The Juggler And the Thief

This silent mime drama tells the story of a Juggler and a Thief, symbolizing innocence and sin. The Juggler skillfully performs, while the Thief lurks, eventually stealing a cloth and mocking the Juggler. Though the Juggler tries to continue with less, it’s not the same. Meanwhile, the Thief fails to find joy in the stolen cloth and grows frustrated.

Seeing the Thief’s sorrow, the Juggler gives away the last two cloths, leaving the Thief happy but the Juggler empty. The Juggler then walks to a chair marked by a cross, experiencing pain and sacrifice as the Thief watches in confusion. When the Juggler collapses lifeless, the Thief realizes the cost, mourns, and falls to his knees in remorse.

Run-Time:

Approximately 6-8 minutes, depending on pacing and movement.

Cast Number:

• Juggler (1 actor)
• Thief (1 actor)
• Additional Mimes (Optional) – Can be added for movement enhancement.

Biblical Reference:

John 15:13 – "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

Isaiah 53:5 – "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed."

Sample of script

(Juggler enters stage, juggling two balls or, preferably, three colorful silk cloths to slow down the action.)
(Thief lurks around the perimeter of the acting area, an evil leer on their face. Juggler acts unaware of Thief’s presence.)

(Thief reaches over Juggler's shoulder, attempting to steal a cloth. At the perfect moment, Juggler turns, preventing the theft. Thief grimaces in frustration, reacting with an "Oh, rats!" expression. Thief then returns to lurking.)

(Finally, Thief reaches in front of Juggler, successfully snatching a cloth. Laughing and scoffing, Thief tosses the cloth into the air, taunting Juggler with it.)
(Juggler reaches for the stolen cloth but cannot get it back.)
(Juggler tries to maintain composure, juggling only two cloths but visibly struggling and looking back at Thief, making it clear that juggling with two cloths is not the same.)

(Seeing Juggler continue, Thief decides to juggle as well. Thief throws their stolen cloth in the air, catches it, and repeats several times, but with decreasing joy.)
(Thief keeps glancing at Juggler, growing frustrated.)
(Thief starts using the cloth in different ways—placing it in a pocket, tying it around their head as a bandana, letting it trail behind while running—yet growing progressively sadder.)
(Eventually, Thief gives up, slumping over and moping.)

(Juggler stops juggling, notices Thief, and an increasing smile spreads across their face.)
(Juggler walks over to Thief and hands them the remaining two cloths.)
(Thief eagerly snatches them away, now joyfully juggling all three cloths, filled with excitement.)

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