30 minutes / 4 characters
Description
Brothers gives a behind-the-scenes look at the New Testament book of Philemon—a brief letter from the imprisoned apostle Paul to his friend and brother in Christ, Philemon. Though not a character in the play, the apostle’s presence is felt throughout.
The play takes place at the home of Philemon. He has just received the letter from Paul—and he is not a happy man. He not only is angry that his slave, Onesimus, had left, but that he had ended up in the company of Paul. His position is that his friend should have immediately sent back his “property.”
Philemon begins an angry letter of reply back to Paul, but before the letter is finished, he comes to realize that
…this brave and deeply spiritual man is indeed a servant—not of man, but of Christ. Though he did steal from me, Onesimus has nothing to repay. For I have been repaid in full by the lessons he has taught me with his life of gentle humility.
Brothers is a moving statement about family life—the family of God in Christ. It also (as do most His Company scripts) suggests that behind the words of Scripture lay stories of individuals of deep emotion, strong feelings, and profound love.
Theme
The close relationship we have as members of the Body of Christ; our dependency on each other; family life.
Characters
Atticus, the scribe
Philemon
Apphia
Onesimus
Set
(from the script)
The setting is an opulently appointed inner courtyard of a wealthy family. The courtyard is surrounded by the lattice-windowed, inner walls of the house. A narrow walkway borders these walls, sheltered by a tiled roof all around. An open doorway leads from the courtyard to
the home’s interior rooms.
The courtyard is mostly paved, but with areas set aside for bushes, trees, even a small flower garden. There is a fountain in the center. Near the fountain are one or two benches, large enough for two to sit together while being cooled by the bubbling water during the hotter parts of the day. Near one of the benches is a smaller, lower stool—or a small stone large enough for one person. Here and there—both in the courtyard and around its perimeter walkway—are water or wine amphorae (tall clay jugs) and wooden storage boxes, in which are kept cushions for the benches.
The setting is one of restrained wealth—comfort without ostentation.
Props
See the script for required props.
Topics
Brothers Apostle Paul Philemon Onesimus Slavery Letter Scroll Servants Brotherhood The Church Believers Body of Christ Family
