCHUS: He plots against you, walks openly in the street speaking against Rome.
PILATE: From what I hear he’s harmless, rambling on in parables,performing the odd minor miracle.
MALCHUS: O great Pilate, we do not come in jest. His is a seriousand earnest threat to your sovereignty.
PILATE: Is that so ?
PAUSE
CAIAPHUS: Oh great Pilate, the High Priests and Rome have always enjoyed aproductive liaison. You have looked to us for wisdom and guidance.We have looked to you for power and strength. The time has comenow to show that strength. Be guided by us strength. Be guided by usin this instant.
MALCHUS: Rid us of this man.
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
PAUSE.
PILATE: If he is such a threat why do you yourself not act ?
CAIAPHUS: It is neither fitting nor proper for us to deliver such punishment.Dissidents like this, and let us have no doubt that that is what heis, should be dealt firmly with by Rome. (PAUSE) He does seek tooverthrow Rome. As your friends we come to you to warn youof our mounting concern.
PILATE: He is a man of God.
MALCHUS: He is a traitor and an enemy to Caesar !
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
PAUSE.
PILATE: Why do you fear this man ?
MALCHUS: The High Priests fear no one.
PILATE: Why do you fear him ? He is a but one man, a simple fisherman fromGalilee, yet you marshal your full arsenal against him ? Strut before mein a state of high agitation. Why do you hate him so much ? Surely he isnot worthy of such emotion. You use a sledgehammer to squash an ant.
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CAIAPHUS: O great Pilate -
PILATE: Please Caiaphus. Spare me your crude familiarities.
CAIAPHUS: Quite. (PAUSE) Currently we enjoy a good relationship with ourfollowers. They look to us for direction and guidance. We leadand they follow. It is a comfortable and successful partnership.This simple fisherman, as you put it, seeks to undermine thatrelationship. He promotes individual thought.
PILATE: Well we couldn’t have people thinking for themselves could we ?
CAIAPHUS: Quite (PAUSE) Put simply he promotes a more direct relationship withGod. He seeks to do away with the middleman, if you will.
PILATE: I admire your honesty Caiaphus.
CAIAPHUS: He presents a different way of living - a new order. If people startfollowing his example, and some already have, then, it could result indisorder, confusion -
MALCHUS: Chaos.
PILATE: Isn’t it rather that you could find yourselves out of a job. Redundant.Your Temples empty. And more importantly, your collection plates.
MALCHUS: Never.
CAIAPHUS: That may also be true. But be that as it may we can’t have everybodyrunning off, doing their own thing. In unity there is strength, instrength there is power. Not only for us, but for Rome.
PILATE: You flatter yourself.
CAIAPHUS: If you will pardon the observation Governor, you are horriblyoutnumbered. You stay in power because we choose to support you. Ifthis man is left unchecked, once he has phased us out, he might turn hisattention to you. Without our support your rule may not be sustainable.
PILATE: Are you trying to threaten the Roman Empire ?
CAIAPHUS: My dear friend, for the sake of Israel, a treasured jewel of that empire,I believe we need to re-focus this man.
PILATE: Re-focus ?
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
PAUSE.
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PILATE: Then banish him to Egypt.
CAIAPHUS: He will return, stronger than ever.
MALCHUS: We need to humiliate him, disgrace him, crush him.
CAIAPHUS: We need to turn the people against him. Let his disciples see him forthe over-reacher he is. If not this ant may well grow into a lion.
PILATE: What would you have me do ?
MALCHUS: Deliver the full impact of your justice.
PILATE: It is not for the High Priests to dictate to Rome.
CAIAPHUS: We would never be so bold.
PILATE: Quite. (PAUSE. PILATE CONSIDERS.) I will watch this man and if Isee fit and proper cause to take action against him, then I will take actionagainst him.
MALCHUS: O wise Pilate.
CAIAPHUS: O great Caesar.
PILATE: Now, we are all busy men.
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
THEY BOW AND DEPART.
Scene 3. A house.
SEVERAL OF THE DISCIPLES SIT ON CUSHIONS AROUND A LOW TABLE.THERE IS SIMON, BARTHOLOMEW AND THADEUS. WITH THEM ALSO ISISAAC.
SIMON: His actions do concern me. Yesterday, two Centurions passedright by where he sat. They scoffed and mocked him openly.He sat passive as if he did not hear them. Then one of themeven spat in his direction.
THADEUS: And he did nothing ?
SIMON: It was like they were not even there.
THADEUS: But how can this be ? He has spoken so many times of strengthand courage. How can he allow them to trample on him like this ?
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ISAAC: Perhaps that takes the greatest courage of all.
SIMON: To suffer in silence ? That is cowardice.
THADEUS: What say you Bartholomew ?
BARTHOLOMEW CONSIDERS.
BARTHOLOMEW: He is getting untidy, I will say that. Not in a big way but untidynevertheless. Opportunity’s are being missed, situations not fullyrealised. Chances ungrabbed. People are noticing. As you didyesterday Simon Zealots. A whisper, a titter, a look. Hisweakening grip is starting to show.
SIMON: He doesn’t seem to realise how dangerous it is. We need to be tightnow, ruthless, efficient. Cool. The prize, our freedom, is in sight andwe have to keep things in focus. We are aware of this. He, at times,seems oblivious. (BEAT) Remember, our entry to Jerusalem ? Nowthat was good. When we arrived, that was an entrance. Wepromised so much. But what have we delivered ?
BARTHOLOMEW: Still, he has led us this far. We have accomplished much.Are we right to question him ?
SIMON: What we have accomplished is only the tiniest part of our mission.
THADEUS: Quiet, I hear a noise.
ISAAC: Is this meeting secret ?
SIMON: Quiet Isaac.
SILENCE.
SIMON: Who goes there ? Speak.
JUDAS ENTERS.
JUDAS: It is me. I have just come from him.
THADEUS: And ?
JUDAS: He speaks in riddles.
SIMON: He understands nothing of the danger we face ?
JUDAS: He sits with Mary bathing his feet with oil, in full view of all. Like hehasn’t a care in the world.
BARTHOLOMEW: Perhaps that is a good sign.
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SIMON: It is a sign of complacency and false security.
JUDAS: It is a sign of inaction. Hesitation. Danger.
THADEUS: (TO JUDAS) What say you brother ? How must we proceed.
PAUSE.
JUDAS: He seems unsure. With every passing day his purpose becomesless clear. If we could just break his lethargy.
BARTHOLOMEW: Perhaps he awaits a sign. His vision is not yet fully formed.
JUDAS: Brother, you heard what he said ? “Inherit the kingdom prepare for you.”Why need we wait ?
BARTHOLOMEW: He spoke of many things Judas.
JUDAS: “Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire.” “The chaff hewill burn with fire unquenchable.” His words are clear.
SIMON: It would almost be better if the Romans attacked us. Then he wouldbe forced to act.
JUDAS: True. If we could just somehow provide a trigger. Put him ina situation where he had to strike out. Force his hand.
ISAAC: Is he not our Lord and Master ? Did we not pledge to follow him -without question ?
BARTHOLOMEW: Isaac is right. We took that pledge.
JUDAS: And it is for that reason we must help him now. We can see thetrouble approaching and we can stop it. What kind of servantsare we if we do not try to help our master ? Stop him makinga terrible mistake. Action. Surely that’s what being a Disciple means ?
PETER: (APPEARING) Isn’t being a disciple about faith ?
PETER IS AT THE DOOR, WE DO NOT KNOW WHEN HE ENTERED.
PETER: What say you brothers ?
THERE IS AN UNEASY SILENCE.
PETER: Why do you sit so silently ? Do you speak of conspiracy ?
JUDAS: We wait for our lunch. Our hunger quietens us.
PETER: So you speak of nothing ? What say you Judas, son of Thadeus ?
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THADEUS: We speak of a bright future.
PETER: We do not need speak of it. Have faith and it will be delivered.
JUDAS: Peter, the loyal trusted servant. Closer to the Master than all of us.
PETER: That is not true Judas. He treats us all equally.
JUDAS: But he loves you best. Sometimes I wonder if the Master did notride on your back into Jerusalem.
PETER: If he had wished it so, it would have be done.
JUDAS: Loyal and trusted. Acting blindly, without question.
N PETER: Without hesitation. He asks and it is done.
JUDAS: How admirable. And what say you of his malaise ?
PETER: I do not know this word.
JUDAS: Hesitancy. Inaction. Apathy.
PETER: Everything is as it should be.
