The Ultimate Price

Why did Jesus have to die?

Why couldn't God have done . . something?

Brilliantly written by a brilliant international playwright, Nigel Camac.

Cast:    17

Bible Reference: Romans 5:6-10

Set:

• Of the 9 scenes, only 4 require any set. These 4 scenes could be constructed quite elaborately, or more realistically it could be kept simple.
• This decision is largely up to the producer setting realistic expectations for what time, money and talent permit.
• Finally, it would be handy to have a stage curtain, so while Jack and Hayden are talking, the set can be changed.

Lighting:   

• Roving spot
• Soft light to illuminate the rear of the stage
• a red light to signify danger and guilt in Scene 8

 Sound: 

• wireless mics if available

Song: 

SFX: 

• Sound Trains and railroad noise for Scene 2
• Sound of grinding cogs for Scene 2
• Sirens and shouting for Scene 8

Costumes:

• Judge outfit for Scene 4
• Teacher’s gown for Scene 6
• Bloodied garments for Scene 8
• Police outfit(s) for Scene 8

Props:

Special Instructions:

• This play is a dramatisation of stories that have been moving around Christian circles for a long time.
• As such, I hereby acknowledge that the 4 principle stories within this play are not of my own construction,
• The work of this play is an attempt to bring these stories to life.

  Time: 45

Script Sample

Scene 1

(DSC – The curtain is still drawn. Jack stands in front of it, highlighted by a single spotlight. He is concluding his personal testimony, Bible in hand.)

Jack: So yeh, I saw for the first time that Jesus died… for me! And he died for you as well.

Hayden: (Standing up in the crowd) What?

Jack: (Smiling) A question, Hayden?

Hayden: So someone dies a long time ago. What does it prove? Fair stretch to say he died for YOU.

Jack: Hey, I reckon I understand where you’re at. I didn’t grasp it for ages. (Scratches chin) How can I better explain it? (Paces, deep in thought) Come down, I wanna show you what I see.

Hayden: What, you gonna make me see the light?

Jack: Well maybe not, but I’m gonna pray that you do, and I’ll be praying for you others as well.

(Moves beside Jack, who prays for everyone.)

Jack: (To Hayden) There was once a railway worker that took his son to work with him, to show him the ropes. He was looking forward to it. You see, they had planned to do this for a long time. Just watch what happened that day.

(Jack and Hayden move to shadows at the edge of the stage.)

Scene 2

(A signal tower overlooks DSL, with CS featuring various mechanical mechanisms. The father and son enter from USR, moving around the set toward the signal tower.)

Father: There is so much to show you today, Tim.

Son: Should be great. How many trains will come by?

Father: Plenty. (Pats son's back) There’s one due in a few minutes, and then, if you’re lucky, you’ll see two at the same time… going in opposite directions!

Son: Wow, Dad! (Climbs up the tower)

Father: Look, Tim, here comes the 9:40 express.

Son: Man, is that moving!

(Both look DS in unison, miming seeing the train moving out of sight.)

Father: You’ve got some time now, and I’ve got some work to do. How about you check out the place a bit – but for goodness’ sake, keep away from the tracks!

Son: Thanks, Dad, I’ll be careful. (Climbs down from the tower, walks DS, keeps looking back at the signal tower. Father calls out.)

Father: Not near the tracks, Tim!

Son: OK, Dad. (Son walks around the yard, intrigued by the mechanism, climbs into them.)

Father: Tim, come quickly. The two trains are due here shortly. (He peers around the yard looking for him.) You’ll miss out on pulling the lever to change the tracks! Oh well.

(Grasps big lever, his eyes fixing in horror on the cogs.)

Father: Tim, get out! Tim, wake up! Tim! Oh, Tim, Tim! I gotta pull the lever, or the trains will collide!

(Frantic, moves quickly around the tower, looks at tracks, then cogs.)

Father: No time! (Looks with horror at two trains coming in opposite directions.) It’s either all those people aboard the trains (looks toward trains) or it’s my son! (Grabs lever, weeping, pulls it.)

(Blood-curdling screams come from the cogs. He resignedly watches the two trains go by without danger.)

Father: My son, my dear son! (Breaks down weeping.)

(Curtain closes.)

Scene 3

(Jack and Hayden remain DSR, a single spotlight on them.)

Hayden: Wow! That was heavy stuff. But how does that relate to Jesus dying?

Jack: Well, firstly, it’s just a story, but there’s certainly one point worth making. Lots of people were headed for tragedy if the father didn’t sacrifice the life of his son. In the same way, God’s Son, Jesus, died so that we wouldn’t meet with eternal destruction.

Hayden: Yeh, fair enough. But if God is so powerful, why couldn’t he just save us without Jesus dying?

Jack: Top question. You’re obviously thinking this through. You see, it’s like this: our wrongdoing can’t just be ignored or covered up. Maybe the next story will help you understand.

(Pauses for effect.)

It’s called The Trial of the Judge.

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