Dare to Doubt

Thomas the doubting believer's questions have served up belief for many over the years since.  A companion of Jesus and the other followers speaks of Thomas, Peter and the others.

Cast: 1

• monolog, likely, though not necessarily, female, middle age

Bible Reference: John 20:19-31

Set:

• table

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: standard

SFX: none

Props:

• assorted clothing

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions: none

Time: 10

Sample of script:

actor carries clothing onstage, arranges neatly on table, aware of "audience”, smiles

Good day to you! Yes, and a gorgeous day it is, for sure. I am Elizabeth, I come here to the market, most every day, to offer my creations for sale.

holds up a dress

A dress for the lady . . ahh, the color . . matches the lady’s eyes . . yes, very nice indeed!

holds up a man’s shirt

For the gentleman . . this shirt is not only attractive . . (smiles) . . shows off the gentleman’s muscles . . and from sturdy cloth . . serviceable.

holds up children’s clothing

Or for that precious young one . . clothing worthy of that young prince . . princess!

pauses as though listening to someone speak

Yes, I have been designing fine wearing apparel for many years . . (thinks) . let me see, is it possible, . . it’s been almost ten years now! In that time “Creations by Elizabeth” has become a brand not at all unknown!

pauses as though listening to someone speak

No, I am not another DiAngelo, nor a Lombardi. I have no factory full of seamstresses, designers. I work by myself, (looks down at clothing) . . I design, I cut the cloth, I sew the garment . . (looks up, smiles) lovingly, and with care, as though for a member of my family!

speaks with some contempt

DiAngelo . . Lombardi! I doubt you would see either of them or their high-priced people here, . . (sweeping motion with hand) . . in this small town marketplace . . talking with ordinary people, finding your needs in fine yet affordable garments . . (leans down, smiles lovingly, finger moves as though tweaking a child’s chin) . . seeing first-hand your fine children who will grace my creations!

I doubt that DiAngelo, or Lombardi, for that matter, will give the care to detail, the concern for the person who wears these sturdy garments, day in and day out.

I doubt you will find the “Elizabeth touch” from the impersonal design houses.

pauses as though listening to someone speak

You question my doubt? And what is wrong with doubt?
Are you not a discerning buyer?
Do you not closely inspect every item before spending hard-earned money, before bringing it into your home, wearing it on your back?
I should rather hope so!
The assurances of fast-talking vendors magically disappear when the money has changed hands, beware I say of claims unchallenged!

pauses as though listening to someone speak, smiles, shakes head, unbelieving

So a doubting Thomas, am I?
A doubting Thomas!
I have long been a close friend of the one the world refers to as “doubting Thomas”!
And proud I am to know him, and grateful for his care and his questioning!

pauses as though listening to someone speak, smacks thigh, chuckles

You prefer the faith of Peter to the doubting of Thomas you say?
Peter and Thomas. . . . . Both are fellow disciples of the Messiah, . . . and . . . dear
friends of mine . . . perhaps you did not know that?
Both had great strengths . . . and, like all of us who followed the Messiah, more than a
few weaknesses.

smiles, thinking