The Sabbot Experience

The Sabbot Experience© is a dramatic exploration of the roles of women throughout history, focusing on their contributions to family and faith. The play follows a modern-day woman who reflects on the laborious responsibilities of women, particularly in maintaining the Sabbath, while encountering biblical women who have shaped the spiritual understanding of service and renewal. As she interacts with these frozen figures—Ruth, Sarah, Noah, Mary, and Martha—the drama highlights their faith, struggles, and perseverance in a patriarchal society. The performance culminates in an inspiring realization of how the Sabbath experience is more than rest—it is renewal, growth, and devotion.

Biblical References:

• Genesis 2:3 – "Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."
• Exodus 20:8-10 – "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God."
• Luke 10:38-42 – The story of Mary and Martha, where Jesus commends Mary for choosing to listen and learn.
• Numbers 27:1-11 – The story of Noah (daughter of Zelophehad) advocating for women's inheritance rights.
• Ruth 1:16-17 – Ruth’s devotion to Naomi, illustrating faithfulness and perseverance.

Cast:

• 6 Female Roles
  • Main Actress – Modern-day woman reflecting on the role of women.
  • Ruth – The devoted daughter-in-law who followed Naomi.
  • Sarah – The elderly wife of Abraham, who waited for God’s promise.
  • Noah – A determined woman who challenged inheritance laws.
  • Mary – The listener, who chose to sit at Jesus' feet.
  • Martha – The doer, concerned with preparations for the Sabbath.

Run Time:

Approximately 12-15 minutes

Actor walks on stage and looks around. She gets visibly frustrated the more she looks around as if she knows how much work has to be done. She may wipe her brow, wring out her sponge, etc. After a brief time, she looks up at the audience and smiles, as if an invisible friend has stopped by. During the entire monologue, she looks out into the audience at one spot.)

Actress: Well, you’ve finally showed up! (Smiles.) Just kidding. I thought maybe I had some help arrive when you walked in! Can you believe the mess one family can make? I look at my wonderful husband and my two beautiful children and smile and think to myself, what do you people think this is – a garbage dump?

Oh, well. I guess this is my role in life. Yes, (sarcastically) I turned down a career in theatre (pronounce "theatah") so I could devote more time to that of (speaking in mock Shakespearian accent) scrubbing the grimeth offeth my bathroom flooreth. Who needs to be the center of attention, anyway, right? Not me! I am perfectly happy using my college degree to figure out how to get Slime-Goo out of Barbie’s hair!

I shouldn’t talk like that, should I? No one forced me into this life – it just sort of happened. There I was, fifteen years ago – newly married and madly in love with my tall, mysterious man. Nowadays the only thing mysterious in my life is that brown lump that’s growing on the bottom shelf in my fridge!

(Smiles.) That kind of mystery is okay, too! I guess this is my role in life – to serve. Oh, don’t get me wrong, this is a good thing. I enjoy being busy and serving others. I consider this my gift. I work hard to provide others with the opportunity to have a time of peace and renewal. Sounds complicated? It’s really quite simple.

Throughout history, women have been the ones to be depended on for many of life’s essentials. Most families wouldn’t eat without the woman preparing the food. Most holidays or special occasions are completely dependent on the woman. Sound familiar to you? Also, years ago, before our busy lifestyles took over, it was common for Sunday to be strictly observed as the Sabbath, a day of spiritual renewal. All work would stop for this one day. However, one thing we overlook is that the woman’s role couldn’t stop on the Sabbath. Families had to eat, children had to be cared for – this work couldn’t stop.

But this is all okay because that is just the accepted role of women – to be servants. So, when is the woman’s time for peace and renewal? For that answer, I think about women in the Bible, those to whom the Sabbath was a meaningful time.

(Actress moves into the open stage area, if available. Lights on this area come up to show the Biblical women who are frozen in position. Actress approaches Ruth, carefully sizes her up, and speaks while looking at Ruth.)

Actress: Ruth here, she left the security and the familiarity of the known to go, she really knew not where. But she struck out, knowing only that once this journey was undertaken there would be no turning back – no coming back.

Oh, the story of Ruth! A story of love and devotion, transcending all limits, unhampered by self-interest and national prejudice. This story tells of Ruth here, and her mother-in-law Naomi, two women, alone, struggling to survive and establish themselves in a patriarchal society. You know the story, how Ruth, Naomi, and Ruth’s sister-in-law, Orpah, all widows, set out from Moab, . . . . . . .

(Actress freezes as Ruth comes to life.)

Want to see how the story unfolds? DramaShare members get this complete script— and access to our entire library—free! Not a member? You can still grab this individual script and bring it to life.