Where's Your Son God
A Shadow Drama written by Dave Weiss
What is a Shadow Drama?
A shadow drama is a drama where one or two main characters interract with the shadows of the other characters. The shadow characters do not speak but simply act out the parts as a mime would. You need a minimum of props and costumes can be virtually anything since all that will be seen is the shadow. It is a fairly easy, inexpensive wat to set up an impressive effect. All you need is a simple plain white bed sheet or back drop, a small solid panel, a bright light and a switch to turrn the light on and off. You simply hang the sheet, place the light a few feet behind it and have the shadow actors perform between the light and the sheet. When viewed from the front all the audience will see is the shadows of the actors.
The solid panel is placed to one side of the sheet and serves as the backstage area since the light will not show through it. Props and actors not in use will stand behind the panel until it is their turn.
You will need one person to control the light. This person follows the script to make sure that the light is on and off at the appropriate time.
Because the actors faces cannot be seen by the audience, they must be certain to exaggerate their movements so as to get the point across. The main actor, in this case Satan, performs in front of the sheet and interracts with the folks behind the sheet. His lines will help to set the stage and give the audience a better idea what the shadow actors are doing.
Props for the shadow actors can be simple flat cutouts or just things you have around the sanctuary. Costumes are extremely simple since only the shadow will be seen. In this play for example, Eve would simply wear a Tshirt and pants. As long as she is not wearing a skirt, it will appear in shadow that she is, well, as God made her, no need to get the flesh colored body suit or stand her behind shrubs or any of the other solutions people have tried for Eve over the years. People playing Bible folks can wear simple bathrobes or choir robes and get the desired effect. The other nice thing about working in shadow is that since their faces are unseen a few people can play all the characters.
Where's Your Son God
A Shadow Drama written by Dave Weiss
copyright 2001, David C. Weiss, A.M.O.K.
Characters Needed:
Satan
Narrator(off-stage voice)
Eve (shadow)
Herod (shadow)
Jesus (shadow)
Pharisee 1(shadow)
Pharisee 2(shadow)
Judas Iscariot(shadow)
Pilate (shadow)
Crowd (2-4 people in shadow)
Soldier (shadow)
Remember this whole cast could be done with about four people since their faces are unseen to the audience
Props:
Tree
Apple
Cross
A few robes for the characters(optional)
Bag and a few coins
As the scene begins, Satan walks on stage, looking mighty irritated. The light is off. While the illustration shows the traditional cartoonm devil with horns and a tail, The character would probably be better portrayed a man in a business suit or Tuxedo. Possibly red shirt, red tie or black shirt black tie ala Regis.
SATAN: Oh great, called before the throne again. Ever since I fell from heaven, He's always on my back. He knew that one day I would take over and I will. He can't stop me. You should have seen me then, I was beautiful. I was perfect. I was the best angel He had ever made. He made me a little too great if you ask me and I think he got scared. So he cast me out and ever since I've been fighting my way back.
NARRATOR: The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God Commanded the man, you are free to eat from any tree in the garden but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil for when you eat of it you will surely die. (Genesis 2:15-17)
(Light comes on, Eve is standing in the garden next to the tree.)
SATAN: Oh c'mon Evie, you know you want to. Doesn't it look just delish? Go ahead take a bite.
(Eve reaches for the apple then quickly pulls her hand back as if scared.)
What's the matter Evie? Do you really think he meant what he said? He didn't. He just knows if you eat it, you'll become as smart as He is and He can't stand the competition. Go ahead take a bite!
(Eve takes a bite looks down at herself, covers up with the hands and runs away, light goes out. Someone pulls the tree off stage)
SATAN: Oh man that was too easy. Ever since then I have had the run of the place. They went from eating that apple to murder in one generation. I'm so good at what I do. He even wiped em all out once except for that Noah and his family. I had a real bad time with Noah, I thought he might even beat me, but within a couple of generations I was back to my old tricks and so were they. The just love sin. It just seems to come natural for them. Oh well I wonder what he has planned next.
NARRATOR: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government will be upon his shoulders. He will be called wonderful, counselor, Mighty God. . .(Isaiah 9:6)
SATAN: You've got to be kidding me. Mighty God? He's a baby, a little tiny baby. This is your great plan. No problem.
(Light comes on, Herod is standing on the stage looking around.)
Herod, there is a kid out there, a little baby, who is destined to take your throne away. He's just a baby, now. Kill him while you have the chance.
(Herod shrugs his shoulders and begins to pace.)
What do you mean you can't find him? And you call yourself a king. Drastic times call for drastic measures. Look the kid can't be more than two years old. Just go throughout the kingdom and kill all the boys under two. This is just too easy.
