The Innkeepers Wife

The innkeeper's wife didn't provide a room for Mary and Joseph.

Was it merciless attitude, or did she provide what she could? My sense of historical fairness was the reason for writing this drama.

How, in decency were backs turned on this woman, no more than a child herself, labor pains, worn out from long, tiring journey on donkey's back. What shameful lack of empathy! I mean . . .

But did she do that which no other inn or homeowner apparently did, providing what she could for the One destined to become Savior of all?"
Be jury to this 2,000-year-old mystery.

Cast: 1 female

Bible Reference: Luke 2:7

Set: a blank set

Lighting:   standard

Sound: wireless mic if available

Costumes: likely but not necessarily traditional

Props: blanket folded, held in arms

Time: 3

Sample of script:

Actress backs on stage from side door, showing she is assuring, comforting someone off-stage, says:

It’s alright. At least you will be warm and protected there in the stable. Pull that blanket up close around them Joseph. I will check back on you from time to time.

actress turns, walks on stage, stretches, talks more to herself than to anyone in particular
What a night! Time to clean up from all the commotion. This is a busy time anyway, with the Romans calling the census and all. The inn is full to overflowing - how was I to know such a thing could happen ?

Travelers, road weary, grumpy, all looking for accommodation that didn’t exist.
By the time the young man Joseph came to my door, my husband Benjamin had long since given out our last room. And our little inn at the end of the road is usually the last to fill. What could we do?

Obviously his young wife Mary was ready to deliver - her first born. Any mother knows that this is a stressful time. What could I do to make it any easier?

I thought that the stable would at least give them a little shelter. I found some spare blankets and Ben gave them fresh straw. I went to see if I could find them something to eat but before I could return the child was born.

After that, the most amazing things started happening. A shepherd boy showed up at the door asking if this was the place where the Savior was born. He was so excited and talking so fast I had to ask him to begin again, three times. He spoke of bright lights and angels. He was so sure that this was the place - something about following a star. When I finally heard what he was saying, that the Savior was a just-born baby, I thought of the new child in the barn. Could it possibly be?

(pause)

No.

Not possible!

When I went out the door to lead him around back, I saw that it was not just him - there seemed to be a mob out there, though there were probably only ten or so, all shepherds who had also seen the angels, and followed the star.