----------------------------- A NOTE REGARDING THIS VERSION ----------------------------- This script is from the HIS COMPANY CATALOGUE of plays and musical resources. It is in ASCII (or plain text) format, and is intended only to be used for evaluation purposes. Visit our web site at http://hc.dlampel.com to download the FREE Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version for performance. ----------- DESCRIPTION ----------- FAMILY Type: One-Act Play Synopsis: Based on the first eighteen verses of the book of Ruth. Themes: Family love; unselfish devotion to another. Misc. Notes: The scene is the outskirts of the land of Moab. The boundary for Moab is the Zered River; on the other side is the land of Judah. The three have been traveling together, but now, before the river is crossed, it is time for Ruth and Orpah to return to Moab and resume their lives. Naomi intends to cross the river alone, to return to her homeland, Judah, and the city of Bethlehem. Characters: NAOMI, widowed wife of Elimelech; in her mid-60's. Naomi is a woman at once at peace with her station and harboring great bitterness in her heart because of the turn her life has taken. She is capable of perfect, compassionate love toward her daughters-in-law; she is equally capable of a disturbingly morose anger toward Jehovah. RUTH, widowed wife of Mahlon, elder son of NAOMI; in her 30's. Ruth is the quintessential embodiment of unselfish love. She never places her own needs above those of her companions. There is a staggering purity to the love she has for NAOMI. ORPAH, widowed wife of Chilion, younger son of NAOMI; in her 20's. Orpah, too, has a deep love for her mother-in-law, but it is a love tempered by the impetuousness of her youth. She was not married as long as RUTH or NAOMI, and is therefore less attached to the past than she is to the possibilities of the future. Props: The three women are traveling through rugged, desert territory. They must have sandals on their feet and would be carrying two or three satchels with their provisions of bread, water, possibly some fruit. NAOMI's first speech, after sitting down, would be a good opportunity for ORPAH and RUTH to break out some of their provisions. All three should have walking sticks for the journey. Remember, even though RUTH and ORPAH are presumably not going the distance with NAOMI, they still have come a considerable distance and would have provisions. Set: The set for Family could be kept basic: several "rocks" for the women to rest upon. These could be set pieces constructed to look like real rocks or as simple as carpeted blocks to blend with the church platform. Length: 15 min. ------ SCRIPT ------ FAMILY Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company THE CHARACTERS NAOMI, widowed wife of Elimelech; in her mid-60's. Naomi is a woman at once at peace with her station and harboring great bitterness in her heart because of the turn her life has taken. She is capable of perfect, compassionate love toward her daughters-in-law; she is equally capable of a disturbingly morose anger toward Jehovah. RUTH, widowed wife of Mahlon, elder son of NAOMI; in her 30's. Ruth is the quintessential embodiment of unselfish love. She never places her own needs above those of her companions. There is a staggering purity to the love she has for NAOMI. ORPAH, widowed wife of Chilion, younger son of NAOMI; in her 20's. Orpah, too, has a deep love for her mother-in-law, but it is a love tempered by the impetuousness of her youth. She was not married as long as RUTH or NAOMI, and is therefore less attached to the past than she is to the possibilities of the future. PRONUNCIATIONS Naomi NAY-OH-mee Elimelech ee-LIM-uh-lek Ruth rooth Mahlon MAH-lun (as in fallen) Orpah ORE-pah (as in horn) Chilion KEYE-lee-un Moab MOE-ab THE SETTING The scene is the outskirts of the land of Moab. The boundary for Moab is the Zered River; on the other side is the land of Judah. The three have been traveling together, but now, before the river is crossed, it is time for RUTH and ORPAH to return to Moab and resume their lives. NAOMI intends to cross the river alone, to return to her homeland, Judah, and the city of Bethlehem. [Enter NAOMI, RUTH and ORPAH. The two younger women are assisting NAOMI, whose journey so far has been a struggle because of her age and health. RUTH and ORPAH lead NAOMI toward a resting place just beyond center stage.] RUTH C'mon, just a little more. I've found us a place to rest. NAOMI (painfully) Well it's about time! The bottoms of my feet are raw. (sitting; exhausted) Orpah, how far have we come? ORPAH (amused at how quickly the older woman