(Herod puts one finger in the air as if he has an idea and freezes)
NARRATOR: An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." (Matthew 2:13)
(Light goes out.)
SATAN: Well God I've got to hand it to you, you outwitted me on that one. Oh don't get me wrong it was a lot of fun seeing all those people crying and all that bloodshed, but I missed my target. I'll just keep tempting him he'll slip up after all, all He has to do is mess up and sin one time and he is defeated. (To the audience) Let me tell you He is tough. He went thirty years without sinning, I mean not so much as one evil thought. I mean I know He's the son of God and all but I threw everything I had at Him and nothing, not one little lousy sin. Where's your son, God? Oh look at this He's been in the desert fasting for forty days. He's probably never been weaker than he is right now, perfect!
(Light comes on Jesus is seated on the floor, reclining with a hand in the air as if praying.)
Man, I don't know how you do it, forty days without food. Man, you must be starving. Hey since you are the son of God, why don't you take those stones over there and turn them into some bread, some bread would be pretty good right now don't you think?
(Jesus stands raises his hand as if speaking)
NARRATOR: Jesus said: "It is written: man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
SATAN: Yeah, yeah, OK, (mocking) It is written. . . You know no one is going to believe you. Come with me. OK, check it out, what you need is a publicity stunt. You need a big public spectacle to show that you really are who you say you are. Here we are at the top of the temple, throw your self off. I mean, c'mon, you know the scriptures so well. Psalm 91: 11 and 12. "He will command his angels concerning you and they will lift you up so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." If you do a stunt like this the people will surely believe every word you say.
(Jesus stands raises his hand as if speaking)
NARRATOR: Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test." (Matthew 4:7, Deuteronomy 6:16)
SATAN: All right, you're a tough customer, Jesus, I'll tell you what I'm gonna do. You see the way the people are acting here. It is pretty clear that I am running the show. Look around, look at all that wealth. All the kingdoms of the world. If you'll bow down to me, I'll give you it all. It's all yours for one little prayer. That's a lot of stuff all you have to do is Worship me.
(Jesus stands raises his hand as if speaking)
NARRATOR: Jesus said to him "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only." (Matthew 4:10, Deuteronomy 6:13)
(Light goes out)
SATAN: Well hey you can't blame a guy for trying. I can't believe it, I offer the guy the world and he turns me down flat. Well sure I was lying, but hey it's what I do. I don't know how I am going to beat this guy. I mean did you see that everything I threw at him he had a scripture for. I hate the scriptures, people who know them are always using them as a weapon against me. Good thing most people don't read them or I'd be doomed.
What am I going to do about this Jesus? I know, I'll use the people. I'll start with the Pharisees, you know the frozen chosen. Jesus is going to bring change, they'll hate that. They are so set in their ways that they won't even realize that he's the messiah they've been praying for, for all these years. Let's make em all jealous and stuff.
(two Pharisees come on talking to each other.)
NARRATOR: Then they brought him a demon possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see.
(Pharisees place hands on their hips in disgust)
All the people were astonished and said could this be the son of David. But when the Pharisees heard this they said,
(One pharisee raises his hand if speaking)
"It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."
(Light goes out.)
SATAN: Oh this is too good, look at them, they hate him. Their forefathers have been praying for him to show up and they are so blind by their own ambition and jealousy that they don't even recognize Him. I mean I can't believe this. They are so stupid, they actually believe that I would cast my own demons out of people, this is hilarious. Man I hate them. Now all I need is one more piece in the puzzle. OK, Jesus is tough, but look at these guys that are following him, maybe I can get Him through one of them. Which one looks greedy? How about Judas the treasurer? He likes those shiny coins a little too much, PERFECT.
(Light comes on Judas is counting coins and putting them into a bag.)
SATAN (Whispering): Hey Judas, Jesus keeps talking about dying, how will you benefit if He dies. What will all this following Jesus get you if He dies? There'll be no powerful position for you, no money, and no women. They'll think you're a fool. You followed Him. You thought He was the Messiah. You thought He would overthrow Rome. How can a dead man overthrow Rome. You fool, He's no Messiah.
(Judas grabs the money bag and runs out. Light goes out.)
I've got you now, Nazarene. Let's see you get out of this one.
NARRATOR: While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one that I kiss is the man, arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him. (Matthew 26: 47-49)
SATAN: I got him! Where's your son, God? I tell you where he is, he's locked up and they're gonna kill Him. You'll see I win. The Pharisees have wanted Him dead for a long time now. All I have to do is get him past Pilate and it's the cross for him for sure. It's the end of your mighty champion. Where's your son God?
