The Carpenter

Based on the ideas in a script written by Kate Rothacker

A hard hitting drama which can be used at any time of year, including Easter. The carpenter who built the cross, and in the process suffered remorse and shame. Why is it that a man who simply did his job, as contracted for, would feel the burden of what all men had done?

A new look at an unknown craftsman.

Run-Time: 5 minutes
Cast Number: 1 (Monologue)
Biblical Reference: John 19:30 (“It is finished”), Luke 23:33–43
Setting: Simple stage; no set required.
Props: Carpenter’s belt, hammer, a few large nails.
Category: Monologue / Easter / Reflection

Sample script:

Actor comes on stage, looks down at mimed cross upstage, speaks

Actor: It is finished! My work completed. I delivered as was contracted, six stout cross beams, strong enough to hold the weight of a full grown dying man. I’m always pleased to see a job completed. Pleased with the feeling of accomplishment. And also with the financial rewards as well, no reason to deny that.

I am a carpenter, … a fine carpenter, like my father … and his father before him. A carpenter, an honorable profession.

I have made the things that the people of Jerusalem take for granted. Things on which they sit, or lie, or eat … sometimes those on which they die.

Once delivered I no longer think of these articles, or the people who pay me handsomely for supplying them. Should I worry about the thoughts or character of the one seated on the chair I have made? Should I lay awake wondering if the meals served on my tables tonight were healthy and nourishing?

The very thought is preposterous.

Well, I do admit to some discomfort when first the Roman guard gave me this task, but honestly more than I chaffed at this work, I chaffed at having to perform services for the Romans. Overbearing fools! And at any rate, the crimes committed by those who will die on these works of art were done in full knowledge that retribution would be swiftly and painfully accomplished. And further, Roman gold buys food as well as any other gold!

looks over shoulder, upstage
Yet when I saw my handiwork on hillside of Golgotha, great chills ran throughout my body.

moves downstage as though begging audience to understand
What have I done?
What have I done?

more confident
Look, it is surely nothing to be ashamed of. I did my job, nothing more, nothing less. I did as I was expected, and I did it well.

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