has become exhausted) Why, we've only just started! NAOMI (greatly disappointed; with a weary sigh) Oh. ORPAH (with a sarcastic tone) And you expect to go all the way to Bethlehem? We've come such a short distance, and just look at you! NAOMI (catching her breath) Never you mind. I'll make it. It may take me forever, but I'll make it. (peering into the distance; sudden recognition of the place) Wait a minute--I've come this way before. (brightening) I recognize the landmarks. RUTH (with surprise) Mother, that was over ten years ago! NAOMI (ignoring her) See that ridge, off to the left, on the far side of the river--where the rock changes to a darker red? (smiling as the comfortable memories begin flooding back) That's the precise spot Elimelech stood to survey our new homeland for the first time. Moab was a foreign land, and we knew as soon as we crossed this river there would be nothing familiar--all the people and customs would be strange to us. [RUTH offers NAOMI some water, which she drinks before continuing.] NAOMI And there! (pointing in a slightly different direction) See that stand of trees just below the ridge---next to the riverbank? That's where we spent the night before crossing over into Moab. (sighing, with a touch of sadness) You're right, Ruth. That was a long time ago. (grasping her back) And I think I'm beginning to feel every one of those years. RUTH Well, the journey won't be so bad with Orpah and me along to help. We can-- NAOMI (absentmindedly at first, as she drinks) What? (then realizing what Ruth has just said) What?! You girls are going back. ORPAH (with timid confidence) Naomi, . . . uh, Ruth and I talked it over. We're coming with you. [NAOMI strenuously objects.] RUTH (firmly) Mother, it's decided. NAOMI I'll do the deciding around here. ORPAH Why, you're an old woman-- [NAOMI reels back, taking offense.] ORPAH (continuing without pause) --traveling alone through these hills-- (looking around, beginning to frighten even herself) --wild beasts hiding behind every rock-- (getting excited and upset by the thought) --thieves lying in wait behind every tree . . . ! NAOMI (amused by how quickly the girl's courage has evaporated; wryly) And you girls are going to save me from the wild beasts and thieves? (dismissively) Ruth, talk some sense into the girl--and take her back home with you. RUTH (a little embarrassed by ORPAH) Our minds are made up. ORPAH We've decided to go with you-- NAOMI I'll be all right! ORPAH --and to your people. NAOMI Now wait a minute! Just stop and think about what you're saying. I think you two've lost your hold on reality. You're not making any sense! What do you think? That I have two sons yet in my womb--husbands in waiting for you? (laughing at the absurd thought; deciding to play it out further) Okay, let's say I married this very night--and conceived--twins! You're going to wait around for these new sons to come of age? (pause) Would you really like to be nursemaids to your future husbands? ORPAH (beginning to see the wisdom in returning to Moab; naively) We would be willing. NAOMI (seriously; a little surprised) Orpah, how very young you are. RUTH It's just that she loves you, mother. [ORPAH moves away. She is torn between her love for NAOMI and what she feels will be a brighter future by returning to Moab. She knows that her life, if she were to continue on with Naomi, would hold little promise, and she feels her heart tugging her back. But she is ill-equipped for the decision which must be made.] NAOMI (tenderly) Do you think I want to send you back? Do you think that would be the easiest solution for me? If you were my own children I couldn't love you more. (sullenly) But why should you have to share in the Lord's anger? His hand's against me. (feeling sorry for herself) I don't know what I've done to deserve it! Somehow I've offended Him. (to ORPAH) I want you away from me--away from His wrath. [ORPAH looks to NAOMI, then to RUTH. The two older women await her decision. What should she do? Which way should she go? RUTH, while sympathetic, gives no clue; the decision must be the girl's. As ORPAH turns to Naomi to speak, RUTH moves quietly away from them.] ORPAH (frustrated) Well, whatever my choice, my life would be changed. (she looks again to RUTH, then back to NAOMI; struggling with her decision, then bursting into tears she runs to embrace NAOMI.) But I'll miss you so! NAOMI (comforting ORPAH) Be strong, child. ORPAH You were my last tie to Chilion--my only family. NAOMI Soon you'll have a new husband--a new family. ORPAH I'll never replace what I had. NAOMI (almost sternly) Forget the old--begin a new