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"He's Waiting
For You:
The Story of Mary Magdalene"
By Jim Pappas
Copyrightright 1993
Suggested Donation $25.00
This is one of the
most moving plays I have ever written. It was first commissioned
by "Reflections," the drama ministry from Campion Academy
in Colorado. The director was Thure Martinson and the play has
been touching lives in a powerful way ever since it was written
in 1993. I had been talking about writing a play based on the
life of Mary Magdalene for years and finally Thure encouraged
and enabled me to actually do it.
A few years later
I put together a fairly experienced drama team here in Northern
Callifornia and we began rehearsals on "He's Waiting For
You." In the process of rehearsing we also recorded everyone's
part so we could have something to sell after our programs. Well,
after several weeks I had it all edited together and had added
sound effects and beautiful original music by a dear brother
named Edwin Ray.
So can you guess what
happened? First of all, when I sat the cast down to preview what
they had recorded in bits and piec,es, they had no idea that
they were about to listen to a completed product. So, when I
played the finished tape for the team I had several grown men
sitting there in silence with tears in their eyes. When we discussed
our next move one of the lead players said, "We can never
top that. Lets call our mission finished." And so, by mutual
consent we called off rehearsals and have let the tapes stand
for themselves. This has never happened to me before and I doubt
it ever will again, but it was a powerful testimony to the power
of this script.
If you decide to take
on this challenging script I suggest you go to our order page
(You
May Click Here) and
obtain these CDs for study. I also suggest that you perform this
script as a Reader's
Theater production.
Please be advised that this is not entirely Biblicly based. While
I believe the messege is totally true, the story is constructed
from my imagination based upon such inferences as I could glean
from Scripture and other inspiring sources. Here is an email
I received from one of our satisfied customers not long ago.
See what you think of it:
"Jim - I shared about your book on a website
and was given your address. This makes my Shabbat to be able
to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My daughter, now age 19, had been lured into fringe gangs in our
small town Junior High School. She had taken on a gang name (Buffy
the Vampire Slayer), was catching rides at noon to get away from
school property to smoke, had tried drugs, and who knows what
else. I only knew of some of this after the fact and through
caring people from my church who work in town and let me know
so I could deal with it. On the outside and around me, she was
a good church kid. You need to know that she had accepted Yeshua
into her life when a small child and while she would never deny
him at least now she had friends. Some aspects of her life I
may never know- and I don't want to know.
I was teaching and I had a school day when she didn't. I
knew I couldn't trust her home alone so I told her that
she was coming with me. We would make it a fun day and we
would stop at some places great for photography, her hobby. On
the way to school - 1 1/2 hours I had MY choice of music; on
the way home she had her choice -- yes, even gangsta rap.
My choice was your book - tape 1. She was MAD and
wasn't going to listen but it was part of the deal - I listen
to hers if she listens to mine - so she listened. Just as we
arrived at school tape 1 ended with the hanging thread about
"the brother".
Daughter asked me "what happened to the brother?" to
which I replied, "we'll never know because it's your choice
on the way home and you want music".
As soon as school was out she was looking in my car for tape
2. Three years later she told me that it was your book that helped
her see that Yeshua could forgive her all she had done and that
there was hope for her.
Thank you for the book and Thank you Yeshua for opening her eyes.
May the book be used to help others needing to know they can
be forgiven.
When I have some funds available, I will be ordering at least
one copy - I think Crisis Pregnancy Centers need to have access
to your book as well.
Thanks again." Grace
Its letters like this one that make
a writer's day, don't you agree? I hope you enjoy the script.
If you'd like to enable me to produce more
such works you may click on the Amazon link below and make a
donation of whatever size you feel impressed to. Thank you for
visiting this site and I wish you and your drama team success
on top of blessings.
Jim
He's Waiting For
You
The Story of Mary of Magdala*
By
Jim Pappas
Copyright 1993
Prologue
"Jesus Theme"
Narrator: And it came to pass in those days, that there went
out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should
be taxed. And Joseph also went up . . .to be taxed with Mary
his espoused wife, being great with child. And it was so that
while they were in Bethlehem, the day came that she should be
delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped
him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there
was no room for them in the inn.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon shepherds in the field
who were keeping watch over their flock by night. And the glory
of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring
you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord . . . And suddenly there was with the
angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward
men.
Now as these things were done on the plains of Bethlehem,
behold, in the village of Bethany a young lad is awakened by
the brightness of the sky.
Begin with a dark stage. By dim stage lighting we see a little
boy sleeping stage left. Music swells into a heavenly quality
simultaneously with a bright light shining off stage right. The
light awakens the little boy who is both awed and afraid at the
sight of the supernatural light. He is irresistibly drawn to
the window where he watches for a moment and then rushes to wake
up his little sister.
Lazarus: Wow! Gotta wake up Mary! (SFX footsteps Urgently
shaking her awake) Mary, wake up!
Mary: Huh?
Lazarus: Wake up! (Pulling her out of bed) Come see!
Mary: See what? What is it Lazarus?
Lazarus: Just come look!
Mary: (Sleepily) All right. Yawn. Let me get my slippers
on (She stops to slip on her slippers)
Lazarus: No! There's no time for slippers! Hurry before it
goes away.
Mary: Coming. (Sliding over the floor on slippers half
put on) Before what goes away?
Lazarus: Look!
Mary: (Gasps at the wonder of it) What is it?
Lazarus: I don't know. It was so bright that it woke me up
Mary: I've never seen anything so bright. I wonder what it
is?
Lazarus: Listen! (Pause) Do you hear it?
Mary: Yes. It's singing.
Lazarus: Singing?
Mary: Yes People singing. Its the prettiest music I have ever
heard.
Lazarus: Is it from Bethlehem?
Mary: I think so. It must be together with the light.
Lazarus: Lets waken Martha, and Mama & Papa!
Mary: All right. Wait. (The light and the distant music
fade) Oh no. too late.
Lazarus: Oh no! The light is going away.
Mary: But not all the way. See!
