Description
A dramatic presentation of a familiar passage from the Jewish Scriptures that, unfortunately, sometimes comes across with all the impact of reading the Telephone Directory. Biblical Basis: Ecclesiastes 3 vv 1-8 You need 3 persons (a Narrator and 2 actors) a box of simple props, some energy and a good sense of timing.
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Extract:
A Time for Every Matter Under Heaven
Premise: A dramatic presentation of a familiar passage from the Jewish Scriptures
which, unfortunately, sometimes comes across with all the impact of reading the Telephone Directory.
Biblical Basis: Ecclesiastes 3 v 1-8
Lectionary Link: New Year/Watchnight
Ordinary Time 3 A [2nd]
Personnel: NARRATOR, actors ONE and TWO
Props: Large box or wicker hamper containing - Baby doll; box of seeds (try using
dried rice); tray/basket; bandages; two Lego houses; hanky; clown's red nose and/or pointy hat; black armband; stones (balls of scrunched up paper); binoculars; cuddly toy; piece of material (to be ripped); sewing kit; several watches and clocks.
Set: NARRATOR reads from lectern/pulpit stage right. ONE and TWO hide
behind 'Prop Box' centre stage. In the absence of drama blocks to improve the
audience's view it may be useful to have a "sofa" for the seated moments.
Performance Notes: this sketch requires energy and good timing. The Narrator
should not be afraid to give the words appropriate nuances and emphases - s/he should speak so as to give the words feeling not as though s/he is doing an impression of a Speak-Your-Weight machine. The Narrator needs to be sensitive and responsive to the Actors, too. This should be fun to perform and convey the truth that the Bible 'contains the whole of life' and that Jesus Christ speaks to all of it.
NARRATOR: (Checks time on as many watches/clocks as s/he has)
For everything there is a season, and a time (check another couple of watches/clocks) for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born. (ACTORS make 'woman in labour' noises, and
then baby's cries; ONE steps forward with baby held aloft)
A time to die. (ONE passes baby to TWO, clutches chest, looks
shocked, dies...)
A time to plant. (TWO finds box of seeds and mimes scattering
them, ONE covers seeds with soil)
A time to pluck up what is planted. (TWO frantically pulls up plants
and throws them into ONE's
tray/basket)
A time to kill. (ONE stabs TWO)
And a time to heal. (ONE swathes TWO in bandages)
A time to break down. (ONE finds a Lego house and wrecks it)
And a time to build up (TWO finds a new complete Lego house and
displays it proudly)
A time to weep. (ONE bawls into hanky)