JUDAS: And who says it should be ?
PETER: We have spoken of these things before Judas. Think carefully. Fatemay have different plans for you.
JUDAS: You make your own fate.
PETER: So we shall see.
SIMON: Will you not sit brother and take food with us ?
BARTHOLOMEW: Your company would be pleasing.
PETER: I would brothers but I search for the master. There is one I havefound who requires his council.
JUDAS: You will find him with Mary. She bathes his feet withprecious oil poured from an alabaster jug.
PETER: The son of God deserves no less.
JUDAS: As you … say.
PETER: Brothers.
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HE DEPARTS.
BARTHOLOMEW: I too must take my leave.
THADEUS: Bartholomew stay. We need your wisdom.
BARTHOLOMEW: I have no more at this time.
BARTHOLOMEW EXITS.
JUDAS: Let him go brother. We can have no wavering in our cause. Not for a splitsecond. If we are to succeed every man must be true as steel. Is thereanymore among us who waver ? If there is then let them too take theirleave ?
JUDAS LOOKS AROUND THE TABLE. PAUSE.
JUDAS: Good. The master needs us to be strong now brothers. If he has not thecourage to act. Then we must act for him. Let us make plans.
BLACKOUT
Scene 4. Morning. A room in a house.
A DARKENED ROOM. IN THE FAINT LIGHT WE SEE ISAIAH SITTINGALONGSIDE JOSIAS WHO LIES IN A BED.
JUDAS ENTERS.
JUDAS: How fares he brother ?
ISAIAH: He is quiet now. Earlier he did cry out but now he is still.
JUDAS: Does he sleep ?
ISAIAH: As he can. Where have you come from ?
JUDAS: I have met with Simon and some of the other disciples.
ISAIAH: What say they ?
JUDAS: They think as we do brother. That Jesus hesitates, putting allof us at risk.
ISAIAH: But surely ...
JUDAS: Speak brother. I am listening.
ISAIAH: We have seen this man’s power brother. Surely he has a plan.
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JUDAS: He may have a plan. But not the courage to execute it. We musthelp him find that courage.
ISAIAH: Perhaps the time is not right.
JUDAS: Time is up brother. We must be ruthless now, or else our moment maypass.
JOSIAS STIRS.
JOSIAS: Judas, Isaiah.
JUDAS: He wakes ?
ISAIAH: He does but cry out in his sleep.
JOSIAS: Why sit you in such darkness ?
JUDAS: He stirs.
JOSIAS: Do you hide from the light ?
ISAIAH: We close the shutters so you may sleep father.
JOSIAS: What need have I of sleep ? My body defeats me. I have only one senseleft. My beautiful new eyes. Let me use them to see my sons.
ISAIAH DRAWS BACK THE WINDOW COVERING. BRIGHT DAYLIGHTFLOODS THE ROOM.
JOSIAS: Ah. Help me sit up Judas, so I may see you better.
JUDAS: You must rest now father.
JOSIAS: Soon I will rest Judas. Come.
JUDAS HELPS JOSIAS SIT UP.
JOSIAS: Now, sit beside me. Let me look at you.
THEY COME CLOSER.
JOSIAS: My two sons. Why look you so stern ?
ISAIAH: We fear for you father.
JOSIAS: Fear not. My time has nearly run its course.
JUDAS: You have much left to do.
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JOSIAS: You will do it for me. (PAUSE) I look at you two men ...
ISAIAH: Yes father.
JOSIAS: And I think back to that day when you were both so young.I see it with absolute clarity.
JUDAS: What do you see ?
JOSIAS: That I do not regret for one moment what I did. I feel such wondrouslove for you both.
ISAIAH: And now you see again.
JOSIAS: And that God should give me such a gift.
JUDAS It was grace that you deserved.
JOSIAS: I know nothing of deserved. I know only what is given.
JOSIAS COUGHS.
ISAIAH: Father you must rest.
JOSIAS: Soon.
JUDAS: Let us bring oil to rub in to your scalp.
JOSIAS: My relief is coming. Hear me now my sons. My voice does desert me.
ISAIAH: Yes father.
JOSIAS: I feel we are close now.
JUDAS: Yes father.
JOSIAS: This man who has come to rescue us. Trust him. Follow him.His is the path to light.
ISAIAH: To free Israel.
JOSIAS: To that and more. Do not desert him. Don’t let our sacrificescome to nothing.
JUDAS: You have my word father. I will not let that happen.
JOSIAS: He is the power and the light. Trust.
JOSIAS COUGHS AGAIN. JUDAS AND ISAIAH LAY HIM DOWN.JUDAS TAKES HIS HAND.
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JOSIAS: (TO JUDAS) I see my hand in yours as the hand of a baby, stained withblood. But I can not feel your touch. Why do you draw the shutters oncemore ?
ISAIAH: I do not father.
JOSIAS: Follow my son. Follow till you can follow no more.
JUDAS: I will father.
JOSIAS: Let this be your beginning. I see his ... glory.
JOSIAS CLOSES HIS EYES. HIS HAND LIMP.
JUDAS: Father ? Father !
ISAIAH: He is gone brother.
JUDAS: This is a cruel and pitiless God.
JUDAS STANDS BACK HE LOOKS AT HIS FATHER. PAUSE.
JUDAS: To you now I swear. Your life will not be in vain my father.We will see the coming of our dream. Our land will be free.Whatever I must do I will do. This I swear.
JUDAS EXITS. ISAIAH LOOKS AT JOSIAS. THE LIGHTS FADE.
Scene 5. The steps of the Temple. Shortly afterwards.
JESUS SITS ON THE TEMPLE STEPS SURROUNDED BY PETER, MATTHEW,PHILIP, ANDREW, JOHN, JAMES, BARTHOLOMEW, THOMAS, SIMON ANDALPHAEUS.
ISAAC ENTERS
JESUS: Isaac.
ISAAC STOPS. HE IS STILL.
JESUS: Where do you travel so quickly ?
ISAAC IS SILENT.
JESUS: Will you hold your voice back from God who gave it to you ?
PHILIP: Speak Isaac. We will not bite you.
PAUSE.
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ISAAC: Master ...
JESUS: I am listening.
ISAAC: My cousin plots against you.
UPROAR FROM THE DISCIPLES.
JESUS: No Isaac. He plots against himself.
ISAAC: They have spoken of -
JESUS: He seeks to fulfil his own destiny as I must fulfil mine. No matter howmuch I wish to escape it.
ANDREW: Master, if this is true - you must stop him.
JESUS: No harm can come to me loyal disciple. I am my father’s son. Andhe will use me as he wishes. No harm can come to he whowalks along the path of God.
PETER: But master, you have now heard this from Isaac as well. We can not -
JESUS: Peter. You have been guided by me in all things. Be guided by me inthis. His will be done. We need only pray for the strength to carry it out.
MATTHEW: What say you of these things Bartholomew ?
JESUS: No Matthew, I will hear no more.
MALCHUS AND CAIAPHUS ENTER, ACCOMPANIED BY SEVERALPHARISEES.
MALCHUS: What say you Jesus of Nazareth ?
JESUS: I say good morning to you Malchus. And to you High Priest ofJerusalem, and your Pharisees. And to wish you well in your journey.
CAIAPHUS: We journey to see you.
JESUS: What earns me this honour ?
MALCHUS: We come to hear you speak. To understand the tone of your argument.
JUDAS AND THADEUS ENTER.
JESUS: I have no argument.
CAIAPHUS: We hear disturbing whispers Jesus. Whispers of insurrectionand dissatisfaction.
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PETER: The people are unhappy. They come to Jesus for guidance.
JESUS HOLDS UP HIS HAND TO QUIETEN HIM. PETER IS STILL.
CAIAPHUS: Is that what you say Jesus ?
JESUS: I speak only the one true word of God.
MALCHUS: One true word ? Does that mean we do not ?
JESUS: The word of God is for all.
MALCHUS: But you seem to have a special insight.
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
JUDAS: And what of Rome ? Jesus, what say you of Rome ?
JESUS: The word of God knows no boundaries.
MALCHUS: But do we ? We are mere men Jesus. Know we boundaries.
BARTHOLOMEW: Wise Malchus. Where lead you us with these words ?
CAIAPHUS: We do not mean to confuse you.
MALCHUS: Just to find out what lies within.
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
CAIAPHUS PRODUCES A GOLD COIN.
CAIAPHUS: Master.
JESUS: Call you, me Master ?
MALCHUS: It is a fitting title. Your loyal Disciples do use it often.