Lazarus: It turned into a star! The brightest star in the
sky!
Mary: Do you think Mama and Papa will believe us?
Lazarus: Maybe if we show them the star.
Mary: Yes. Lets show them the star!
Lazarus: Shall we tell them about the singing?
Mary: I don't know. They probably wouldn't believe us.
Lazarus: Then it will be our secret. Just you and me.
Mary: All right. Our secret. C'mon. I wanna tell Martha!
Lazarus: I'll go get Mama & Papa.
ACT I
Scene I
Simon's Home
Narrator: It is many years later and we find ourselves in the
home of Simon the Pharisee. His wife, Rachael, having been diagnosed
with a terminal illness has left Bethany to visit more mild climes
for treatment and rest. A young woman named Mary has been employed
to help with the duties of the home.
Mary: (V.O.) (SFX sweeping) Poor Rabbi Simon. He has
been so sad with his wife gone. Perhaps these pretty flowers
on his desk will bring him a bit of cheer. (SFX vase on desk-then
Simon's footsteps) Oh, he's coming. Back to work.
Mary places a vase of flowers on Simon's desk She hears
him coming and quickly begins humming while she cleans or does
some mending. Enter Simon who takes no notice of her. Mary continues
working but watches out of the corner of her eye to see his reaction
to the flowers. He comes in absent mindedly and sits at his desk.
When he reaches for his book or quill he sees the flowers.
Simon: Eh? Whats this? Flowers? (He is visibly moved. He
touches their petals tenderly, smells them with a slow inhalation
as if trying to extend the pleasure. He leans away and looks
at them for a few moments...
(V.O.) I wonder how, or who...
...and then turns to Mary).
You?
Mary: Yes. I thought they might cheer you. My sister Martha
always calls them "little wanderers from Eden."
Simon: Thank you. (Tenderly) My wife always put flowers
on my desk.
Mary: Is there any word?
Simon: She is none the better. Perhaps even worse for the
trip. I fear that... (He buries his head in his hands)
Mary: (Empathetically). I am sorry. If there is anything
I can do . . .
Simon: (Regaining control) No. No.
Mary: Don't be sad, Rabbi Simon. She'll be all right.
Simon: (Recovering a bit) Thank you for saying that,
Miss Mary. But deep in my heart I'm not sure I believe that.
Mary: Oh, but you must! To believe well is a battle half won.
Simon: Thank you. I shall try.
Mary: God will work things out. You'll see.
Simon: You truly love God, don't you.
Mary: Oh, yes. That is why I was so excited about coming to
work for you.
Simon: Oh?
Mary: Yes. I thought that after work is done you might perhaps
be able to teach me more about Him.
Simon: Bless you, child. I shall be happy to. (Mood change)
It may help me to forget.
Mary: Forget? Forget what?
Simon: Forget . . . that . . . my wife is dying in a faraway
land. Forget that I am lonely, - miserable, - depressed.
Mary: You?!
Simon: Are you surprised?.
Mary: But you are a Pharisee. A man of God.
Simon: Do you think that men of God have no pain?
Mary: No, I...never thought that. (Thoughtfully) I
just assumed that a Pharisee was so close to God that...
Simon: I wish it were true. But sometimes I feel as if I am
farther from God than anyone.
Mary: Master Simon!
Simon: T'is true. Oh, sure, I count my steps on Sabbath and
tithe my mint and cumin, but somehow, for some reason, it is
not enough. My soul cries out still - empty, - empty, - empty.
Mary: I wish I could help you, Rabbi.
Satan: She is a beautiful girl, Simon.
Simon: Well, you can begin by calling me Simon.
Mary: All right, Master Simon.
Simon: No. Not Master Simon. Just Simon.
God: (V.O.) No, Mary.
Mary: I...
Simon: Is something wrong?
Mary: I guess I feel kind of funny. I mean, you're old enough
to be my father.
Simon: Is that too old to be your friend?
Mary: No.
Simon: Then I am not too old to be called by my first name.
Am I right?
Mary: (slight hesitation) You're right. But only if
you will call me Mary.
Simon: I would be pleased, Mary (He reaches out his hand
and touches hers).
Mary: (She is too shy to allow more that a moment and unobtrusively
withdraws her hand. But the contact, however brief, had a touch
of magic to it and she absent-mindedly strokes the touched place
with her other hand.). I uh...I really should get back to
work.
Simon: (As he speaks he is pulling his hand back. He too
has felt the magic and absent-mindedly touches his fingertips
with his other hand. He speaks thoughtfully, noticing that she
has turned business-like)
Yes. Of course. We can chat anytime.
(He turns back to his books as she begins working. He steals
a glance and upon seeing that her back is turned lets his eyes
linger)
Satan: She is a very beautiful girl, Simon.
Simon: Yes.
Scene II
Heaven
Narrator: Now in those times there came a day when the sons
of God came to present themselves unto the Lord. And Satan also
was among them. And the Lord said unto Satan:
God: From where have you come?
Satan: From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking
up and down in it.
God: Have you seen my Son, Jesus? How, in spite of your strongest
temptations, He has lived a life without sin?
Satan: And am I supposed to be impressed by that? Isn't He
the Son of God?
God: But He lives as a man among men in the same bones and
flesh as His father David. He has drawn only upon the same powers
that all men have access to.
Satan: Bah! Easy enough to obey while cloistered up in the hills
of Nazareth. But when He comes forth to active warfare, then
we shall see what He is made of.
God: You have tempted him on every point and at every turn of
His life. There has never lived a young man that has been tried
as you have tried Him. And still that means nothing to you?
Satan: Not really. Didn't His father and mother guard the
avenues of His soul as a fortress? Didn't they pray for Him with
every breath they took? With such parents as that perhaps others
could live a life as if under the shadow of the Almighty.
God: What are you saying?
Satan: Simply this. Even if He does manage a miraculous life
without even one sin He will be only one. You cast me and my
angels out of heaven because of "sin" and yet you intend
to fill our empty places with men and women, right?
God: That is correct.
Satan: But they have also sinned. They are sinners!