life. (softening) And may God grant you a happier life than you've had so far. ORPAH (straightening; trying to be mature) I'll remember. I'll remember everything. (turning to RUTH as she steps away from NAOMI;`Are you coming with me?') Ruth? RUTH Go ahead, Orpah. I need to speak to Naomi. [Now that her decision has been made, ORPAH exits happily, returning eagerly to her homeland. RUTH watches the girl leave, following her progress (offstage), with her back to NAOMI. NAOMI stands quietly, contemplating RUTH from across the stage. The moment is tense for NAOMI, wondering whether she will be able to convince RUTH to go with ORPAH. The realization that RUTH probably intends to stay eases the tension, but does nothing for the emotional battle being waged inside NAOMI. If RUTH does leave her, she will be cast adrift, alone on a dangerous journey to a people who are, possibly, no longer friendly toward her. She will also lose someone who has been closer to her than anyone else since the loss of her husband and sons. But the sensible choice is for the younger woman to return to her homeland, Moab, where she can begin her life anew in a familiar environment. After a long pause, NAOMI speaks.] NAOMI (with a steady tone) You have no intention of following after the girl. RUTH (still away from NAOMI; quietly, contemplatively) You said you wanted to save us from God's wrath. NAOMI (`what is she talking about?') Yes. Why should you-- RUTH We've already shared in His wrath. (now turning to NAOMI; with gathering intensity) When you lost your sons, we lost our husbands. And who can choose? Which is the greater loss? Which hurts the most? (compassionately; going to NAOMI) Mother, don't use your grief as a shield. Loneliness won't ease your pain. NAOMI But my pain is so great . . . RUTH And let's not compare our sorrow. There's no winner in that. But let's share our sorrow, so we might lighten the load for the other. NAOMI (emphatically) Child, I don't know what blinds you! You follow after the wrong person. Go with your sister-in-law! Go back to family and home. Your family's in Moab. Your father and mother are waiting for their daughter to return. RUTH (firmly) Mother, I am your daughter. NAOMI (anguished) What blinds you?! RUTH (happily) My eyes have been opened! Now they see clearly the love I feel for you. For ten years you've been not only the mother of my husband, but mother to me as well. NAOMI But your parents-- RUTH --have each other. Don't ask me to abandon you. NAOMI Why should you leave your homeland? Listen, Judah is no paradise. RUTH And Moab is? NAOMI (chuckling) Well, whatever it is--or isn't--it's at least familiar to you. RUTH Mother, you can't turn me away so-- NAOMI (firmly) Now you sit down and listen to me. (collecting her thoughts; almost to herself) I didn't want to bring this up . . . (pause; reluctantly) Even in our own small family you've experienced the conflict between our two cultures. It seems that for all of history Judah and Moab have been at each other's throats. Back and forth, back and forth they've fought! Slave and master switching from one generation to the next. (pause) You must know: you'll not be received favorably in Judah. Even when our two lands have been at peace, there's been an uneasy tension. (almost sarcastically) And my people are capable of being quite unpleasant toward your people. RUTH (after a pause; thoughtfully) Why did you come to my country, so long ago? NAOMI (caught off guard) What? RUTH You left Judah with your husband and two sons and settled in Moab. Why? NAOMI (puzzled by RUTH's direction) Well, there was famine in Judah--and there was rain in Moab. RUTH But there was another reason. NAOMI (sarcastically) Starvation wasn't enough? RUTH Would you have stayed behind in Judah with the rest of your family leaving for Moab? NAOMI Of course not. RUTH Why? NAOMI (irritated by RUTH's cross-examination) Well, they were my family--my life. RUTH (resting her case) You are my family. My life is with you. [NAOMI heaves a frustrated sigh; she is losing the argument and must fall back to regroup. She settles back, thinking. The two women separate, sinking back into their own thoughts and recollections.] NAOMI (nostalgically) We had good times . . . before . . . before-- RUTH Let's not be sad. NAOMI (exhaling with a deep sigh) Oh, His hand's heavy on me. RUTH (simply--not preachy) Tragedy isn't always sign of a god's displeasure. NAOMI (cynically; with rising intensity) Displeasure. Such a gentle rendering for the Almighty's anger. Displeasure. Oh yes, displeasure that wiped out my husband, my sons--my family! RUTH (ruminating) Your God is still