JESUS: It is their way of showing respect.
CAIAPHUS: Master then, tell me - we know that you speak and teachcorrectly. You do not accept the person of any but trulyteach the word of God.
MALCHUS: One true word of God.
CAIAPHUS: Forgive me. One true word of God. So tell us, wise master ?You who preach absolute devotion to God. Is it then lawfulfor us to give tribute to Caesar ?
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PAUSE.
JESUS: Wise Caiaphus, why do you tempt me ?
CAIAPHUS: No Jesus. I ask but a question.
PAUSE.
JESUS: Show me your coin.
CAIAPHUS: A pleasure.
HE GIVES THE COIN TO JESUS.
JESUS: (SHOWING COIN) Whose is this image and this inscription ?
MALCHUS: Why, Caesar. Do you not know him ?
JESUS GIVES THE COIN TO MALCHUS.
JESUS: Then give it to him.
MALCHUS: What say you ?
JESUS: Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s.(Matthew 22, 17-21)
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
MALCHUS: (BECOMING ANGRY) But surely all thing’s are God’s ?
CAIAPHUS QUIETENS HIM. JUDAS STEPS FORWARD.
JUDAS: And what say you of John the Baptist ?
JESUS: He was my friend.
CAIAPHUS: But yes thank you brother. John the Baptist. What say you of him ?
JESUS: I also will ask you a question. And if you tell me I will tell you whatI feel on John the Baptist and on whose authority I do my work.
CAIAPHUS: That would be most beneficial.
JESUS: The Baptism of John. From where did it come ? From heaven orfrom earth ?
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
HE RETIRES TO SPEAK TO MALCHUS.
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CAIAPHUS: What say you ?
MALCHUS: He is a cunning and wicked imp. If we say from heaven he will saywhy did we not believe him a prophet then and save him from Herod.
CAIAPHUS: And if we say earth ?
MALCHUS: He knows the general good in which John is held. If we say earth thenthe people will cry out against us for they hold him as a prophet.
CAIAPHUS: Quite. What say we then ?
PETER: Yes, High Priest. What say you then ?
CAIAPHUS TURNS TO FACE THEM.
PHILIP: We’re waiting.
PAUSE.
CAIAPHUS: The High Priests say neither.
JESUS: Then neither will I tell you of where my authority does come.(Matthew 21, 25-28)
THE DISCIPLES BURST INTO LAUGHTER. SOME APPLAUSE.BUT JESUS IS NOT FINISHED.
JESUS: But what say you of this ?
CAIAPHUS: Speak Jesus.
JESUS: A certain man had two sons.
MALCHUS: Oh, a parable. Goody.
JESUS: He came to the first son and said : “Son, go to work to day in myvineyard.” The son said “No, I will not.” But afterwards he repentedand went. And then the man came to the second son and also said“Go you to work in my vineyard.” And he answered and said:“Yes father, I will do.” But he went not.
MALCHUS: Fascinating.
JESUS: Tell me High Priest, which of these two sons did the will of his father ?
CAIAPHUS: Clearly the first.
JESUS: The first. (PAUSE) Then I say unto you that the publicans and whoresof Jerusalem will go into the Kingdom of God before you.
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THERE IS UPROAR AMONG THE PHARISEES.
MALCHUS: Blasphemy ! Treason !
JESUS: For John came unto you in the way of righteousness and you believedhim not. But the publicans and whores believed him. And then,even when you had seen his wonders you still did not repent andbelieve him, fearful of how you might be judged. I say to you thatyou will be judged - in the Kingdom of Heaven.
FURTHER UPROAR FROM THE PHARISEES.
MALCHUS: Traitors ! Traitors. Guards !
CAIAPHUS: Quiet brothers. Quiet. Let us have no trouble here. There are many of ourcommunity around us.
THE PHARISEES AND MALCHUS LOOK AROUND TO SEE THAT THEYARE INDEED SURROUNDED.
CAIAPHUS: Thank you Jesus. We will take your words with us and think uponthem. They could prove helpful. Till we meet again.
CAIAPHUS BOWS AND MOVES AWAY. MALCHUS AND THE PHARISEESFOLLOW HIM. PHILIP FOLLOWS AFTER THEM MAKING OBSCENEGESTURES. LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE.
THE APPLAUSE DIES DOWN BUT ONE PAIR OF SOLITARY HANDSCLAPPING CONTINUES. IT IS JUDAS. HE EMERGES FROM THE BACKOF THE STAGE.
JUDAS: Bravo. Bravo. Ten points for technique. Zero for stupidity.
PETER: We will hear nothing more from you Judas.
JESUS: Let him talk. Let it all be said and done.
JUDAS: It soon will be if you keep performing like that. What in theworld does it gain you to anger them ?
JESUS: Sometimes harsh lessons are needed.
JUDAS: But we need them if we are to achieve our goal. They have soldiersand weapons that we can utilise. And what of your talk of Caesar ?Our followers will think you are going soft.
JESUS: Judas, consider the raven.
JUDAS: Consider the raven ? Consider Rome and the slaughter of theinnocent children of Israel. Consider Herod and his demented dancer.
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JUDAS: (CONT) Consider Pilate who mixes in the blood of Galileans to help himwith his sacrifices. (Luke 13, 1). Consider that. I have no more time foryour stories. To have such power and not to use it - surely that is thegreatest crime of all. No man can serve two masters. (Matthew 6,24)Rome or God ? Choose.
JESUS: What ? Will you not choose for me as well ?
JUDAS: Me ?
JESUS: You would be by puppet master and pull my strings - would younot make decisions for me as well ?
JUDAS: Yes, if it is required.
JESUS: Look at me. Tell me what you see. Is it vipers and demons ?
JUDAS: I do not understand.
JESUS: If thine eye is evil thy whole body shall be full of darkness. Ifthe light inside thee is darkness, how great will that darkness be.(Matthew 6, 23)
JUDAS: You are speaking in riddles again.
JESUS: No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the oneand love the other. Or else he will hold to the one and despisethe other. It will all come to nothing. (Matthew 6, 24) He that isnot with me is against me. (Matthew 12, 30)
JUDAS: Where will this end ?
JESUS: Know you not. You who put yourself in the place of God. Know you notwhere your obsessive machinations will end ?
JUDAS: They will end in triumph.
JESUS: And in despair.
JESUS PUTS OUT HIS ARMS. HE GOES TO JUDAS TO EMBRACE HIM.SUDDENLY JUDAS SLAPS JESUS HARD ACROSS THE FACE,KNOCKING HIM TO THE GROUND.
PETER LUNGES FOR JUDAS BUT HE IS STOPPED BY THE SUDDENRAISING OF JESUS’ HAND. JOHN AND JAMES RUSH TO HELP JESUSTO HIS FEET.
JESUS: That it should come to this.
JOHN: Master.
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JOHN AND JAMES HELP HIM TO HIS FEET. JESUS MOVES SLOWLYTOWARDS JUDAS.
JESUS: Listen to me brothers. I say to you who hear. Love thy enemies.
JUDAS: And I say these be the days of vengeance
JESUS: Do good to those who hate you.
JUDAS: That all things written may be fulfilled. (Luke 21, 22)
JESUS: Bless them that curse you
JUDAS: O generation of vipers.
JESUS: And pray for them who despitefully use you. (Luke 6, 27-28)
JUDAS: Who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come ? (Matthew 3, 7)
JESUS: Blessed are you when men shall revile and persecute you
JUDAS: Think not that I am come to send peace
JESUS: And shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.
JUDAS: I came not to send peace, but a sword (Matthew 10,34)
JESUS: Rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven
JUDAS: Ask and it shall be given you
JESUS: As the prophets who were persecuted before you.
JUDAS: Seek and you shall find. (Matthew 7, 7-8)
JESUS: For you are the salt of the earth.
JESUS IS VERY CLOSE TO JUDAS AGAIN.
JUDAS: I know who I am.
JESUS: You are the light of the world. (Matthew 5, 11-15)
JUDAS: I ... know ... who ... I ... am.
JESUS: Whoever shall smite thee on the left cheek - turn to them the other.(Matthew 5,39)
JESUS DOES SO. JUDAS SPITS AT HIM.
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PETER LUNGES FOR JUDAS. AGAIN JESUS HOLDS HIM.
JUDAS: (ON THE POINT OF TEARS) To think John and so many others,gave up their lives for you. You are not the man he spoke of.
JUDAS TURNS AND LEAVES. LIGHTS FADE.
Scene 6. Caiaphus’ Private chamber. That night.