God: I will transform them into the image of My Son.
Satan: Indeed? When? When they get to heaven and the living
is easy? Or here and now on planet earth where their trust is
tested?
God: Here and now, of course. 2/3 of the angels have proven
that obedience is possible in heaven.
Satan: Then I propose that you show me, and the peoples of
the universe who are gathered here in these halls, (He executes
a sweeping gesture that includes the audience) that you can do
it. Show us at least one person fallen into great sin that can
turn about and live an obedient life. Then we will be impressed.
(To the audience) Will we not everyone? (Pause)
Audience: Yes. Indeed we shall, etc.
Satan: Yes, of course we will. (To God) Well?
God: All right. I will. You see those two engaged in trivial
conversation? (Enter Simon & Mary)
Satan: Simon & Mary?
God: Yes. How about Simon & Mary?
Satan: Which one?
God: Both of them.
Satan: A bit sure of yourself, aren't you?
God: I am sure of Jesus.
Satan: Hmmph.
God: Well? Will these do?
Satan: Of course!. They would be the perfect specimens. He,
on the one hand, is the perfect Pharisee, obeying every nit-picking
rule the rabbis, and I, have ever invented. And yet without guilt
he looks on this maid with desire. And look at her. Raised to
love and fear God and yet allowing herself to listen to the seductive
flatterings of this hypocrite while ignoring the constant pleadings
of Your voice; she has enthroned him as an idol in her heart;
she begins to lust after his affections, and she covets to be
his new wife. There is not one commandment that either of them
has not broken either in principle or in action.
God: It is true. They are coming under your control. But Jesus
shall make them mine.
Satan: How? They have already ignored your still small voice.
They read only the scriptures they are comfortable with. What
reserves do you possess?
God: Jesus will show My love to mankind in a way they have
never known.
Satan: Pah! I shall stumble Him personally. But as for these
two there must be no special treatment! No forcing of the will.
God: I never force the will.
Satan: A policy you will live to regret.
God: No. A policy you will live to regret.
Satan: Bah! But back to Mary and Simon. No pillar of fire!
No angels in vision. Only the turn of daily events, the words
of scripture and the still small voice. Done?
God: Done.
Satan: Good. After all of these months of increasing familiarity
let us join them at Simon's home and listen to their stupid prattle.
Scene III
Simon's home
(Lights come up more strongly on Simon & Mary as they
sit sipping drinks and chatting merrily).
Simon: So, you over slept, eh?
Mary: (Rolling her eyes & laughing) Oh, I was so
embarrassed. I thought I was going to die.
Simon: Well, we mustn't let that happen again. But I'll tell
you, Mary. I haven't laughed so much in years.
Mary: Nor I. You make me feel like... like . . .well like
the most charming woman in all of Bethany.
Simon: No, no, no. The most charming woman in all of Israel.
Mary: Nyah, nyah, nyah. Remember what the scriptures say about
flattery.
Simon: 'Tis not flattery, dear Mary. (Growing serious)
You are a very sensitive, intelligent and charming woman. The
kind of woman...
Mary: (He pauses. She leans forward, eager to hear the rest).
Yes? (Freeze action)
God: (V.O.) You do not belong here, Mary!
Simon: Nevermind. I have already said too much.
Mary: Its all right, Simon. We can trust each other.
Simon: (Pauses - looks at her affectionately) Very
well then. I shall take my life in my hands and speak my heart.
You, dear Mary, are the kind of woman that any man in Israel
would give his eye teeth to marry.
Mary: Any is a big word.
Simon: And I stand by it. Any!
God: (In warning) Mary!
Mary: Including you? (Pause)
God: No, Simon.
Simon: Especially including me.
Mary: (She is touched. Lowers her head at a loss for words.
Looking up she grows serious and leans forward with an earnest
expression) Simon?
Simon: Yes?
God: Don't say it, Mary.
Mary: (She hears it but ignores it) I... I have never
felt this way before. Everything around us says that there is
no hope for us, / but in here (Pointing to her heart), it feels
like there is all the hope in the world. Simon, I . . . (She
lowers her head)
(He is deeply touched by her words and leans forward slightly.
There is a long pause)
Simon: Yes?
Mary: It is too big to say.
Simon: I took my life in my hands and spoke my heart. Tit
for tat?
Mary: (Still looking down) I... uh...
God: "Thou shalt not commit adultery"
Satan: 'Tis not adultery. 'Tis love.
Mary: (Reacts slightly to the voice and then ignores it.
She Looks up) I think I am in love with you, Simon.
Simon: (Give a pause for his reactions) And I, dear
Mary,... I am in love with you. And yet, for now, our love can
never be. I should send you away and never look upon your lovely
form again. I should forget I ever knew you. I should forget
the softness of your touch. I should - but I fear I cannot. (Standing
and moving about). I am like Adam; afraid to accept the fruit
and yet more afraid to lose the love of my goddess.
Mary: You will never lose my love.
Simon: Never is a big word, Mary.
Mary: I stand by it. You will never lose my love.
Simon: Nor you mine. But, due to the unfortunate rules of
society, what we do is attended with grave danger.
Mary: Ask me if I care.
(He looks at her as if trying to read her mind)
Simon: Do you care?
God: "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me"
Mary: I...
Satan: He loves you, Mary.
(Mary's face hardens just a bit in response to the voice.
Then she proceeds in her rebellion even more boldly).
Mary: I would die for you, Simon of Bethany.
Simon: Do you mean that?
Mary: I do.
Simon: It could come to that. For both of us.
Mary: There is no death in a simple friendship.
Simon: But what if...?
Mary: Shhh. No what ifs. T'is only a friendship. Nothing more.
(Getting up and putting on her shawl) But, it is always wise
to be discreet. I must not oversleep again.
Simon: Are you leaving so soon?
Mary: Simon, look at the hour. This is not soon.
Simon: When will I see you?
Mary: As soon as we are discreetly able. (Goes to the door,
sees the key sitting next to the door and picks it up. She looks
at him with a questioning look)
Mary: Simon, since I come so often, and at such odd times,
may I have my own key?
