Erased by a Cross

Imagine having everything bad you have ever done, erased, by a total stranger. All the hurts you have caused, all the poor choices you've made gone. How would you live your life knowing that an innocent paid the price for the guilty? The situation surrounding Barabbas, who was a self confessed thief and murderer, and yet he was given his life back in exchange for an innocent Mans life. Barabbas knew this and was overcome with guilt.

 Uses offstage voice of Pilate who was guestioned for his decision.

Cast:
This drama is a monologue, which will involve one man, any age. There are also two off-stage voices: Pilate and a guard.

Sound: there could be some recorded crowd noises throughout the drama.

Costume:
The actor should be wearing period costume. Probably tattered and filthy scraps of clothing, as he has been in prison.

Sample of script:

Scene opens as spotlight comes up on actor, who is huddled on the floor. The actor remains motionless until the voice-over recording plays. He is obviously eager to hear.

Voice over, Pilate: Calm down, calm down! All of you! Annas, Caiaphas! Will you control your people! I know all of you are upset, but does this really make sense?

Barabbas: There he goes on again! The mighty pompous fool Pilate! Surely even an idiot like Pilate realizes nothing makes sense anymore. How could this make sense? I, a Jew, locked up in this insane jail, for crimes which the Roman fools claim I committed. And meanwhile those insufferable Sanhedrin swine kiss the feet of Pilate and his over-fed gang, together debating my future, deciding my fate.

Pilate: Yes, I understand, Caiaphas, he has done wrong, and his deeds are offensive to you. But are you not perhaps over-reacting?

Barabbas: I know what I did was wrong. I know that. What I don’t know is why is this taking so long? I have been here before, this is hardly my first offense. Just send in the guard with the pig swill you call food and I will be on my way. The guards that I can’t over-power I can always bribe. Bring it on then!

Pilate: But why is the Sanhedrin asking for the death penalty. I have fully reviewed his case, I can find no wrong which he has committed which calls for the death penalty.

Barabbas: So it’s my death they plan this time? Let them be aware, I will go down fighting! Very well then, have at it! Put me death, after all, it’s what I deserve.

Pilate: But why should I sentence an innocent man to death? I have told you, over and over again, I have gone over and over his case, and I find he has done nothing which would bring a guilty verdict!

Barabbas: An innocent man? What are they talking about? Me, innocent? I should hardly think so! Causing riots, robbing, even . . . even taking lives when necessary. Innocent? What is the Roman fool talking about? (laughs) Why, he will be ruining my bad reputation with that kind of talk!

Pilate: Look, so you feel strongly about this man, tell you what, it’s your special holiday, and I have magnanimously agreed to set a Jewish prisoner free every year at this time. Here is what we will do, we will whip him and set him free.

Barabbas: Well, Barabbas, lucky stiff, seems like you land on your feet again! Little whipping, no big thing, been there, done that!

Pilate: Well if you don’t want Jesus, the Nazarene set free then, who will I release?
Barabbas: Jesus the Nazarene! I heard a bit about Him when they brought Him in. It seems no matter what He does, some people take exception. Seems like a good guy, just a little, well, different. Wonder why everyone’s against Him?

Pilate: Barabbas? The highwayman? You want me to set Barabbas free?

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