CAIAPHUS and MALCHUS
MALCHUS: We should send an assassin to kill him in his bed.
CAIAPHUS: Remember Malchus. There is none more powerful than a martyr.
MALCHUS: True, we can not kill him while he is so popular. The people must do it.They must chose his death.
CAIAPHUS: If death is what is required.
MALCHUS: It is required if we are to hold onto our slim grasp of power.
CAIAPHUS: It is not so slim friend.
MALCHUS: You forget we are not Jesus of Nazareth. We have no miracle cures.
CAIAPHUS: Patience and vigilance Malchus. He will slip up. We must wait for theopportunity and then let Rome bring him down. The people will thank usfor it.
MALCHUS: Must thank us for it.
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
THERE IS A SOUND OUTSIDE. CAIAPHUS HOLDS UP HIS HAND.
CAIAPHUS: Who goes there ? (PAUSE) Speak. We are unarmed.
JUDAS ENTERS.
MALCHUS: It is one of his chosen. Have you come to mock us further ?
CAIAPHUS: Peace brother. Judge him not. (TO JUDAS) You are among friends.For what purpose do you visit us in the middle of such a dark night ?
JUDAS IS SILENT
MALCHUS: Has he no tongue ?
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CAIAPHUS: He is but well mannered. He awaits the right moment. Comebrother sit. Take some wine with us.
CAIAPHUS LEADS JUDAS TO THE TABLE. HE SITS HIM DOWNAND POURS THREE GLASSES OF WINE. HE HANDS ONE TTOMALCHUS AND TAKES ONE HIMSELF. HE LEAVES ONE FOR JUDAS.
CAIAPHUS: Let us give thanks for this blessing.
CAIAPHUS LOOKS AT JUDAS. JUDAS TAKES UP THE GLASS.THEY DRINK. PAUSE. SUDDENLY JUDAS SPEAKS.
JUDAS: I come for the one true purpose.
CAIAPHUS:: Continue brother ?
JUDAS: The coming of the Kingdom of God.
MALCHUS: Lofty ambitions.
CAIAPHUS: This is weighty talk for so late of hour. May I ask if this directly involvesyour Master ?
JUDAS: He is the key to the Kingdom.
MALCHUS: Must we listen to this drivel ?
CAIAPHUS HOLDS UP IS HAND TO QUIETEN MALCHUS.
CAIAPHUS: He is the key yet you have ventured here to visit with us on thismost holy night. Can we in some way be of assistance ?
PAUSE.
JUDAS: Do you dream brothers ?
MALCHUS SILENTLY WRETCHES. CAIAPHUS URGES HIM TO PLAYALONG.
CAIAPHUS: Often. Do you brother ?
JUDAS: I dream of the coming of a new dawn.
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
JUDAS: I dream of a new order. A new era. Of self-government, selfregulation, self determination. I dream of a free Israel.
CAIAPHUS: But we all dream of that ?
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CAIAPHUS URGES MALCHUS TO BACK HIM UP.
MALCHUS: Constantly.
CAIAPHUS: Go on brother.
JUDAS: I dream of our land free from the Romans.
CAIAPHUS: Such talk could have you killed brother.
MALCHUS: Could have us killed (TO CAIAPHUS) brother.
JUDAS: Jesus will protect us.
MALCHUS: Will he ?
CAIAPHUS: Tell us more.
JUDAS: He possesses powers that we can only dream of. He feedsthousands with a hand full of loaves.
MALCHUS: I see, so he will feed the Romans to death ?
JUDAS: He quietens seas in raging storms, walks across water, curesillness and disease, brings the slain back from the dead.
CAIAPHUS: Are all these things true ?
JUDAS: All and more. But he has not only the power to heal. He has thepower to destroy. He can send lightning bolts, summon anarmy of angels, bring pestilence and plague.
MALCHUS: Then why does he need us ?
CAIAPHUS: Yes brother, if he has such awesome power what use does he haveof our humble service ?
JUDAS: He lacks the ruthlessness to act without pity.
MALCHUS: Well, we can help him there.
CAIAPHUS GESTURES FOR MALCHUS TO SHUT UP.
CAIAPHUS: Tell us then brother, what does he need to unleash this mightyapocalypse ?
JUDAS: A trigger. He needs to be forced for he is too gentle too strike.
CAIAPHUS: Forced ?
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JUDAS: We need to manufacture a situation where not to use his powerwould mean ....
JUDAS LOOKS AWAY. SILENCE.
CAIAPHUS: But how would we manufacture such an outcome ?
JUDAS: Bring him before Pilate.
MALCHUS: But how ? Where would we find him in such a quiet place that hecould be taken ? Away from the throng.
JUDAS: I will play my part.
CAIAPHUS: Is that … wise ?
JUDAS: Faced with that he will have no other choice but to lift uphis hand and crush them all.
CAIAPHUS: Quite. (PAUSE) But when ?
JUDAS: I will alert you when the time comes. When he is unguarded and alone.
CAIAPHUS: We shall be ready.
MALCHUS PRODUCES A BAG OF COINS.
MALCHUS: You will of course need payment for your services.
JUDAS: (SUDDENLY ANGRY) This is not about money. No amount ofgold can buy a free Israel.
BEAT. MALCHUS BECKONS CAIAPHUS TO HIM.
MALCHUS: I am suspicious. Why does he not ask for money ? Perhapswe are being set up.
CAIAPHUS: He sees himself as a revolutionary.
MALCHUS: I do not like it.
CAIAPHUS: (TO JUDAS)Brother, I am confused. You have followed this manfor some time. Why desert him now ?
JUDAS: I do not desert him. I merely hasten his glory.
MALCHUS: But what’s in it for you ?
JUDAS: Well, I grow tired of his ravings. And besides, I hear the money’s good.
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MALCHUS LAUGHS. HE HOLDS OUT THE MONEY AGAIN. JUDASTAKES IT.
MALCHUS: You see Caiaphus. We’re all the same underneath.
CAIAPHUS: So we are agreed. Stay brother. Drink to your master’s health.
JUDAS: Sadly I can not. (HE GOES TO EXIT)
CAIAPHUS: But wait brother, we do not even know your name ?
JUDAS: My name is unimportant.
CAIAPHUS: It is a pleasure to meet a man of such resolve and clear action. We lookforward to our rendesvous.
MALCHUS: With great anticipation.
JUDAS EXITS, PULLING HIS COAT OVER HIS HEAD AS HE DOES.
THE LIGHT GOES UP OUTSIDE THE ROOM AND WE SEE HIM PASS ABEGGAR AS HE HEADS OFF DOWN THE STREET.
HE STOPS AND GIVES THE MONEY TO THE LEPER.
MALCHUS: A complete lunatic.
CAIAPHUS: But a useful one.
MALCHUS: Will he provide us with the opportunity we seek ?
CAIAPHUS: We can but wait.
MALCHUS: Turned in by one of his own, now that could wound his popularity.
CAIAPHUS: If this Galilean is brought before us it can not be us who are seen todeliver the final blow.
MALCHUS: No.
CAIAPHUS: Not good for our ratings.
MALCHUS: It will be up to our friends down the road to help us out.
CAIAPHUS: Quite.
MALCHUS: To better times..
THEY RAISE THEIR GLASSES. BLACK OUT.
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Scene 7. The last supper. An upstairs dining room. The following evening.
THE DISCIPLES SIT AROUND A U SHAPED TABLE AT KNEE HEIGHT.JESUS AND PETER SIT AT ONE END.
THE DISCIPLES TALK AMONG THEMSELVES.
JUDAS ENTERS. THE DISCIPLES TURN TO HIM AND THE ROOM SUDDENLYFALLS SILENT. JESUS LOOKS AT JUDAS.
JESUS: Come brother, there is place next to me.
JUDAS SITS NEXT TO JESUS. THE CONVERSATION RETURNS,SLOWLY.
PETER: We have not seen you of late Judas. What occupies you so ?
JUDAS: I work to bring the coming of the Kingdom of God one day closer.
PETER: We too brother.
JESUS: I have missed you Judas.
JUDAS: Missed me ?
JESUS: We have such little time left together. Our moments are precious.
JUDAS: You are immortal
JESUS: As are we all. (BEAT) I wonder brother …
JUDAS: What master ?
JESUS: It is so long since you have called me that. I wonder how historywill judge us ?
JUDAS: It will judge us how we make it judge us.
JESUS: Poor Judas. Poor sweet Judas. Can not you see history willjudge us how history decides ? We have no power here. Weare merely fates sounding board.