Simon: Yes Mary, of course. But only if you will wear it next
to your heart.
(She hangs the key about her neck and exits with a wink
and an impish smile.)
Mary: All right. Next to my heart.
Scene IV
Heaven
Satan: Hah! Did you hear? "As soon as we are discreetly
able." The little fool thinks Rachael will never return
from her illness. She dares to believe that her sin will never
be known and that she will one day marry this hypocrite and live
happily ever after.
God: There is no such thing as a free sin.
Satan: No such thing as free from sin you mean.
God: No. I meant what I said. There is no free sin, as Mary
and Simon will soon see. But there is freedom from sin, which
they will learn when they meet Jesus.
Satan: Hah! By the time He leaves Nazareth I shall have these
two wrapped up so tightly that they will never so much a look
at Him.
God: Oh?
Satan: Sure. And now, as the weeks pass the real fun begins.
Mary is on her way to Simon's house with some exciting news,
but she is about to learn that lovers don't know very much about
love.
Scene V
Simon's home
(Lights come up on Simon. He is pacing in troubled concentration
on a letter he holds in his hands. There is the sound of a a
key in the lock and Mary enters and sets her shawl down. She
speaks with love in her voice).
Mary: Hello, Simon.
(He is not so warm. Somewhat business like)
Simon: Oh, Mary, come in. I am glad you have come.
Mary: So am I.
Simon: Mary, I uh,... Well, things are going to be a bit different
for us.
Mary: Um hmmm..
Simon: It will affect our future.
Mary: Oh, I know.
Simon: How do you know?
Mary: I might ask the same of you.
Simon: What are you talking about?
Mary: Lets just say that your second wife, unlike your first,
will not be barren.
Simon: (Suspicious) And how can you know that?
Mary: By the fact that I am with child.
Satan: (Speaks into Simon's ear) You are a dead man,
Simon of Bethany.
Simon: (The world has just come crashing down on Simon's
head. He is speechless - he puts the letter down on his desk}
(Groans)
(She doesn't read him right and continues glibly on)
Mary: Don't look so surprised, Simon. Oh, I know its not the
best timing, but we'll just do as we planned and no one will
ever know.
Simon: (With quiet intensity) Oh, no.
Mary: Oh, sure, its less convenient this way, but...
Simon: Mary!
Mary: Yes?
Simon: Are you absolutely certain?
Mary: Of course.
Simon: Have you told anyone?
Mary: Of course not!
Simon: Good. Good, good. Then there is still hope for us.
Mary: Of course there's hope. Certainly, I would have preferred
better timing so we could get married here and live among our
friends, but I don't care so much about that, Simon. All I really
care about is being with you.
(Thinking his own thoughts-hardly hearing what she is saying)
Simon: What to do? Oh, what to do.
Satan: Take her to the woman in the hills, Simon.
Simon: Hmm. There is a woman in the hill country...
Mary: The Egyptian oracle who lives in the cave?
Simon: You've heard of her.
Mary: Everyone has. But I hear that she casts spells and uses
drugs, and potions.
Simon: Gross rumors. It doesn't matter. You've got to go see
her.
God: "Thou shalt not seek unto a witch or a wizard or
communicate with them."
Mary: Why her?
Simon: Why her? She's the only one in these parts who can
end your pregnancy.
Mary: End it? Who said anything about ending it?
Simon: It may be the only way out. Otherwise we are both dead!
Mary: Simon!
Simon: Look, you. If the village of Bethany has so much as
a hint of suspicion that you're with child it'll be death for
both of us. You've got to come with me.
Mary: Simon, please.
Simon: Look, I know this woman makes you nervous. But I'll
be right beside you. Hear her counsel before you decide.
Mary: Thats all?
Simon: Sure. If you don't agree with what she says we'll work
out some other way.
Mary: Promise?
Simon: Promise.(Picking up her shawl) Here, put this
shawl over your head.
Satan: He loves you, Mary. Trust him.
Mary: All right. I'll go (They step out into the darkness)
Scene VI
Heaven
Satan: You see how the spider weaves his web ever more secure?
But what he knows not is that the web he spins is for himself.
God: 'Tis a truth that you might take note of.
Satan: (Wryly) Ha ha. I had forgotten your sense of
humor. But on to the cave of carnal wisdom where I shall pierce
the inner veil of Mary's mind.
Scene VII
The cave
Still early - still dark. There is a rap of staff on rock
and she quickly hides anything that looks suspicious.
Counselor: Come! (They pass through the covering of skins
and a timid Simon with a fearful Mary enter, both with their
faces covered) Greetings, my friends.
Simon: And to you wise, counselor.
Satan: (To the woman) His name is Simon of Bethany.
Counselor: And how may I assist you, Simon of Bethany?
(Simon, unnerved, hesitantly uncovers his face)
Simon: How did you know?
Counselor: Are you not here because I know more than you?
(Simon is unnerved a bit. He nervously continues)
Simon: My daughter here has a small problem.
Counselor: Oh? And what is your problem, my dear?
God: "Flee this place, Mary"
(Turning to go. Simon stops her. Her voice is intimate
yet intense)
Mary: Simon, I don't like it here.
Counselor: What is your problem, young lady?
Simon: (Whispered) Just hear her counsel.
Mary: (Whispered) No, Simon let me go.
Simon: (Whispered) It'll be all right. Trust me.
Counselor: Don't worry, my dear. I will not hurt you. Come,
stand before me. (Simon helps her obey)
Satan: Her name is Mary and she is with child.
Counselor: How long have you been with child, my dear?
Mary: How...
Counselor: (Completing the sentence) ...did I know?
Why else do older men bring young women for counsel, Mary?
God: Flee, Mary!
(Mary looks up at Simon fearfully and attempts to turn.
Simon restrains her)
Mary: Got to go.
Simon: Stay!
Mary: Let me go.
Simon: (Whispered) Answer her, Mary.
Mary: (Whispered) I am afraid, Simon.
Simon: (Whispered) Then answer so we can get this
over with.
