"Sounds of the Crucifixion"

as performed by BLAST, Spring 1993

CAST OF CHARACTERS:
MALES:
JUDAS, PETER, JESUS, JAMES, JOHN, SOLDIER, ANNAS, OFFICIAL, CAIAPHAS, WITNESS #1, WITNESS #2, PILATE, SOLDIER #2, THIEF #1, THIEF #2

FEMALES:
GIRL #1, GIRL #2 EITHER GENDER:
STUDENT, OTHER PERSON, people in CROWD, CROWD MEMBER

TOTAL NUMBER of PARTS: 23+ (7 very short)

STAGING NEEDED:

strap of leather for making whip sounds
something to make thundering noises
something to make hammering sound on metal
cellophane (for crackling fire)
sound of a sword leaving its sheath
tape recording of a rooster crowing

NOTE: The entire play is meant to be performed in near complete darkness. There should not be any visible light sources. The audience should be instructed prior to the beginning of the play to listen closely to what is happening but not to attempt to look -- as this spoils the effect. This is a very emotional play, focused entirely on the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. It may be wise to exclude small children from hearing the presentation.

Scene i -- JUDAS and PETER are walking from the rear of the audience to the stage. JESUS, JAMES, JOHN, and several others of Jesus' students are gathered at center stage. They are talking en route to Gethsemane.

JUDAS: Peter, where are we going?
PETER: Out to Gethsemane, I think, Judas. You know how much he likes the place. Why do you ask?
JUDAS: I just remembered something important that I have to attend to. I'll catch up with you later.
((JUDAS exits by other direction. PETER joins JESUS and the others. There is a brief pause.))
JESUS: Listen to me, my friends. You will all desert me tonight, for it is written, "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered." But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.
PETER: Even if they all desert you, I never will.
JESUS: I assure you, Peter, that this very night -- before the rooster crows -- you will disown me three times.
PETER: Even if I have to die with you, I'll NEVER disown you!
Others agree with PETER. ((pause))
JESUS: I'm going over there to pray. All of you stay here except for Peter, James, and John. You three come with me.
((JESUS, PETER, JAMES, and JOHN move to one side of the stage.)) [Garden noises, if possible.]
JESUS: My soul has been crushed to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me ... Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from me! But let not my will but yours be done.
((An hour of time passes. While JESUS speaks, above, the others make yawning noises, and then snoring sounds -- just loud enough to be heard by the audience.))
JESUS: Simon, are you asleep?
PETER (waking): < yawn > What is it, Lord?
JESUS: Couldn't you keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I'm going back to pray again.
Father: if it is impossible for this cup to pass from me -- if I have to drink it -- let your will be done.
((pause))
JESUS: Simon. James. John. ((each wakes up)) Have I asked such a great think for you to be with me now, to watch and pray? Simon?
Father: Please, if it is possible, take this cup from me. But let your will, not mine, be done.
((pause))
JESUS: Are you still asleep and resting?
((PETER, JAMES, and JOHN make waking noises.))
JESUS: Enough. The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up! Let's go! Here comes my betrayer.
((JUDAS and SOLDIER approach from backstage or from behind audience.)) [footsteps and talking]
JUDAS (as they approach): The one I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him ... Greetings, Rabbi! [kiss sound]
JESUS: Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?
SOLDIER: Sieze him!
PETER: Shall we strike with our swords?!
[Sound of sword leaving sheath. Attack sounds. Several students shriek in horror.]
JESUS: No more of this! Put your sword away! Those who live by the sword die by the sword! Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me? Don't you realize that I could call on my Father, and he would at once put more than twelve legions of angels at my disposal? But how then would the writings be fulfilled that say it MUST happen this way?
Priests, Elders: Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you didn't arrest me then. But this is your hour -- when darkness reigns.
STUDENT: Let's get out of here!
((All of Jesus' students leave stage in random directions, running.))

Scene ii -- stage left. PETER stands by a fire with GIRL #1, GIRL #2, and OTHER PERSON. (JESUS is inside a nearby building being tried.)

[sounds of crackling flames start now and continue through PETER's first line.]

GIRL #1: Hey, you were also with Jesus the Galilean!
PETER: I don't know what you mean.
GIRL #2: Hey, everybody! This man was with Jesus of Nazareth!
PETER: I swear I don't know the man!
OTHER PERSON: Surely you are one of them. Your accent gives you away.
PETER: Leave me alone! I swear by all that's sacred! May God strike me dead if I'm lying! I don't know the man!
[rooster crows]

Scene iii -- stage right. This is a composite of two scenes of JESUS' trial by the Jewish leaders. First: ANNAS, JESUS, and OFFICIAL are inside. Then CAIAPHAS, JESUS, WITNESS #1, WITNESS #2, and CROWD are outside. There is no pause between the two scenes; all of the above characters are on stage together except for the CROWD members, who are scattered amongst the audience.