JUDAS: Master, sometime you confuse me. I wonder what you thinkwe are doing here ? We are changing the world.
JESUS: We have already changed the world. I can not exist withoutyou, sweet brother. We are enmeshed. We shall toss through the agestogether.
JUDAS: Everybody knows your name.
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JESUS: And soon everybody will know yours.
PAUSE.
JUDAS: Master, guide me.
JESUS: How can I ? When you have already chosen your path. Yours is thegreatest burden of all brother, for that I am sorry.
BARTHOLOMEW RAISES HIS VOICE ABOVE THE REST.
BARTHOLOMEW: Master.
JESUS: Yes Bartholomew.
JOHN: The Master speaks.
THE OTHER DISCIPLES FALL SILENT.
JESUS: Speak brother.
BARTHOLOMEW: Master I have been thinking.
PHILIP: A dangerous pastime.
LAUGHTER.
BARTHOLOMEW: The Disciples of John did fast often and make prayers as dothe disciples of the Pharisees.
JESUS: It is so.
BARTHOLOMEW: But yet we eat and drink.(Luke 5, 33)
PHILIP: And make merry.
BARTHOLOMEW: Why master ?
JESUS: Good brother. Can you make the children of the bride chamber fast whilethe bridegroom is with them ?
PHILIP: Never.
LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE.
JESUS: But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be takenaway from t hem. In those days, then shall they fast. (Luke 5, 34-35)
SILENCE.
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JAMES: This can not be.
JESUS: Brothers, with great desire I have wanted to eat this Passoverwith you my twelve apostles - before I suffer.
CALLS OF: “NO”, “HOW MASTER ?” “WHY ?”
JESUS: For I say unto you I will not eat any more until it is fulfilled in theKingdom of God.
AGAIN THE CALLS. JESUS REACHES OUT AND POURS A GLASS OFWINE. HE HOLDS IT UP.
JESUS: Thanks be to God. Take this and drink. For I say unto you I will not drinkagain of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God shall come.
JESUS PICKS UP THE BREAD. AGAIN HE HOLDS IT UP.
JESUS: Thanks be to God. (TO DISCIPLES, BREAKING THE BREAD) This ismy body, which is given for you. Take it and eat. This do inremembrance of me. (HE HOLDS UP THE GLASS)This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.Drink this and remember me. (PAUSE) Drink brothers.
THE DISCIPLES DRINK AND PASS THE GLASS ON.
MATTHEW: But Master you can not leave us ?
ANDREW: How can this be ?
JESUS: Behold, the hand of him that betrays me is with me on this table.
AGAIN CALLS OF: “NO”, “WHO ?” “STOP HIM”
JESUS: Truly the Son of Man departs as it has been written and pity to thatman by whom he is betrayed. It would be better if that man had neverbeen born.
ALPHAEUS: But master, who is it that you do speak of ?
SIMON: Who will betray you ?
THADEUS: Lord, is it I ?
BARTHOLOMEW: Is it I ?
JAMES: Is it I ?
JESUS: He that dips his hand in the dish with me. That same man shall betray me.
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JESUS LOOKS DOWN AT THE DISH IN FRONT OF HIM IN WHICHJUDAS HAS HIS HAND.
JUDAS: Master, is it I ?
JESUS: As you have said ?
SILENCE. JUDAS BEGINS TO LAUGH. THE LAUGHTER GROWS.EVENTUALLY HE STOPS.
JUDAS: You talk of betrayal. But who has betrayed who ? You promised usa new world. You have given us nothing. We sit and rot inJerusalem while the Romans laugh in our face.
PETER: When will you understand - this is not about Rome.
JUDAS: No it is about Israel. Now Jesus of Nazareth - the time has comefor action. The time has come to force you to act.
JESUS: Shouldn’t you be about your work ?
JUDAS : You want me to do it ?
JESUS: It is what you have chosen.
JUDAS: It is what you have chosen.
JESUS: I have chosen only to do God’s will.
JUDAS: And I will make you do it. Is that what you want ? Is it ?
JESUS: Sweet Judas, when will you learn. What I want is unimportant ?
JUDAS: Well what I want is.
PETER GOES TO STAND. JESUS HOLDS HIM. JUDAS RIPS OFF A PIECEOF BREAD AND PUTS IT IN HIS MOUTH.
JUDAS: The body of Christ.
HE DRINKS SOME WINE.
JUDAS: The blood of Christ. You sit here, indulging in your morbid fantasies ?This is not about death Jesus. This is about life. The time to liveis now. Summon up your courage brothers. It’s time to begin.
JUDAS STARTS TO LEAVE. SOME OF THE DISCIPLES STAND TO STOPHIM.
JESUS: Let him pass.
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JUDAS LEAVES. PAUSE. SUDDENLY JESUS COLLAPSES.
PETER: Master ?
JESUS: What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world andloses his soul ?
JESUS SWAYS AGAIN. PETER TAKES HOLD OF HIM.
JESUS: Help me Peter. Help me.
PETER: What is it master ?
JESUS: I see my fate before me.
PETER: What frightens you so ?
JESUS: I see myself ...
PETER: I am here Master.
JESUS: No Peter. Even you too will desert me. Even you.
BLACKOUT. (Matthew 26, 20-29), (Luke 22, 14-23)
Scene 9. Open ground. Gethsemane. Night. Nearby, a brook. The sound of running water.
JESUS ALONE, PRAYING.
JESUS: Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, so your Son may alsoglorify you. (John 17, 1) (HE LOOKS TOWARDS HIS DISCIPLES)While I was with them in the world I kept them in your name. Those thatyou gave me I have kept and lost none of them. Except for the son ofperdition and that so the scripture might be fulfilled. (John 17, 12)(BEAT) Father, if it be possible - let this cup pass from me. (Matthew 26,39) My spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26, 41) Father -let this cup pass away from me !
JESUS KEELS ON THE FLOOR. LONG PAUSE.
JESUS: I drink it. Your will be done. (Matthew 26, 42) Your will, not mine bedone. (Matthew 26, 39)
SLOWLY HE STANDS AND MOVES ACROSS THE STAGE TO WHERETHE DISCIPLES SLEEP. (Matthew 26,45) HE WATCHES THEM SILENTLY.HE GOES TO PETER AND STROKES HIS HEAD. PETER WAKES.
PETER: Master ?
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JESUS: Sleep on now. Take your rest. (Matthew 26,45) For we are undone.
JUDAS ENTERS WITH A BAND OF MEN AND OFFICERS, THE CHIEFPRIESTS AND PHARISEES. THEY CARRY LANTERNS, TORCHES ANDWEAPONS. (John 18, 3) AMONG THEM MALCHUS (John 18,10)
PETER SEES THE GROUP AND LEAPS UP. JESUS PUTSA HAND ON HIS SHOULDER. HE SMILES.
JESUS: Behold the hour is at hand. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands ofsinners. Behold he is at hand that does betray me. (Matthew 26,45 & 46)
THE HIGH PRIEST POINTS TO JESUS AND THE SOLDIERS START TO MOVE FORWARD. JUDAS STOPS THEM.
JUDAS: The one that I kiss. That is he. (Matthew 26, 48) Take him and leadhim away safely. (Mark 14,44)
JESUS STANDS AND MOVES TOWARDS THE GROUP
JESUS: Whom do you seek ? (John 18,4)
HIGH PRIEST: Jesus of Nazareth. (John 18,5) F
JESUS: I am he. (John 18,5)
JUDAS MOVES TO JESUS. (Matthew 26, 49)
JUDAS: Hello master. (Matthew 26, 49)
JUDAS EMBRACES JESUS AND KISSES HIM. (Matthew 26,49).JESUS LOOKS INTO HIS EYES.
JESUS: Friend, why have you come ? (Matthew 26,50)
JUDAS: We can wait no longer.
JESUS: No, we can not.
THE HIGH PRIEST SIGNALS TO THE SOLDIERS. THEY MOVETOWARDS JESUS AND JUDAS. JUDAS IS KNOCKED TO THE GROUND.THEY TAKE HOLD OF JESUS. (Matthew 26, 50)
PETER: Master !
THE DISCIPLES BEGIN TO RISE. THEY MOVE TOWARDS THESOLDIERS, WEAPONS DRAWN. JESUS HOLDS UP A HAND TO STOPTHEM.
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JESUS: (TO HIGH PRIEST) I have told you that I am he. If you seek me then letthese men go their way. (John 18, 8)
JESUS LOOKS AGAIN AT JUDAS. HE SMILES.