Mary: (Turning to counselor) Just a few weeks, I think.
Counselor: By accident, I assume.
Mary: (Nods her head) Yes.
Counselor: And now you want to bring this pregnancy to a close.
Mary: No! I am only here for counsel.
Counselor: (Looking at Simon) Only for counsel?
Simon: Uh . . . she wants to see what her options are, counselor.
Counselor: I see. (She studies Mary for a moment. Mary
is fearfully clenching and unclenching her fists. She is breathing
rapidly. The woman begins to do the same as she is, becoming
a mirror) I understand why you are afraid, Mary.
Mary: You do?
Counselor: Certainly. To be invaded by a foreign life is frightening
under any circumstances. Out of wedlock, it is doubly fearful.
Am I right?
Mary: (Nods yes) Yes.
Counselor: You probably believe that what is draining your
life forces and making you ill is human. Am I correct?
Mary: Yes, of course.
Counselor: 'Tis a common misconception among the unlearned.
Mary: What do you mean?
Counselor: The wise doctors of Alexandria have learned that
what dwells within you will not be fully human for many months.
Mary: I don't understand.
Counselor: What you carry is only potentially human. At this
stage it is no more one of us than a fish or a worm.
Mary: I don't believe that.
Counselor: But no less true. It has no thought or feeling
and is not even capable of life without draining it from you.
Mary: I've never heard these things before.
Simon: Just listen, Mary. She is wise in these matters.
(She picks up something bright and shiny and taps it on
the table. Mary's eyes go to it and the counselor begins to tap
it back and forth. Mary's eyes follow the pattern. The counselor's
words keep time with the rhythm)
Counselor: Let me see your eyes, Mary.
Mary: My eyes?
Counselor: Yes. I want to see that you understand.
Mary: Oh.
Counselor: When you learned that you were pregnant; was it
a joyful discovery?
(At the first Mary speaks independantly of the rhythm but
gradually falls in with it)
Mary: Yes, er uh at least at first.
Counselor: Is the invader making you feel good?
Mary: No.
Counselor: Do you have more energy?
Mary: No.
Counselor: If you are discovered, will your people rejoice?
Mary: No.
Counselor: What will they do?
Mary: They will...
Counselor: Stone you?
Mary: Perhaps.
Counselor: And your lover?
Mary: (Nods) Yes.
Counselor: Do you love this man?
Mary: (Mary looks up to him with love) Oh, yes. Yes.
(Taps the table with the object to regain Mary's attention
and continues hypnotizing her).
Counselor: More than the invader?
Mary: Hmmm?
Counselor: Do you love this man more than the invader?
Mary: Yes.
Counselor: You both want to live, don't you.
Mary: (Growing confused - groggy) Yyyessss.
Counselor: Did you invite the invader?
Mary: N...No. It was a mistake.
Counselor: A what?
Mary: A...a m. mistake.
Counselor: Louder, please. What was it?
Mary: A m...mistake. We made a mistake.
Counselor: You made a mistake.
Mary: I... I made a mistake.
Counselor: A mistake that endangers your very lives.
Mary: Yes.
Counselor: Fortunately mistakes can be corrected.
Mary: Corrected?
Counselor: The Alexandrians have discovered certain procedures
and potions that return a woman's choice to her. You do believe
in choice, don't you?
Mary: Yes. I think so.
Counselor: And you have chosen to regain control over your
body, haven't you.
Mary: Yes.
Counselor: You will bear children when you choose to.
Mary: Yes. When I choose to.
Counselor: At this time you do not choose to.
Mary: No. I do not choose to.
Counselor: A child at this time would be dangerous.
Mary: Yes. Dangerous.
Counselor: You will drink this.
Mary: (She accepts the vial - then hesitates) I will...
Counselor: Drink it.
Mary: Will it hurt me?
Counselor: It will do you only good.
(Mary turns to Simon)
Mary: Will it hurt me, Simon?
Simon: No, Mary. It will not hurt you.
Mary: What will it do to my...
Counselor: (Interrupting) To the invader?
Mary: Yes.
Counselor: It will wash it away and leave you clean again.
Mary: Thats all?
Counselor: Of course. Drink it.
God: "Thou shalt not kill, Mary."
Mary: (To Simon) Simon?
Simon: Drink it.
Mary: I...(With some fear she lifts it to her lips. She
hesitates.)
Simon: Drink it, Mary. It won't hurt you. (The counselor nods
to Simon who assists her hand. Mary drinks it. It makes her cough)
Counselor: Very good. Now your body is your own again.
Mary: (Cough) Thank you. Is that all?
Counselor: Yes, Mary, that is all. You may go now.
Mary: Thank you.
Simon: (Simon turns Mary to the exit and then turns back
to leave a bag of money on the table) It is all there.
Counselor: I'm sure it is, Simon. Come again anytime your
choice is threatened.
Simon: Counselor?
Counselor: Yes?
Simon: When will you lift the spell from her?
Counselor: Spell?
Simon: Yes. You put her under so she would drink the potion.
When will she be free?
Counselor: (Coldly) I don't know what you are talking
about.
Simon: Oh, uh . . .one more question. Will the potion hurt
her?
Counselor: Freedom is not free
Simon: Meaning?
Counselor: She will suffer some pain.
Simon: But you said...
Counselor: (Arrogantly) It is not your body. What does
it matter to you?
Simon: If there will be pain then it might not be wise to
take her to her home just now.
Counselor: Not if you want to keep your secret.
Simon: I will take her to an inn.
Counselor: Yes. A good plan. And don't leave her alone.
Simon: Why?
Counselor: These believers in God, even more than my people,
suffer much remorse.
Simon: Suicide?
Counselor: (Nods) Just keep a close watch.
Simon: For how long?
Counselor: Several days, at least.
Simon: I can't stay with her! If we are both gone for several
days...
Counselor: You playboys don't plan very far ahead, do you.
Simon: Just help me! (Slamming the table top with his fist)
All right!?
Counselor: I have an assistant whom you may hire to see her
through.
