Tin Can Faith

Tin Can Faith is a thought-provoking one-act play about Walt, a man who believes he can earn his way into good standing with God by collecting "good works," represented by discarded tin cans. As he picks up cans and recounts his moral achievements, he meets Joshua, who challenges his belief that he can repay his debt through effort alone. Joshua, who reveals himself as the son of the "mean old man" (a representation of God), tells Walt that the debt has already been paid and offers him a gift of redemption. However, Walt struggles to accept grace and ultimately chooses to rely on his own efforts.

• Run Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes.
• Cast Number: 2 (Walt and Joshua).
• Biblical Reference: Ephesians 2:8-9 – "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Set Design:

• A bare stage with minimal props to emphasize the symbolic nature of the play.
• A scattered collection of empty tin cans (various sizes—soda, soup, etc.) spread across the stage.
• A bench, crate, or rock where Walt can occasionally sit or rest.
• A dark backdrop or a simple painted backdrop suggesting an alleyway, junkyard, or an open field to convey the feeling of isolation.
• Dim lighting with a soft spotlight on Walt as he moves around, emphasizing his burden.

Props:

• A large, visibly worn sack or burlap bag for Walt to collect cans.
• Multiple empty tin cans (lightweight, for easy handling).
• An unseen “bag of cans” (could be represented offstage or mimed) that Joshua refers to as sufficient for Walt’s debt.

(A person is alone on stage, carrying a large sack over his shoulder. There are several empty cans (pop, soup, etc.) strewn around the stage. Each time he thinks of a good work he has done, he picks up another can and puts it into his sack. Throughout the course of the scene, the bag gradually becomes heavier.)

Walt: (Thinking out loud) Oh yeah, and there was the time I returned that wallet I found. (Finds another can, picks it up, and puts it in his bag) ... and the time I let my little sister win in Candyland ... (picks up another can) ... and ... and ... OOOhhh, I almost forgot about that time I came to a complete stop. (Picks up a can) Um, I think that's worth two. (Picks up another can) Now, what else, what else ...

(Joshua enters from off stage and sees Walt talking to himself.)

Joshua: Excuse me, friend, whatcha doin'?

Walt: (So deep in thought he barely hears the question) I'm sorry, what?

Joshua: Whatcha doin' on the ground there?

Walt: (Still preoccupied) Looking for ... Oh, there was that time in college I could have cheated twice but only cheated once. (Picking up a can) That's gotta count for somethin'.

Joshua: I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you said. You're looking for what?

Walt: What? Cans. I'm looking for cans.

Joshua: May I ask why?

Walt: Why?

Joshua: Yes, why?

Walt: Listen, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m kinda busy right now. Could we talk about this later?

Joshua: As you wish. (Stands and watches.)

Walt: I never killed anybody. (Picks up a can.) In fact, think of all the people I wanted to kill but didn’t. (Picks up several cans as he lists people) The guy at the grocery store, my brother-in-law, ... Madonna. Now we're getting somewhere.

Joshua: And where is that?

Walt: I beg your pardon?

Joshua: I'm just wondering what it is you're doing?

Walt: I told you before, I’m collecting cans.

Joshua: Yes, I know. But why?

Walt: I’m not gonna get rid of you, am I?

Joshua: Not easily, I’m afraid.

Walt: (Puts down the bag) Very well. It so happens I owe someone some money, and I’m collecting these cans so I can recycle them and redeem them to pay my debt. Understand?

Joshua: Not entirely. How much do you owe?

Walt: (Loudly) The ninth commandment!

Joshua: I beg your pardon?

Walt: At least I think it’s the ninth commandment. "Do not covet your neighbor’s wife."

Joshua: Yes, so?

Walt: Have you seen my neighbor’s wife? I’m sure I’ve kept that one. (Picks up a can.)

Joshua: You were saying.

Walt: I’m sorry, what was the question?

Joshua: You have a debt, yes? (Walt nods.) How much do you owe?

Walt: I’m not sure.

Joshua: Well, how long until you have collected enough junk to pay it back?

Walt: That’s kind of a grey area as well.

Joshua: When do you have to pay?

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