SUDDENLY PETER DRAWS HIS SWORD AND LUNGES ATMALCHUS. HE CUTS OFF HIS RIGHT EAR. (John 18, 10). THE SOLDIERSDRAW THEIR WEAPONS AND MOVE TOWARDS THE DISCIPLES.
JESUS: (TO PETER) Put away your sword. All those who take up the sword willperish by the sword. (Matthew 26, 52)
JESUS PLACES HIS HANDS ON MALCHUS’ HEAD.
JESUS: You suffer too much.
JESUS TAKES AWAY HIS HAND TO SHOW THE EAR IS HEALED.(Luke 22, 51) THE CENTURIONS DRAW BACK IN WONDER.
JESUS: (TO ALL) Think you that I can not pray to my Father now and he shallsend me more than twelve Legions of angels ? (TO PETER) This is howit must be. (Matthew 26, 54) The cup which my Father has given to me.Shall I not drink it ? (John 18,11) (TO SOLDIERS) And you who comeout against me, as you would against a common thief with swords anddaggers drawn. I sat daily with you teaching in the temple. And now youlay hold of me. (Matthew 26, 55)
THE SOLDIERS RELEASE HIM. HE GOES TO HIS DISCIPLES)
JESUS: All this was done so the scriptures might be fulfilled. (Matthew 56, 44)
SILENCE
JESUS: (TO DISCIPLES) Go now. Go !!!
SOME OF THE DISCIPLES LEAVE. PETER DRIFTS TO THE EDGE OFTHE STAGE. HE WATCHES FROM THE SHADOWS. (Matthew 26, 56)
JESUS MOVES TO JUDAS. HE TAKES HIS FACE IN HIS HANDS.HE KISSES JUDAS.
THE HIGH PRIEST SIGNALS TO THE SOLDIERS. THEY TAKE HOLDOF JESUS AND DRAG HIM OFF THE STAGE.
JUDAS: (TO MALCHUS) This was not agreed !
PETER: (DRAWING SWORD) You have betrayed him. Now you will die.
JUDAS: How have I betrayed him ? He is the most powerful man in the world ?Is that not true ?
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PETER He is God on earth.
JUDAS: He has legions of Angels at his call. Did you not hear him ?He can destroy all these men with a glance. You believe that. I know youdo. If you do not then here is my neck, do what you will ?
PETER DOES NOT MOVE.
JUDAS: He is God but in a man’s body. He is weak and vulnerable, justlike you and me. He was hesitant and wavering. He needed to bepushed. I have answered our prayers brother. I have delivered him intothe hands of his enemies. Now the time has come for him to act. Ourkingdom is nigh.
PETER LOOKS AT JUDAS. HE HAS NO WORDS. HE STANDS STARINGAT JUDAS, MUTE.
JUDAS: Now my brothers. Now !
JUDAS RUNS OFF AFTER THE SOLDIERS.
Scene 10. The House of Pilate. The following morning.
PILATE STANDS ON A RAISED PLATFORM. AROUND HIM ARE AIDES ANDCENTURIONS.
ENTER SOLDIERS OF THE CHURCH. BETWEEN THEM THEY DRAG JESUS.FOLLOWING CLOSELY ARE MALCHUS, CAIAPHUS, ANNAS AND OTHERPHARISEES. BEHIND THEM JUDAS.
JESUS IS THROWN TO THE GROUND IN FRONT OF PILATE. JUDAS TRIES TOGO TO HIS AID BUT IS HELD BACK.
MALCHUS: O wise Governor, it is done as we have said.
PILATE LOOKS AT JESUS.
PILATE: Is this the all powerful Jesus of Nazareth ? Is this the commander ofarmies and lightning bolts ? This meek poet. I think not.
PILATE GOES TO JESUS. HE HOLDS OUT HIS HAND.JESUS LOOKS AT THE HAND. HE GOES TO TAKE IT.
JUDAS: Master, no !
PILATE: Who is this man who speaks so loud ?
CAIAPHUS: This is Judas, once a disciple of the accused. But of late he hasfound reason to seek the High Priests’ help to intervene.
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PILATE: How convenient. Keep him quiet or I’ll throw him out.
CAIAPHUS NODS. HE GESTURES TO TWO SOLDIERS TO WATCHJUDAS. PILATE ONCE AGAIN LOOKS ON JESUS. HE HOLDS HISFACE IN HIS HAND.
PILATE: A wise face yet such sad eyes. Why are you sad Nazarene ?Will you not speak to me ?
JESUS IS SILENT.
PILATE: Get this ferocious beast a chair.
MALCHUS GOES TO PROTEST. CAIAPHUS HOLDS HIM BACK.THE CENTURIONS BRING A CHAIR. ONCE MORE PILATE HOLDSOUT HIS HAND. JESUS TAKES IT.
JUDAS LETS OUT A CRY OF “NO”. THE CHURCH SOLDIERS MOVEIN ON JUDAS AND KNOCK HIM TO THE GROUND. PILATE HELPSJESUS ON TO THE CHAIR.
PILATE: With what do you charge this man ?
CAIAPHUS: We do not charge him. We merely assist those in need. (INDICATINGJUDAS) This is the man who does charge him ?
PILATE: Speak then. What crimes does this man commit ?
THE SOLDIERS THROW JUDAS FORWARD. SILENCE.
PILATE: You are the accuser ? Speak. What crimes have been wrought ?
JUDAS: He seeks to bring Rome to its knees. He seeks to make Jerusalem a riverof blood.
PILATE: Those are serious charges.
JUDAS: He is a great and powerful leader. He has the power at his fingertips tomake your Empire tremble.
PILATE: Strong words. And what say you Jesus of Nazareth ? Do you seek tomake Rome tremble ?
JESUS IS SILENT.
PILATE: Hear me Galilean. I urge you to speak. My name is Pilate. I am theGovernor of Judea and loyal servant of Tiberius Caesar. I am called uponto make difficult decisions everyday. If needs be I am ruthless. Do notdoubt that I will act as such in this case if it is warranted ? Speak. How doyou answer these charges ?
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JESUS IS SILENT STILL.
PILATE: Interesting.
PILATE WAVES HIS HAND. A CENTURION MOVES IN AND KNOCKSJESUS TO THE GROUND. JUDAS RACES FORWARD BUT IS AGAINHELD BACK BY THE CHURCH SOLDIERS.
SLOWLY JESUS CRAWLS BACK TO HIS CHAIR. HE PULLS HIMSELFUP AND SITS.
PILATE: Understand me Jesus, you will answer these charges. What say youGalilean ? Do you desire to bring Rome to its knees ?
JUDAS: He will bring you to your knees. You will wallow in your bloodscreaming out for mercy.
PILATE: Shut him up.
THE CHURCH SOLDIERS KNOCK JUDAS TO THE GROUND.
PILATE: Caiaphus. Speak to this man. See if you can make himunderstand the seriousness of his plight.
CAIAPHUS: I have not the words to unlock this troubled soul Pilate. Iask my father in law Annas to assist us.
ANNAS STEPS FORWARD, AN ELDERLY, STOOPED FIGURE. HEMOVES CLOSE TO JESUS. HE LAYS HIS HAND ON HIS SHOULDER,THEN STROKES HIS HAIR.
ANNAS: Tell us, sweet leader, art thou the Christ ?
PILATE: Matters of religion are of no relevance in this court Caiaphus.
MALCHUS: Pray noble Pilate, indulge us but awhile.
PLIATE WAVES ANNAS TO CONTINUE.
ANNAS: Sweet Jesus, art thou Christ ?
JESUS: If I tell you, you will not believe me.
PILATE: He speaks.
CAIAPHUS: Go on, good father.
ANNAS: Master, speak again.
JESUS: If I asked you, you would not answer. Nor let me go.
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ANNAS: Tell us Sweet leader, art thou the Christ ?
JESUS: Hereafter shall the Son of Man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
ANNAS: Are you he ? The Son of God ?
JESUS: You say I am and it is so.
UPROAR FROM THE PHARISEES.
CAIAPHUS: Quiet good brothers. Pilate speaks.
AFTER AWHILE QUIET RETURNS.
PILATE: Again this seems to me a domestic matter. He speaks of religion andspiritual matters. I see no reason to involve Rome.
MALCHUS: He is guilty of sedition and treachery.
CAIAPHUS: Wise Governor, what my brother says is true. He seeks to overthrowRome and travels the width and breadth of the country spreadingwhispers of insurrection.