Simon: Thank you.
Counselor: Think nothing of it. We are a full service institution.
Scene VIII
Heaven
Satan: (He laughs) Ha ha ha! More full service than
she knows. For now I have two people with blood on their hands.
And that gives me certain rights over them, doesn't it.
God: (Sadly) Yes.
Satan: And, against the urgings of your Spirit, Mary has yielded
her mind to the power of another. That gives me even more rights,
doesn't it.
God: Yes.
Satan: She has surrendered herself to Rebellion, to Lust,
to Mind Control, to Deception, and opened the door to Hate, Murder
and Revenge.
God: Yes.
Satan: And Simon has deceived, has committed adultery, has
used mind control, has stolen a woman's trust, has encouraged
death. He too is mine.
God: Yes. They are on your ground.
Satan: Forever!
God: No. Jesus has come to set the captives free.
Satan: He will fail and be captured in the attempt.
God: Jesus has never failed.
Satan: Jesus has not met me head on yet.
God: Have you forgotten the war in heaven?
Satan: He won that as Captain of the Lord's host with 2/3
of the angels to help Him. This time he meets me as mere man
clothed in the flesh of Abraham. He will fail.
God: Time will tell.
Satan: Yes, won't it. But look! Simon is reading a letter
from Rachael and Mary is fighting her way through the storm to
vent her rage upon him.
Scene IX
Simon's house - Night
We hear the sounds of rain outside. He is reading the same
letter. There is the sound of the key in the lock and then the
door bursts open Enter Mary. She is dripping wet, dirty, disheveled.
She feels betrayed, used and hopeless. She shuts the door and
leans on it. Simon is shocked to see her but struggles to maintain
his composure.
Mary: (Panting - out of breath)
Simon: Mary!
Mary: (Out of breath) Why, Simon?
Simon: I'm uh... I'm afraid I don't understand, Mary.
Mary: (Less out of breath) Why did you lie to me?
Simon: Lie?
Mary: "It won't hurt you, Mary". Remember those
words?
Simon: I'm sorry. I didn't know.
Mary: You didn't know!
Simon: No.
Mary: Then how could you assure me that way?
Simon: I....
Mary: And why did you leave me with that wretched woman?
Simon: One of us had to be here - to avoid suspicion.
Mary: Why did you force me to drink that poison?
Simon: I did not force you.
Mary: You did not force me!? Are we speaking the same language?
Simon: It was the only way.
Mary: Thats not what you said in our summer dreams. "If
anything goes wrong you'll go down to Jericho and I will follow."
Isn't that what you said?
Simon: Yes.
Mary: Why didn't we do it? Why did you have me poisoned? Why
did I wretch my guts out. Why do I have my baby's blood on my
hands? Why?
Simon: We made these plans before I knew.
Mary: Knew? Knew what?
Simon: Knew this! (Handing her the letter)
Mary: What letter is this?
Simon: Read it.
Rachael: (V.O.) My dearest Simon,
Mary: (She looks up) Your wife?
Simon: Yes, my wife.
Rachael: (Continuing V.O.) You cannot know the joy that fills
my heart over my recovery. I am walking farther each day and
I long for the day when I feel your loving arms around me once
more. (She cannot continue and crumples the letter).
Mary: You told me Rachael was dying.
Simon: She was!
Mary: (Holding up the letter) This is not dying!
Simon: I am sorry. The doctors said . . . thought...
Mary: You thought! I'm the one who has live in a scarred body.
I'm the one hearing spirit voices compelling evil deeds I'd never
dreamed of. I'm the one who has to carry more guilt then God
could bear and all this because you thought?!
Simon: Mary! Please be quiet. Someone might hear!
Mary: Do you think I care? I am this close to spilling my
own blood and you expect me to keep calm! Come back to earth,
Rabbi!
(She collapses into a chair and stares at the ceiling for
a few seconds. Then she sits up, uncrumples the letter, reads
it for a moment and then looks up at a distraught and silent
Simon).
Mary: Now what do we do?
Simon: We?
Mary: (Sarcastically) Simon, women do not conceive
babies alone.
Simon: What I meant is that what has to be done must be done
by you.
Mary: And what might that be?
Simon: You must leave Bethany, Mary. Forget you ever knew
me.
Mary: Forget!? Just like that? Forget!?
Simon: You're still young. Start over.
Mary: Start over! With what?
Simon: Mary. You are a lovely girl with a lot to offer. You
could...
Mary: Simon! I have nothing to offer! I have given you all
I am.
Simon: You're talking nonsense. You are the same as when we
first met. Nothing has changed.
Mary: Nothing has changed! Can't you hear what I'm saying.
All that I am I have placed in your trust.
Simon: I did not ask for your trust.
Mary: You did not ask! That's the unspoken part of the relationship.
I would never have let you touch me without trust.
Simon: Mary...
Mary: You said you loved me. You said your wife was terminal.
You said it was safe to build dreams.
Simon: Mary.
Mary: And now are you telling me that you never asked me to
trust you?!
Simon: Mary!
Mary: You asked me to prove my love. Well now its time for
you to prove yours!
Simon: (Getting firm) Look, Mary. I'm not entirely
certain that I understand all the labyrinthine intricacies of
the female mind. But what I do know is that for now our relationship
is over. (He picks up a bag from the table) Here.
Mary: What's that?
Simon: Money. For a new start. (He offers her the bag which
she slaps to the floor).
Mary: I'm not a harlot to be paid for services rendered.
Simon: I didn't call you a harlot!
Mary: Your money did!
Simon: It's not what I meant. I just wanted to help you.
Mary: I don't want your money! I want you!
Simon: How!? Two wives?
Mary: I...
Simon: Don't you see? It is the only way for now. (Pause)
Listen, Mary. At its best Rachael's health is a very precarious
thing. Leave town for a while and see what time will bring.
Mary: You're serious!
Simon: It is the only safe way. I'm sure that in God's providence
I'll be able to send for you soon. (Picking up the money)
Please. Take the money and go.
Mary: (She suspiciously takes the bag) I wonder, Simon.
