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Sample text from: The Story of Moses A Play in One Act for Third Grade By D.F. Coye (25 minutes) Cast of Characters Pharaoh Chief Astrologer Chief Wiseman Chief Soothsayer Moses’ Mother Miriam, his sister Another Sister Aaron, his brother Pharaoh’s Daughter Three Handmaidens Moses Two Teachers Three Slaves A Taskmaster The Voice of the Lord 2 Angels Various Children of Throughout the play
the actors may remain in view, seated at the sides of the stage, forming the
chorus. Some standing reeds (the
bulrushes) are in the down left corner.
Pharaoh’s throne center stage at the opening of the play. As each
scene begins, the actors in that scene take the stage. Scene changes should be accompanied by
music from the teacher (recorder or
children’s harp) and should involve a minimum of set pieces. Scene One Chorus The Hebrews left their homeland fair The fabled Promised Land. To Found friendly welcome everywhere (‘Twas Pharaoh’s strict command). But after many years had flown Old Pharaoh lived no more. (Pharaoh and his
three counselors enter. Pharaoh sits
on his throne.) Now new kings ruled with hearts of stone, Kings whose minds with hatred sown Had evil things in store.
Chief Astrologer It’s in the stars, Pharaoh, why can’t you see? These Hebrews grow much stronger than we. They’re so great in number we’re in danger here. In our own land we live in fear. Chief Wise Man There’s more of them than there are hairs on my head! Chief Soothsayer They’ll take over Pharaoh My Council, I see it as plainly as you. But what I don’t see, is what we can do. Chief Astrologer They’re plotting to send us to our graves! Chief Wise Man We must strike first and make them our slaves! Chief Soothsayer And to make sure they don’t multiply Each baby boy that’s born must die. Pharaoh (nodding) Each baby boy that’s born must die! (They bow to him and
all exit.) Scene two (Moses’ mother,
Miriam, her sister, Aaron enter fearfully. A drumbeat
gets louder.) Mother Alas, sweet babe, I hear the drum This means that Pharaoh’s men have come. Why was he ever born, God, why? Why was he born, only to die? Sister They make us slaves to build their tombs, Snatch babies from our mothers’ wombs-- Pharaoh’s a monster, not a man. Miriam (picks up a basket) Do not despair, I have a plan. Mother, I’ve heard that Pharaoh’s daughter Bathes daily in the She loves little babies, has a good heart, Bring the child and play your part. Scene Three (Egyptian handmaidens
with Pharaoh’s daughter sing and dance, tease each other, getting ready to
bathe. Miriam slips the basket among
the bulrushes, then hides.) First Handmaiden Into the water! Come on don’t be shy! Pharaoh’s Daughter Wait stop! What’s that? I heard a cry! Among the bulrushes, do you see? There’s something there, bring it to me. (They find the
basket in the bulrushes.) Second Handmaiden A beautiful boy, floating here on the Nile. Oh what a sweet child! Just look at him smile. Pharaoh’s Daughter He must be a Hebrew--his mother foresaw The danger because of my father’s law. Third Handmaiden But the baby needs milk-- so small, so weak. Miriam (appearing) If it’s a nursemaid that you seek I know someone, who’ll work for you. A Hebrew wife who’s loyal and true. Daughter Bring her at once, she’ll live with me here. (Miriam goes to get her mother.) (to the baby) Though you’re a Hebrew, have no fear. (Miriam leads her
mother to Pharaoh’s daughter.) I’ll call you Moses, little boy, And you shall be my life, my joy. (Gives the baby to
the mother, who hugs it thankfully.
They exit.) Chorus Moses was raised in silks and gold The finery of But although rich he felt sorry for The Hebrew slaves, so wretched and poor. Scene 4(A class of
students, seated, one of whom is Moses.
Two teachers stand in front of them.) Teacher One And so, students, the wealthiest city of Moses What? Teacher One What is the answer, Moses? Moses Ten? Teacher One Moses! In the clouds again? I’m surprised you can count to ten. You need to listen to what I say If you’ll be a ruler here some day Teacher Two His mind’s not focused on this room, It’s on the slaves building Pharaoh’s tomb. Some say he’s a Hebrew himself , you know. (to Moses) You’ll get a good beating for being so slow!
(He attempts to beat
Moses, who rushes out. Teachers and
pupils exit.) |