PILATE: Must he be punished for whispering ?
THE ROMANS LAUGH.
CAIAPHUS: Wise Pilate as we have discussed, the High Priests and Rome haveenjoyed a prosperous relationship. This man seeks to undo it.
PILATE: Do not bring your schoolboy politicking into this House of Law,Caiaphus.
MALCHUS: O great Pilate, he does proclaim himself King the Jews –
PILATE: Does he steal the title from you ?
MORE LAUGHTER FROM THE ROMANS.
MALCHUS: And seeks to set up his own Empire !
PILATE: Settle this debate Jesus. Is this so ? Are you the King of the Jews ?
JESUS: You say it is so. (Luke 23, 3)
PILATE: Words at last. They say it is so, but what say you ?
JESUS: I seek only to carry out my father’s wishes.
TITTERS OF DISAPPROVAL.
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PILATE: Careful Jesus of Nazareth. Be careful now. This is no time for games.These men seek to have you killed. Nothing less. Choose your words,carefully. Who is your father ?
JESUS: He that does sit in heaven.
AGAIN UPROAR : “BLASPHEMY”, “DEATH”, “CRUCIFY HIM”
PILATE: (OVER UPROAR) I find no fault in this man. Apart from a minor case ofdelusion. This is still a matter for the Pharisees. Take him away.
THE CENTURIONS MOVE TO JESUS.
MALCHUS: (DESPERATION GROWING) O great Pilate. This man is arevolutionary and a traitor.
CAIAPHUS: He is a threat to your sovereignty.
PILATE: But where is the proof ? Where is one man who has witnessed histreachery ? Where is one voice that can tell us of his crimes againstRome ? Let me hear that voice and then I will act.
JUDAS: I know of his treachery.
PILATE GOES TO JUDAS.
PILATE: And who are you ?
JUDAS: I am he that does follow the lord Jesus - Judas Iscarriot.
PILATE: And know you of acts that this man has committed against ourproud Empire ?
JUDAS: In his heart he has committed hundreds.
PILATE: I speak not of the heart here. Do not waste my time. Or you willwaste time no longer. Has he committed acts against Rome ?
JUDAS: Among his followers there is a man who so hates Rome that he hasmurdered for his cause.
UPROAR AGAIN.
PILATE: Speak again.
JUDAS: Jesus did send this man out to preach the word of God but instead thisman came upon a Centurion and slit his neck from ear to ear and thenhung his head beside the road so all could see the fate of any Roman whocrossed his path.
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PILATE: Did Jesus know of this ?
JUDAS: When the man returned he presented Jesus with the Centurion’shelmet as a gift.
MORE UPROAR.
MALCHUS: Now you see the evil nature of his work.
PILATE: Where is the man who committed this crime ?
JUDAS: He is close at hand.
CAIAPHUS: Governor, the man who incited his follower to this vile act sits beforeyou. He is the real villain.
PILATE: (TO JESUS) Is this true Nazarene ? Did you know of this act ? Speak.
JESUS IS SILENT.
PILATE: Where is this man who committed this foul murder ? If he is in the crowdtoday then point him out. Show us this villain and he will die this day.
JESUS IS STILL SILENT. PILATE NODS. A CENTURION MOVES INAND AGAIN KNOCKS JESUS TO THE GROUND.
JUDAS: No !
JUDAS TO IS STRUCK DOWN. HE CRAWLS TOWARDS JESUS.
PILATE: Show us his face.
JESUS DOES NOT RESPOND. PILATE NODS AND JESUS ISSTRUCK ONCE MORE. BUT STILL JESUS DOES NOT RESPOND.
JUDAS: Master ... please.
CAIAPHUS: O wise Governor, you have your proof. Make your judgement.
MALCHUS: Crucify this criminal.
PILATE: I have heard one testimony of dubious worth.
CAIAPHUS: Surely you have heard enough.
PILATE CONSIDERS.
PILATE: Do you but agree that this man comes from Galilee ?
CAIAPHUS: It is so.
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PILATE: Then I would be right to send him to my cousin Herod, in whosejurisdiction Galilee does lie ?
CAIAPHUS: But the crimes were committed here ?
PILATE: I have no proof of that. These are but allegations of a crime I do not knowhas taken place. But do not despair. I am sending him to Herod. Do younot remember ? He has a knack of sorting these things out.
MALCHUS: And if Herod too is unsure ?
PILATE: If he comes back intact, then the people must decide his fate.Take him to Herod.
CAIAPHUS: Oh great Pilate –
PILATE: Caesar has spoken.
THE CENTURIONS MOVE TO JESUS. JUDAS IS NOW BESIDE HIMON THE FLOOR.
JUDAS: Master, show them your power.
PILATE: Wait.
THE CENTURIONS HALT.
PILATE: First give him forty lashes. That should loosen his tongue.
JUDAS: No !
THE CENTURIONS PICK UP JESUS AND CARRY HIM OUT. JUDASTRIES TO FREE HIM BUT AGAIN IS KNOCKED TO THE GROUND.
MALCHUS: (TO THE PHARISEES) Go you and gather all the Scribes and bringthem nearby. If he is returned from Herod we will need their voices.
THE PHARISEES EXIT.
MALCHUS: (LOOKING AT JUDAS) And what of our brave witness ?
CAIAPHUS: Ah, yes. The brave witness.(TO THE CENTURIONS) Hold him below.We may still need him.
THE CENTURIONS MOVE IN TO PICK UP JUDAS.
JUDAS: Take him to Herod and he will return riding a chariot of fire.
JUDAS IS CARRIED OUT. PILATE SITS. ONLY CAIAPHUSREMAINS WITH HIM ON STAGE.
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CAIAPHUS: What ails you good Pilate ?
PILATE: My heart is troubled with a deep unrest.
CAIAPHUS: Your heart aches at the crimes committed against your countrymen.
PILATE: I know not brother. I know not. There is something about thisman. Something untouched. What if he is the Son of God ?
CAIAPHUS: The Son of God, Governor, would be far grander than this.
BLACKOUT.
Scene 11. A prison cell, beneath Herod’s house.
A WINDOW HIGH UP ON THE WALL EMITS FAINT LIGHT.
A DOOR OPENS AND JUDAS IS THROWN INTO THE CELL.
HE CRAWLS TO THE WALL. FROM OUTSIDE WE HEAR THE SOUNDSOF A CROWD, BUILDING.
A SPOTLIGHT GOES UP ON JESUS, NOW DRESSED IN A “GORGEOUS”PURPLE ROBE (Luke 23, 11). HE LOOK FORWARD, AS IF UNAWARE OFJUDAS.
JUDAS: Master. Master.
HE CRAWLS FORWARD TO JESUS.
JUDAS: Have you returned ? Is Herod dead ? Have we begun ?
JESUS STILL STARES STRAIGHT AHEAD.
JUDAS: Master. Speak to me. Jesus !
A SPOTLIGHT GOES UP ON PILATE SITTING HIGH ABOVE THEM INTHE JUDGEMENT SEAT. (Luke 23, 19)
PILATE: Here stands before you Jesus of Nazareth. He who was broughtbefore me on charges of sedition and treachery and he who Isent to Herod for judgement. (Luke 23, 14)
LIGHTS GO UP ON CAIAPHUS AND MALCHUS, STANDING AMONGSCRIBES AND PHARISEES.
PILATE: Having examined this man before you I have found no fault in him.Nor Herod, for he has been returned to me and nothing worthyof death is cast upon him. (Luke 23, 15)
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JUDAS: Does Herod still live ?
LIGHTS GO UP ON CITIZENS, AMONG THEM ARE SIMON, ALPHAEUSPETER AND THADEUS. BEHIND THEM STAND CHURCH SOLDIERS.
PILATE: Thus, following the customer of Passover, where I must release untoyou one prisoner (Mark 15, 6) - I therefore chastise this manand release him.
CRIES GO UP FROM OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE STAGE. THE PEOPLEAND THE DISCIPLES CRY OUT IN APPROVAL. THE PHARISEESSCREAM IN DISAPPROVAL.
MALCHUS RAISES HIS VOICE AMONG THE DIN. AS HE DOES LIGHTSGO UP ON A PRISONER IN CHAINS, STANDING NEXT TO JESUS, THISIS BARABBAS.
MALCHUS: Oh great Governor. Listen to the people’s cry. They say release notJesus of Nazareth. Release unto us Barrabas.
ONCE AGAIN THERE ARE ROARS OF APPROVAL AND DISAPPROVAL.