Simon: Wonder what?
Mary: If perhaps I wasn't just another chapter in one of your
books. Something to help you pass the time.
Simon: (Guiding her to the door) No, Mary. It was much
more than that. You must believe that.
Mary: Trust you?
Simon: (Ignoring the jab) I'll be sending money on
a regular basis to take care of you until I can send for you.
Mary: Promise?
Simon: Of course, my love.
Mary: (There is a long pause as she considers. Her speech
is tinged with bitterness and sarcasm) Very well. I will
leave you for a time, Simon my beloved.
Simon: It is our only choice. I am so sorry. Goodbye.
Mary: Thats all? Just goodbye?
Simon: I uh... Yes. Anything else uh...would be too painful.
Mary: Yes, of course. We certainly don't want to cause any
pain. Goodbye, Simon.
Simon: Good bye, Mary. God go with you.(She exits into the
driving rain, leaving the door open. He watches her go and then
bows his head in despair) Oh, God, what have I done?
ACT II
Scene I
Mary's Apartment
(Mary and Reuban come out of her door. He gives her a small
bag of money and they stand talking in mime while Satan looks
on)
Satan: (Looking at Mary and Reuban) Look at her. Mary,
the harlot of Magdala. Simon has sent no money in years and so
she sells her soul to feed her body. (Looking toward God)
Stop looking so sad? What happens to people doesn't affect
you.
God: What happens to them affects the entire universe. Heaven
has emptied itself to bring them back, and yet they do not understand.
They are caught in the web of sin cannot get out.
Satan: There is no out!
God: Jesus is the out!
Satan: Not from this. Listen to the words of your little harlot.
(Reuben is leaving Mary's house. Her speaking is coy and
familiar)
Reuben: You know, Mary, I was just thinking that maybe after
a few more trips I'll have enough saved so that we could talk
about something serious. Between you and me, I mean.
Mary: Do you really think so?
Reuben: Sure I do. You know how I feel about you.
Mary: Thank you, Reuban. I think the same of you. Maybe more.
But you'd better be on your way or you'll miss your caravan.
Reuben: You're right. Good bye.
Mary: (Waving coyly) Bye, Reuban. Hurry back.
Reuben: I will. Bye.
Optional Song (No music available)
Footsteps on stone/Paths through the sea
Roads in the sky/your words to me
Names on a page /once clean and white
Faces in time/that haunt in the night
Footsteps on stone/Paths through the sea
Roads in the sky/your love for me
You enter my room/hands full of gold
Give from your purse/to drink from my soul
Faces through years/forged in a chain
Faces at night/mocking my pain
Footsteps on stone/Paths through the sea
Roads in the sky/your care for me
One is so painful/but two's no relief
You touch my body/but never my grief?
Grieve for the young girl/who gave love away
Weep for the dead girl/for whom lovers pay
Footsteps on stone/paths through the sea
Roads in the sky/your promise to me
(She steps inside her door and after shutting it leans
against it as her frustration and anger builds until she throws
the money bag on the floor)
Mary: Where's my money, Simon? I shouldn't have to live this
way!
Satan: Simon will never send you money. But you do have his
key. Why not visit Bethany and surprise him. (She pulls out
the key from around her neck, looks at it and then gets a determined
look on her face)
Scene II
Simon's place. Empty stage. There is the sound of a key in
the lock. Enter Mary who looks around to get her bearings. Things
are much neater than before and she is in unfamiliar territory.
She sniffs the air and is puzzled. She goes to a chair and picks
up a mirror or something else definitely feminine. As she puzzles
over all the changes she notices flowers in a vase.
Mary: Simon? (Pause) Simon? (A woman enters behind
her)
Tara: Who are you?
Mary: (Startled she whirls about) Oh!
Tara: How did you get in here?
Mary: I let myself in. (Showing her the key around her
neck)
Tara: Where did you get a key?
Mary: I uh, ... I used to keep house for the rabbi. Is he
in?
Tara: What!?
Mary: I said is he in? I was visiting up from Magdala and
I was hoping to say hi.
Tara: Simon doesn't live here any more.
Mary: Oh? Where has he gone.
Tara: He spends most of his time in the valley of Gehenna.
Mary: (Shocked) What? Why?
Tara: Where else do lepers go?.
Mary: Lepers! Simon is a leper?
Tara: One of the worst.
Mary: Oh. (She is suddenly feeling very sick at heart over
Simon's tragedy)
Tara: You must have lost contact for quite some time.
Mary: Uh, yes, it has been some time.
Tara: I'm sorry. Were you very close?
Mary: Uh . . . no. No. Just good friends.
Tara: Can I offer you something?
Mary: No. No thank you. I'll have something with Lazarus &
Martha.
Tara: Lazarus & Martha? You must be Mary.
Mary: Yes.
Tara: I've heard so much about you, Mary. I'm Tara, Simon's
wife.
Mary: Wife? (Mary suddenly realizes the truth of Simon's
lies. She wants out) Pleased to meet you, I'm sure. Well,
I must be going.
Tara: So soon?
Mary: Yes. I'm already late.
Tara: Mary?
Mary: Yes?
Tara: Will you be needing the key anymore?
Mary: (Taking it off her neck she hands it to her and exits
hurriedly)
Scene III
Martha's house
Lazarus: Stay with us, Mary. Please.
Mary: I'd like to, Lazarus. Really I would. But I have business
to tend to.
Martha: Isn't there a way you can move home again?
Mary: Uh, no. Not really. You know how it is in business.
Lazarus: Well, I suppose a short visit is better than none.
Mary: I'll try to get home more often.
Martha: We could come see you, if you'd only tell us where
you live.
Mary: No! I mean, thank you. I'd prefer to meet you here.
Martha: Whatever you like, Mary.
Lazarus: Have you been keeping up with John the Baptist?
Mary: Just rumors. I guess he's really upset the rabbis uptown,
eh?
Lazarus: Thats nothing compared to what Jesus is going to
do.
Mary: Jesus?