(Light comes on Pilate is pacing back and forth.)
Pilate, he needs to die. I know what you're thinking. How will it look to Rome? Don't worry about them. There's not going to be riots and insurrections. Some might think he's a prophet but most of them hate him. Crucify him and get it over with, let things get back to normal. Yes I know your wife said to have nothing to do with Jesus but she's just a woman, what does she know, who's governor here. What do you mean offer Barabbus up, he's a murderer! You think if you offer him up they'll let Jesus go, don't you? You'll mess up everything you idiot.
(Pilate stands as if addressing the crowd)
NARRATOR: Now it was the governor's custom at the feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At the time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbus. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbus or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over." (Matthew 27:15)
(The crowd walks onto the stage.)
SATAN: Tell him to release Barabbus, c'mon, tell him. What will you gain from Jesus? What's in it for you? You know what the Pharisees say about Him? He's not your Messiah, the Pharisees would know if he was, after all they've studied all this, Jesus is a liar! C'mon (Chants) Barabbus, Barabbus, Barabbus!
(Crowd yells Barrabus, Pilate raises his hands as if quieting the crowd)
NARRATOR: "What shall I do then with Jesus, who is called Christ?"
SATAN: All right you people it is time to do away with him? It is time to find the one who will free you from Rome. Jesus did some neat stuff but would the Messiah end up on trial like this. He's not the savior. Let's get on with it. (Chants) Crucify, crucify, crucify.
(Crowd chants crucify, light goes out)
SATAN: Yes! I win, Where's your Son, God? (An evil laugh) I did it! I beat you.
(Light comes on. Jesus is carrying his cross, a soldier is whipping him. Jesus falls to the ground. The soldier rolls him onto the cross. Another person appears with a mallet and begins to drive the nails a few onlookers point and laugh all in mime. Then the raise the cross.)
SATAN: (Still laughing) Where's your son God? Oh look there he is hanging on the cross dying? The throne of heaven is mine. Watch Him God. Watch Him struggle for every breath. Look at the agony. You know what your problem is God? You love them. They spit in your face and you love them. They sin against you and you love them. I hate them and they follow me every chance they get. Look at what your love got you. Where's your son God? There he is on the cross, murdered by the very people he came to save. Your love has brought you ruin.
NARRATOR: When he received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that he bowed his head and gave up the spirit. (John 19:30)
SATAN: (Sarcastically) It is finished. It sure is! It's over, God, He is finished, He's dead, YOU LOSE!!! Where's your Son, God? What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?
(People take Jesus off the cross, light goes out. Remove cross.)
SATAN: Is it Saturday already? What's the matter with you, God? Why the long face? Do their Sabbath prayers bring you no joy? Where is your son, God? Where is He teaching today? Oh that's right, He's not teaching anywhere? He's DEAD! I'll let you have your Sabbath, but tomorrow, it's all mine! I'm going to pick out a new throne, I'll be back tomorrow.
NARRATOR: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance so she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we donıt know where they have put him!"
So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw strips of linen lying there, as well as rthe burial cloth that had been around Jesusı head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. (John 20: 1-7)
SATAN: What a beautiful Sunday morning, time to get to work. Are you still here? Give it up. It is finished. I'm taking over just like I said I would. Where is He? Where is your champion? Where is the one that you sent to defeat me? Oh, I'll admit it, He was pretty good, but He was just a man. I figured you would have at least made it interesting and sent Michael. But Jesus, He was a good man, He might have even been perfect, but He was no match for me. Where's your Son, God? Why do you look so happy this morning? Oh well you must be looking forward to retirement.
(Light turns on on empty stage)
What do you mean donıt get too comfortable. Itıs mine now, all of it I won. Check the tomb? You're stalling, but I'll humor you." Whatıs this? Somethingıs wrong. The stone is moved.Thereıs no body. This has got to be a trick? All right God, enough of the tricks? Where's the body? (Starting to panic) Where's your Son, God? Where's your son, God? Please tell me. Where is He?
(Jesus steps into the light)
SATAN: Oh No!!! It can't be.
(Jesus put his hands on his hips and nods)
SATAN: No, Youıre dead!!
JESUS: I'm right here Satan. I have risen Just Like I said I would. You put me through a lot, but I have one question for you, Devil, is that all you've got. Be gone from this throne room. Your days are numbered, beast.
(Satan runs out of the room, Jesus stands there with hands on hips.)
NARRATOR: And the devil who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)
(Jesus moves arms into reaching out position)
NARRATOR: He who testifies these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)
(Light goes out)
An A.M.O.K. Resource
Copyright 2001, David C. Weiss, A.M.O.K. 2001