ANNAS: Do you claim to be the son of God?
JESUS: I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogues or at the temple. I have said nothing in secret. Why are you questioning me? Ask those who heard me. Surely THEY know what I said!
[loud smack] JESUS is struck in the face. [He grunts.]
OFFICIAL: Is that any way to answer the high priest?!
JESUS: If I said anything wrong, testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?
CAIAPHAS: Who testifies against this man?
WITNESS #1: I do. We heard him say, "I can pull down God's temple and rebuild it in three days."
WITNESS #2: That's exactly what he said!
CAIAPHAS: Are you going to answer these charges?! By the living God I charge you: tell us if you are the Messiah -- the son of God!
JESUS: You have said it. But I tell you all that you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.
CAIAPHAS: [ripping cloth] Aaa! You heard him! He's spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? You've heard his blasphemy! What do you think?
CROWD: Death! He deserves death!
[spitting, striking JESUS. JESUS grunts.]
Person in CROWD: Hey, Messiah! Divine for us who struck you!
((CROWD laughs.))
CAIAPHAS: Let's take him to Pilate. We'll tell him that this man claims to be a king.
((CROWD assents.)) [abrupt silence]

Scene iv -- stage left. CAIAPHAS and JESUS are before PILATE, who is seated.

PILATE (bored): What charges are you bringing against this man?
CAIAPHAS: Would we have handed him over to you if he weren't a criminal?
PILATE: You take him. Judge him according to your "Law".
CAIAPHAS: It is illegal for us to execute anyone.
((PILATE stands and approaches JESUS. CAIAPHAS moves to center stage.))
PILATE: You: ARE you the King of the Jews?
JESUS: Did you come up with this yourself, or did others tell you about me?
PILATE: I'm no Jew! It was your nation and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What have you done?
JESUS: My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But my kingdom is not from here.
PILATE (confused): So...you're NOT a king then?
JESUS: You are saying that I AM a king. And for this reason I have been born, for this I have come into creation: to testify about the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.
PILATE: What is truth?
((PILATE moves to center stage.))
((pause))
PILATE (to crowd): I find no fault in him. Since it is your custom for me to release a prisoner to you at the time of the Passover, do you want me to release the King of the Jews?
CROWD: No, not him! Give us Bar-Abbas!
PILATE: You want me to release the murderer, Bar-Abbas, instead of this Jesus?
CROWD: Bar-Abbas! Give us Bar-Abbas!
PILATE: Centurion: have this man beaten, and then bring him out!
[39 sounds of a cracking whip. JESUS grunts at the later whipping sounds.]
((pause))
PILATE: All of you -- I am bringing him out so that you may know that I find no fault in him. Here he is! [claps hands twice]
[CROWD mumbles -- some angry, some in wonderment]
CAIAPHAS: Crucify him.
PILATE: What should I do with the King of the Jews?
CROWD: Crucify him! Crucify him! ((crowd members say this separately))
PILATE: YOU take him and crucify him. I find no fault in him!
CAIAPHAS: Our Law says that he MUST die, because he claimed to be God's son.
((PILATE walks over to JESUS.))
PILATE: Jesus, where do you come from? ... Are you refusing to answer me? Don't you realize that I have the power to free you, or to have you crucified?
JESUS: You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed you over to me has greater sin.
CROWD MEMBER: Hey! If you let him go, you're no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar!
((PILATE moves to center stage and washes his hands.))
[sounds of washing in water]
PILATE: Here is your king.
CROWD: ((lines spoken by different members)) Take him away! Take him! Crucify him!
PILATE: Should I crucify your king?!
CROWD MEMBER: We have no king but Caesar! Crucify him!!
CAIAPHAS and all CROWD together (chanting): Crucify! Crucify! .... ((repeat until near the end of PILATE's next line))
PILATE: I am innocent of this man's blood! It is your responsibility!!
CROWD MEMBER: His blood be on us and on our children! ((CROWD resumes chanting "Crucify!"))
[PILATE claps his hands]
PILATE: Guards! Take this man to be crucified!!
((PILATE exits.))

Scene v -- center stage, back. JESUS, THIEF #1, and THIEF #2 are about to be crucified. SOLDIER #2 is there. CROWD is still in the audience.