Lazarus: A new prophet. Just got baptized by John a couple
of months ago. Last I heard He was at a wedding feast. When they
ran out of wine He created some out of water.
Mary: What?
Lazarus: Serious.
Mary: You should hire that one for your catering business,
Martha.
Martha: Wouldn't that be nice.
Lazarus: I've met a couple of His disciples who swear that
He's the Messiah.
Mary: Pretty serious claims.
Lazarus: It could be. He heals people of diseases, even casts
out devils.
Mary: He does!? (Her interest has a tinge of hope in it)
Lazarus: Sure does. If you meet anyone sick or harassed by
devils take them to Jesus. Why, there are entire villages without
one person sick in them.
Mary: Hmmm. How about leprosy?
Lazarus: Oh, I don't know about leprosy. That's the finger
of God.
Martha: You're probably thinking about Rabbi Simon.
Mary: Uh, yes.
Martha: It's a terrible thing. Tsk Tsk. And he seemed to be
such a righteous man.
Lazarus: Yes. Its a mystery to all of us.
Mary: How long since...?
Lazarus: Oh, let me see. I'd guess, three or four years. Wouldn't
you say Martha?
Martha: I think so. It was just after he remarried that he
found out. He's been going down rapidly from then on.
Mary: How long ago did Rachael die?
Martha: Oh, I think, uh . . . yes. It was right after you
left town.
Mary: Are you sure?
Martha: I think so. Yes. (Mary is pained again) Something
wrong?
Mary: No. I guess I'd better be on my way.
Martha: We can't keep you here? I could sure use you in the
catering business.
Mary: No. Not this time. Bye, Martha.
Martha: Good-bye, Mary. Come again soon. (They exchange
hugs. Mary is compliant but not warm)
Mary: Bye, Brother.
Lazarus: Good-bye, Mary. Don't wait so long to come see us
again, all right?
Mary: All right. Bye.
Lazarus: Oh, Mary.
Mary: Yes?
Lazarus: Keep track of Jesus. He's going to change our lives.
Mary: Sure. Bye.
Scene IV
Heaven
Satan: Change our lives! Hah! (God is silent) Well? No
comment?
God: Lazarus speaks as a prophet.
Satan: Ha ha. Forget it. I have Simon where even you can't
help him. And Mary's not far behind. So tell your Son for me
that He has no power.
God: Did He not have more power than you when you tried to
tempt Him in the desert?
Satan: Only because He kept quoting scripture. If He'd had
the courage to debate me mind to mind I'd have had Him in a minute.
God: But He did quote scripture, didn't He.
Satan: Yes. And because You poured all Your power through
those words I didn't have a chance!
God: And the same power will flow through my words when other
of my children use them.
Satan: That, dear enemy, is my best kept secret.
God: But not to Jesus. And when He uses scriptures with Simon
& Mary He will unleash the same power.
Satan: Not a chance.
God: Time will tell.
Satan: You always say that.
God: Time is my best friend.
Satan: I doubt it. Look at your little harlot. She winds her
way down into the valley of the lepers to have some revenge.
Little does she know the pain that awaits her there.
Scene V
Valley of The Lepers
Mary: Is anyone there? (Mary has her shawl wrapped around
her head and face).
Leper 1: What do ye here in the valley of the dead?
Mary: I search for Simon of Bethany?
Leper 1: Have you leprosy?
Mary: No.
Leper 1: Then you be mad. Get out!
Mary: Where is he? Simon?
Leper 1: Out I said! (He advances to frighten her away
She stands her ground)
Mary: I will see Simon!
Leper 1: You are mad. (He stops - defeated) Over there.
(He motions by jerking his thumb over his shoulder and shouts)
Simon!
Simon: (Offstage voice) What!
Leper 1: A mad woman to see you.
Simon: (Enter) What mad woman? (Mary approaches
him. He waves her back) Get back. Unclean. Unclean. (She
does not retreat) Back, I say! Unclean!
(She still holds her ground although cowering back some)
Simon: Do you want to be like this?
(He pulls the sides of his hood open for her to see. The
audience has only a side view and cannot see him)
Mary: Ahhh! Simon!
Simon: Ehhh? Who calls this poor leper by his old name?
Mary: Simon?
Simon: Whose voice is this I hear? (She unwraps her face)
Ahhh!
Mary: Is it you, Simon?
Simon: Mary?
Mary: Yes. It is I.
Simon: Why have you come to this Valley of Death?
Mary: To see you.
Simon: Eh! To have your revenge I suppose? To gloat over my
rotting body!?
Mary: Maybe.
Simon: Well then look on me! Fill your eyes with the gore
and feast your nose on the stench.
Mary: Aaugh! (She turns her head from the sight)
Simon: Is it enough yet? (Pause) Is it?!
Mary: (Turning back in sudden anger) No! It will never
be enough. You turned me into a worse leper than you are. You
will never suffer enough for stealing my life!
Simon: You hate me, don't you?
Mary: With all my heart!
Simon: No! Not yet! There is still enough of me left to add
fuel to the fire of your hatred. You have heard that Rachael
died?
Mary: Yes.
Simon: Then surely you must wonder why I did not send for
you, as we planned. (She will not answer) Well? Don't
you?
Mary: Because you forgot me and took another.
Simon: No! Because there was nothing to forget. I never loved
you. I could never love a witless scrubmaid like you. You were
nothing more than a bookmark between boring chapters of a boring
life.
Mary: You are vile.
Simon: More than you know, Mary of Magdala. I lied about my
love, I lied about the counselor and I lied about the potion.
Are you hearing me, Mary of Magdala?
Mary: No! (She stops her ears and tries to go back the
way she came. Simon blocks her way) No! No more, please!
Simon: And why did I not send for you? Because I despise you.
From the first kiss I despised you. I despise you now, harlot!
Mary: Because you deceived me!
Simon: Because you wanted to be and I was your first opportunity.
Now get out of here.
(He steps back but she glares at him defiantly)
I said out! And if you come back I shall greet you with stones!
(Exit Mary with Simon glaring after with hatred)
End of Sample
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