CAIAPHUS WHISPERS TO THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES. SEVERALOF THEM MOVE OVER TO THE CITIZENS. THEY WHISPER TO THESOLDIERS AND CITIZENS.
PILATE: Is this true ? Do you wish me to release Barrabas, a known thief andmurderer, rather than this man - a man of God ?
AGAIN ROARS OF APPROVAL AND DISAPPROVAL.
PHARISEE: Crucify him.
SCRIBE: Free Barrabas.
THADEUS: No. Free Jesus. Jesus.
A SOLDIER HEARING THADEUS MOVES FORWARD AND KNOCKSHIM VIOLENTLY TO THE GROUND.
SIMON AND ALPHAEUS MOVE FORWARD TO HELP HIM. PETERIS MOTIONLESS.
PILATE: But what evil has this Jesus done ? I have no evidence he hascommitted crimes directly. I find no cause to put him to death.I must therefore chastise him and free him. (Luke 23, 22)
ROARS OF DISAPPROVAL, AMONGST THEM :
SIMON: Yes Jesus.
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ALPHAEUS: Free Jesus.
THE SOLDIERS MOVE IN ON THE DISCIPLES. ALPHAEUS IS STRUCKTO THE GROUND.
A SECOND SOLDIER SWINGS HIS LANCE AT SIMON. SIMON GRABSTHE LANCE. MORE SOLDIERS MOVE IN AND DESPITE HISSTRUGGLING, SIMON IS DRAGGED AWAY.OTHER SOLDIERS DRAG OFF THADEUS AND ALPHAEUS. PETERSTEPS BACK INTO THE SHADOWS.
JUDAS: Why do you stand so still ? Why do you not help your disciples ?
CAIAPHUS: (TO PILATE) O wise Pilate, if you let this man go, then you art notCaesar’s friend. Whosoever makes himself a king, speaks against Caesar.
LOUD ROARS OF APPROVAL.
PILATE: High Priest, do I understand you correctly - you charge me with treason ?
CAIAPHUS: Failure to act against this dangerous criminal could be seen as such.
PILATE: What say you Jesus of Nazareth ? Are you their King - the Kingof the Jews ? Speak.
JESUS: Why do you ask me ? Ask those who listened. They know whatI have said. (John 18, 21)
MALCHUS: What kind of answer is this ?
PILATE SHAKES HIS HEAD.
PILATE: What say you - scribes and Pharisees ? Priests of the Church.Shall I crucify your king ?
SCRIBE: Oh great Pilate - we have no King but Caesar. (John 19, 15)
SCRIBES ALL: We have no King but Caesar ! We have no King but Caesar !We have no King but Caesar !
JUDAS: How can you bear this ? Send lightning bolts, open up theheavens as you said you would ! Strike them down !
PILATE RAISES HIS HAND. SILENCE. HE SIGNALS TO A CENTURION.A WATER BOWL IS BROUGHT ON.
PILATE: Jesus of Nazareth - I am Pilate, Governor of all Judea. Hearmy words.
THE BOWL IS BROUGHT FORWARD.
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PILATE: I do wash my hands before this multitude. (HE DOES SO). I aminnocent of the blood of this just person. All present see it.(Luke 23, 24) According to the custom I free Barrabas and giveyour fate over to the will of the people.
SOLDIERS MOVE IN AND REMOVE BARRABAS’ CHAINS. HE LOOKSAT JESUS AND NODS. EXITS THE LIGHT.
PILATE: Now, what will you have done with Jesus of Nazareth ?
THE WORDS BEGIN WITH A WHISPER, SLOWLY BUILDING ININTENSITY AND VOLUME : “CRUCIFY HIM. CRUCIFY HIM. CRUCIFYHIM.”
THEY BUILD AND BUILD UNTIL THEY ARE A UNITED ROAR.
PILATE RAISES HIS HAND. SILENCE.
PILATE: Then so be it.
ALL SPOTLIGHTS GO OUT. LIGHTS CHANGE.
TWO SOLDIERS APPEAR AND JESUS IS FLUNG TO THE GROUNDINSIDE THE CELL. HE IS ALONE NOW WITH JUDAS. JUDAS CRAWLSTO HIM.
JUDAS: Master, why do you not strike? You could wipe them outwith a single breath.
JESUS DOES NOT RESPOND.
JUDAS: Master, remember your words. Now is the time to act. The day has comefor the angels of heaven to come forth and sever the wicked from amongthe just and cast them into the furnace of fire. (Matthew 13, 49-50).Nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and thereshall be horror such as has never been since the beginning of the world tothis time and as shall never be seen again. (Luke 21, 6-11.) The hour hascome master. We are ready. Why do you hesitate so ?
JESUS RAISES HIS HEAD. HE LOOKS AT JUDAS. HE REACHES OUTHIS HAND AND STROKES JUDAS’ FACE.
JESUS: I do but my father’s will. Before the end of this day you will sit besideme in the Kingdom of heaven.
HE KISSES HIM.
JESUS: I am sorry my friend.
JUDAS: You apologise to me.
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JESUS: My path was chosen - and you have played your part.
THERE IS THE SOUND OF A DOOR BEING UNLOCKED.
JUDAS: Master, we can wait no longer. They come to murder you.
TWO CENTURIONS ENTER THE CELL. THEY PICK JESUS UP.JUDAS TRIES TO STOP THEM, BUT HE IS KNOCKED AWAY.
THE CENTURIONS STAND JESUS UP, ONE PUTS A CROWN OFTHORNS ON HIS HEAD, THE OTHER A REED IN HIS HAND.
CENTURION: Bow before the King of the Jews. (Mark 15, 18)
THEY DO SO, LAUGHING. JUDAS IS AGAIN CLOSE TO JESUS.
JUDAS: Lord. You must act now.
JESUS: That he so loved us, he gave up his only son.
JUDAS IS KNOCKED AWAY AND JESUS IS STRUCK ONCE MORE TOTO THE GROUND.
THE CENTURIONS RIP OFF HIS ROBE. JUDAS CRAWLS TO JESUS.
JUDAS: Master, I beg you
THE GUARDS DRAG JESUS UP AND A CROSS IS PLACED ON HISBACK.
JUDAS: They will crucify you.
JESUS: (TURNING TO JUDAS) His will – thy be done.
SILENCE. JUDAS IS MOTIONLESS, STRUCK BY THE SUDDENREALISATION.
CENTURION 1: (REFERRIG TO JUDAS) What about this one ?
CENTURION 2: He turned him in. He can go. He’s a hero.
THE CENTURIONS LEAD JESUS OUT. JESUS STRUGGLES WITHTHE CROSS.
JUDAS IS STILL, SILENT.
SUDDENLY HE LETS OUT A LOW MOAN OF PAIN AND ANGUISH.
THE MOANING BUILDS UNTIL IT BECOMES A GUT WRENCHINGSCREAM.
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JUDAS: Fool. Fool. Blind fool. That I lived to see this day.
HE PULLS A ROPE OFF THE WALL AND RUNS OUT OF THE CELL.HE BEGINS TO CLIMB, HIGHER AND HIGHER.
AS AT THE START OF THE PLAY A HUMMING SLOWLY BECOMESAUDIBLE AROUND THE THEATRE AND BEGINS TO BUILD.
AS JUDAS CLIMBS HIGHER THE HUMMING GROWS INTO A SINGLENOTE, BUILDING IN INTENSITY AND VOLUME.
JUDAS REACHES A BEAM HIGH ABOVE THE STAGE AS THETHE NOTE BECOMES DEAFENING AND THE LIGHT BUILDS ONHIM TO A BLINDING INTENSITY.
JUDAS WRAPS THE ROPE ROUND THE BEAM AS LIGHTS AND SOUNDBUILD TO A CLIMAX. HE TIGHTENS THE NOOSE AROUND HIS NECKAND LEAPS INTO SPACE. THE NOTE IS SUDDENLY CUT OFF.
SILENCE, SAVE THE CREAKING OF THE ROPE.
JUDAS BODY WRITHES ON THE END OF THE ROPE.
IN SILENCE WE SEE A BLINDING FLASH OF LIGHT AS JUDAS’BODY WRENCHES IN ONE FINAL VIOLENT SPASM.
HIS WHOLE BODY IS SUDDENLY TAUT AS EVERY MUSCLESTRETCHES AND THEN, AS IF THE SPIRIT HAS DEPARTED, ISSTILL, SWINGING GENTLY ON THE ROPE.
LIGHTS FADE.
END PLAY.