[sounds of JESUS groaning and of SOLDIER #2 nailing spikes in to crucify the THIEVES and JESUS.]
((They stand one by one and hold their arms outstretched. Audience members who can see their silhouettes will get the impression that a crucifixion is taking place.))

JESUS: Father, forgive them. They don't know what they're doing.
Person in CROWD: He saved others, let him save himself -- if he's God's Anointed One.
SOLDIER #2: If you're the King of the Jews, get down from there.
[CROWD laughs.]
((The THIEVES and JESUS speak almost breathlessly from here on.))
THIEF #1: Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself ... and US!
THIEF #2: Don't you fear God? We're being justly punished, but this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
JESUS: I assure you, today you will be with me in Paradise.
((In the historical accounts, the sky darkens.))
[CROWD makes various noises of confusion, saying things like, "I can't see," and "Where's the sun?"]
JESUS: Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabachthani!
Person in CROWD: Hey, he's calling Elijah!
Person in CROWD: Maybe Elijah will come and save him!
[Thunder is heard, loudly.]
[People in CROWD mumble, confused and afraid.]
JESUS: IT IS FINISHED!!! Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
[Veil of temple rips from top to bottom behind Jesus!]

((Pause, then lights come up.))

JUDAS:	Peter, where are we going?
PETER:	Out to Gethsemane, I think, Judas. You know how much he likes the place. Why do you ask?
JUDAS:	I just remembered something important that I have to attend to. I'll catch up with you later.
((JUDAS exits by other direction. PETER joins JESUS and the others. There is a brief pause.))
JESUS:	Listen to me, my friends. You will all desert me tonight, for it is written, "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered." But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.
PETER:	Even if they all desert you, I never will.
JESUS:	I assure you, Peter, that this very night -- before the rooster crows -- you will disown me three times.
PETER:	Even if I have to die with you, I'll NEVER disown you!
Others agree with PETER. ((pause))
JESUS:	I'm going over there to pray. All of you stay here except for Peter, James, and John. You three come with me.
((JESUS, PETER, JAMES, and JOHN move to one side of the stage.)) [Garden noises, if possible.]
JESUS:	My soul has been crushed to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me ... Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from me! But let not my will but yours be done.
((An hour of time passes. While JESUS speaks, above, the others make yawning noises, and then snoring sounds -- just loud enough to be heard by the audience.))
JESUS:	Simon, are you asleep?
PETER (waking):	< yawn > What is it, Lord?
JESUS:	Couldn't you keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I'm going back to pray again. Father: if it is impossible for this cup to pass from me -- if I have to drink it -- let your will be done.
((pause))
JESUS:	Simon. James. John. ((each wakes up)) Have I asked such a great think for you to be with me now, to watch and pray? Simon? Father: Please, if it is possible, take this cup from me. But let your will, not mine, be done.
((pause))
JESUS:	Are you still asleep and resting?
((PETER, JAMES, and JOHN make waking noises.))
JESUS:	Enough. The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up! Let's go! Here comes my betrayer.
((JUDAS and SOLDIER approach from backstage or from behind audience.)) [footsteps and talking]
JUDAS (as they approach):	The one I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him ... Greetings, Rabbi! [kiss sound]
JESUS:	Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?
SOLDIER:	Sieze him!
PETER:	Shall we strike with our swords?!
[Sound of sword leaving sheath. Attack sounds. Several students shriek in horror.]
JESUS:	No more of this! Put your sword away! Those who live by the sword die by the sword! Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me? Don't you realize that I could call on my Father, and he would at once put more than twelve legions of angels at my disposal? But how then would the writings be fulfilled that say it MUST happen this way? Priests, Elders: Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you didn't arrest me then. But this is your hour -- when darkness reigns.
STUDENT:	Let's get out of here!
((All of Jesus' students leave stage in random directions, running.))

GIRL #1:	Hey, you were also with Jesus the Galilean!
PETER:	I don't know what you mean.
GIRL #2:	Hey, everybody! This man was with Jesus of Nazareth!
PETER:	I swear I don't know the man!
OTHER PERSON:	Surely you are one of them. Your accent gives you away.
PETER:	Leave me alone! I swear by all that's sacred! May God strike me dead if I'm lying! I don't know the man!
[rooster crows]

