Funeral for the Living
Great for teens or adults to act!
This Easter drama explores the feelings of those directly involved in Jesus' death, and how they come to terms with the fact that He is now alive. What does that mean for them, and also for us today?
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Following is a sample from the script...
All enter, as at a funeral. Dressed in dark clothing. Pilate and Soldier first, go to Stage Left, freeze. Temple Priests next and go Stage Right, freeze. 4-6 Disciples carry coffin. Women follow, crying and supporting each other. Disciples place coffin on stand, and step back in a frozen group. Women also form a frozen group. Funereal music plays.
Pilate
(Steps up to coffin with Soldier as music fades) You made sure he was dead?
Soldier
Yes Sir, stabbed him myself.
Pilate
I just don't want these Jews coming back to me accusing me of hiding the body or something. You know how they can be.
Soldier
He's in that box, Sir, don't you worry.
Pilate
But you are sure?
Soldier
I saw them put him in myself, and then I nailed it down. He ain't going nowhere. Why are you so worried? He was just another fanatic, and now he's gone.
Pilate
Just another fanatic? I'm not so sure.
Soldier
Trust me, he's dead and that's the end of it (They exit)
Priest 1
(Steps up to coffin) I can't believe it is finally over.
Priest 2
Here's the body to prove it. He was just a man after all.
Priest 1
I'm not so sure.
Priest 2
Don't tell me you believed him?
Priest 1
No! Not at all. But there was something about him...something different.
Priest 2
Not any more. He's dead, and that's the end of it. (They exit)
Peter
(Going to casket) You changed my life. You saw something in me that no one else did, (attempts to smile)not even my Mother. You challenged me, and constantly pushed me to the edge...and for what? (Angry) All for nothing! You threw it all away, and left us to pick up the pieces!! I don't get it. Why?... (Quieter) Why? It doesn't make sense to end it like this. (Exits)
John
Love. That's what I shall remember you for. Your immense love for everyone. Regardless of who they were or what they had done. No one will ever love like that again, and I just wish you had been around a little longer so that I could begin to learn to love like that. You said that love never ends, but it sure feels like it has today. I will miss you, Rabbi...friend.
(Waits for Mary)
Mary
My son. Such a good boy. So caring and thoughtful. Always considerate of others. Always knew just what a person was feeling. I will miss you so much. Your life ended much too soon. Goodbye my child.(John puts arm around her, all exit but Magdalene)
Magdalene
Saviour. That's what you were, and still are. You might have passed on, but I am changed forever. The work that you have begun in me will carry on. I only wish you were here to help me more. I'm not sure I can do it alone. Why did you have to provoke them? You knew they wanted you dead. If only I could see you one last time. (Tries to lift lid, it opens) Open? But why? (lifts lid) Gone!
Jesus
(Walks in during her speech) Mary?
Magdalene
(Looks up) Who are you? Are you the undertaker?
Jesus
Who are you looking for?
Magdalene
They have taken my Lord, and I don't know what they have done with him.
Jesus
Mary. Why are you looking for the living amongst the dead?
...script continues.
Key Words: Easter

