DRAMA—18TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR A
Proper 21, 1999 Bible reference: Matthew 21:23–32
A TALE OF TWO BOYS
CHARACTERS: Two teenage boys and their sister.
PROPS: Remote control, optional TV, computer game, two chairs, table, rubber gloves, dish- cloth or other cleaning items, purse.
The two boys enter and sit on either side of the stage area, facing diagonally out into congregation. John is staring blankly at TV (or imaginary TV), perhaps flicking channels every now and then with the remote control, Bill is animatedly playing a computer game. The rubber gloves, cleaning items, and purse are on a table at centre stage.
SISTER:
|
(Enters and looks at the two boys in frustration, goes to John) John, Mum and Dad get back this afternoon, and after your party last night the kitchen looks like, well, it’s been hit by a mob of dirty football players.
|
JOHN:
|
(Not taking his eyes off the TV) It has.
|
SISTER:
|
Yeah, well, that’s my point. And there’s something growing in the bathroom, I’m sure. It almost bit me when I was in the shower this morning...I have to go to work, could you clean it up perhaps?
|
SISTER:
|
(Exasperated) Doing what?
|
SISTER:
|
(Sarcastically) Oh well, in that case don’t let me stop you! (Walks to table, looks at watch, goes over to Bill in a hurry. Bill is very animated, she watches him for a bit, amused, then says hesitantly) Er...Bill?
|
BILL:
|
(To computer) Die, Sir Fairyfloss, die! I shall climb the virtual tower to rescue fair Gwendolen...(Pushes a final button and makes a dying noise, then turns around suddenly to his sister) Yes, darling sister, you are looking radiant on this fine morning...
|
SISTER:
|
Um, thanks Bill...do you think you could do something about the mess in the kitchen before I get home? I think I lost one of my earrings in it this morning...
|
BILL:
|
Certainly, oh beloved daughter of my father, I will retrieve your precious gold...
|
SISTER:
|
Well, finding the sink would be enough, although if you could fight whatever it is that is growing in the shower, I’d be most...er...(Tries to imitate his manner) eternally indebted and...er...honour forever your courageous manhood...maybe?
|
BILL:
|
You have but to say the word and I shall follow!
|
BILL:
|
For you it shall be done.
|
SISTER:
|
Um, thanks Bill...then, well, I’ll be back tonight...Tell Mum and Dad, will you? (Bill bows with a flourish. Sister leaves looking amused and worried)
|
(Bill returns to his computer game. John, who has been watching TV, flicks through the channels frustrated, gets up and wanders over to Bill very bored, looks over his shoulder)
BILL:
|
Get lost, Lord of Darkness!
|
JOHN:
|
Get lost yourself! (Wanders over to table and looks sceptically at rubber gloves. Humorously struggles to get them on, disgusted look on his face, and picks up dish- cloth with two fingers)
|
SISTER:
|
(Runs back in past Bill) I forgot my purse! (Stops astounded, looking at John who is cleaning the table) Well...I...well...(Picks up purse, runs back across stage past Bill then comes back to Bill) I tell you the truth, Sir Righteousness, the football player is entering the kingdom of cleanliness ahead of you. (Turns and looks amazed at John again, shakes her head in disbelief) Well! (Exits, others exit after her)
|
© Tamson Pietsch 1998
Permission is given for the owner of this disk to make sufficient copies of this script for their group or congregation, for rehearsal and performance purposes only.
|