ANNAS:	Do you claim to be the son of God?
JESUS:	I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogues or at the temple. I have said nothing in secret. Why are you questioning me? Ask those who heard me. Surely THEY know what I said!
[loud smack] JESUS is struck in the face. [He grunts.]
OFFICIAL:	Is that any way to answer the high priest?!
JESUS:	If I said anything wrong, testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?
CAIAPHAS:	Who testifies against this man?
WITNESS #1:	I do. We heard him say, "I can pull down God's temple and rebuild it in three days."
WITNESS #2:	That's exactly what he said!
CAIAPHAS:	Are you going to answer these charges?! By the living God I charge you: tell us if you are the Messiah -- the son of God!
JESUS:	You have said it. But I tell you all that you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.
CAIAPHAS:	[ripping cloth] Aaa! You heard him! He's spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? You've heard his blasphemy! What do you think?
CROWD:	Death! He deserves death!
[spitting, striking JESUS. JESUS grunts.]
Person in CROWD:	Hey, Messiah! Divine for us who struck you!
((CROWD laughs.))
CAIAPHAS:	Let's take him to Pilate. We'll tell him that this man claims to be a king.
((CROWD assents.)) [abrupt silence]

PILATE (bored):	What charges are you bringing against this man?
CAIAPHAS:	Would we have handed him over to you if he weren't a criminal?
PILATE:	You take him. Judge him according to your "Law".
CAIAPHAS:	It is illegal for us to execute anyone.
((PILATE stands and approaches JESUS. CAIAPHAS moves to center stage.))
PILATE:	You: ARE you the King of the Jews?
JESUS:	Did you come up with this yourself, or did others tell you about me?
PILATE:	I'm no Jew! It was your nation and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What have you done?
JESUS:	My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But my kingdom is not from here.
PILATE (confused):	So...you're NOT a king then?
JESUS:	You are saying that I AM a king. And for this reason I have been born, for this I have come into creation: to testify about the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.
PILATE:	What is truth?
((PILATE moves to center stage.)) ((pause))
PILATE (to crowd):	I find no fault in him. Since it is your custom for me to release a prisoner to you at the time of the Passover, do you want me to release the King of the Jews?
CROWD:	No, not him! Give us Bar-Abbas!
PILATE:	You want me to release the murderer, Bar-Abbas, instead of this Jesus?
CROWD:	Bar-Abbas! Give us Bar-Abbas!
PILATE:	Centurion: have this man beaten, and then bring him out!
[39 sounds of a cracking whip. JESUS grunts at the later whipping sounds.] ((pause))
PILATE:	All of you -- I am bringing him out so that you may know that I find no fault in him. Here he is! [claps hands twice]
[CROWD mumbles -- some angry, some in wonderment]
CAIAPHAS:	Crucify him.
PILATE:	What should I do with the King of the Jews?
CROWD:	Crucify him! Crucify him! ((crowd members say this separately))
PILATE:	YOU take him and crucify him. I find no fault in him!
CAIAPHAS:	Our Law says that he MUST die, because he claimed to be God's son.
((PILATE walks over to JESUS.))
PILATE:	Jesus, where do you come from? ... Are you refusing to answer me? Don't you realize that I have the power to free you, or to have you crucified?
JESUS:	You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed you over to me has greater sin.
CROWD MEMBER:	Hey! If you let him go, you're no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar!
((PILATE moves to center stage and washes his hands.)) [sounds of washing in water]
PILATE:	Here is your king.
CROWD:	((lines spoken by different members)) Take him away! Take him! Crucify him!
PILATE:	Should I crucify your king?!
CROWD MEMBER:	We have no king but Caesar! Crucify him!!
CAIAPHAS and all CROWD together (chanting):	Crucify! Crucify! .... ((repeat until near the end of PILATE's next line))
PILATE:	I am innocent of this man's blood! It is your responsibility!!
CROWD MEMBER:	His blood be on us and on our children! ((CROWD resumes chanting "Crucify!"))
[PILATE claps his hands]
PILATE:	Guards! Take this man to be crucified!!

JESUS:	Father, forgive them. They don't know what they're doing.
Person in CROWD:	He saved others, let him save himself -- if he's God's Anointed One.
SOLDIER #2:	If you're the King of the Jews, get down from there.
[CROWD laughs.] ((The THIEVES and JESUS speak almost breathlessly from here on.))
THIEF #1:	Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself ... and US!
THIEF #2:	Don't you fear God? We're being justly punished, but this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
JESUS:	I assure you, today you will be with me in Paradise.
((In the historical accounts, the sky darkens.)) [CROWD makes various noises of confusion, saying things like, "I can't see," and "Where's the sun?"]
JESUS:	Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabachthani!
Person in CROWD:	Hey, he's calling Elijah!
Person in CROWD:	Maybe Elijah will come and save him!
[Thunder is heard, loudly.] [People in CROWD mumble, confused and afraid.]
JESUS:	IT IS FINISHED!!! Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.