a stranger to me--companion to that strange land awaiting us, I suppose. NAOMI (quickly) You're going back! RUTH (ignoring her) I don't yet understand His ways. He seems most peculiar next to my gods. How can He be everywhere, but not in anything? How could He have created everything, yet so easily have it destroyed? (to Naomi) If He's given woman as a companion to man, why does He then make her a widow? NAOMI (wearily; as if reciting) We've always been taught that the Lord has a higher plan. His wisdom isn't limited to our brief moment. And the companionship he permits us may be taken away. RUTH Then you see? That's why I must go with you! The love you once had from Elimelech and Chilion and . . . (sadly) Mahlon . . . must now come from me. Their devotion to you has found a new home in me. My love for you has grown within my heart--to fill the emptiness left there when I lost my husband. (with intensity) And I can't stand the thought of your being alone. NAOMI (pleading; almost angry) You have no chance with me! No future. As God has designed, what is woman without man? What is a wife without a husband? RUTH You will be my future. NAOMI (with intensity; a final effort) What good is a lover without her mate?! The men in Judah will not have you! Turn back now, while you still can, while you're still young and beautiful--and desirable. If you go with me you'll become me: Old and dried up. Filled with God's bitterness. [NAOMI finishes her speech in tears; RUTH holds her, comforting.] RUTH (after a pause; with compassion) Oh, how wise your God is. NAOMI (trying to regain her composure) Now what are you talking about? RUTH You speak as if God has abandoned you--turned your life inside out and left you to wither and die. NAOMI (sarcastically) A fair appraisal! RUTH (gently chastising) And you accuse me of being blind. NAOMI (wearily) Don't toy with an old woman. RUTH Oh mother, can't you see? Can't you see how perfectly He's worked everything out? You're left needing a companion--and you've found that companion in me. (pause) But then there's my need. I've come out of a people who call upon silly and feeble gods--gods of myth and whimsy. Mother, you need a companion, but I need a God! You've found your companion-- (excitedly) --and I've found my God! [RUTH allows her last statement to sink in before continuing; during RUTH's speech, NAOMI is finally convinced, and abandons hope of changing RUTH's mind.] RUTH (continuing with passion) Don't send me away. Don't send me back to a land of ignorant people and useless gods. Don't push me out of your life. Where you go . . . I will go; and where you live, I'll live. Your people will be my people and your God! . . . my God. Where you die . . . I will die--and it's there I'll be buried. [NAOMI and RUTH embrace, sharing the joyful realization that they will, indeed, be staying together. For NAOMI, there is now a light out of her dark bitterness; for RUTH, there is a future. And no matter what that future holds, no matter what trials are set before them, they will always have each other--and their God.Finally, they relax their embrace. NAOMI is the first to speak.] NAOMI I was wrong. Your future will be in Judah. RUTH (as she begins collecting their belongings) Judah will be our future. [They start toward the exit.] NAOMI (proudly; with gathering excitement; babbling) I can see it now. Oh, you'll just love it! Bethlehem is such a friendly little town and the countryside is so beautiful up in the hills. Oh, you'll just love your new home . . . ---------------- COPYRIGHT NOTICE ---------------- This script is Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel. This data file is the sole property of David S. Lampel. The data file may not be altered or edited in any way. It may be reproduced only in its entirety for circulation as "freeware," without charge. All reproductions of this data file must contain the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel"). This data file may not be used without the permission of David S. Lampel for resale or the enhancement of any other product sold. This includes all of its content. Brief quotations not to exceed more than 500 words may be used, with the appropriate copyright notice, to enhance or supplement personal or church devotions, newsletters, journals, promotions, or spoken messages. Permission is hereby extended for this script to be printed for rehearsal and performance use. Copies may be reproduced in sufficient number for the director, actors, and technical personnel, as long as each copy contains the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel") ----------------- USING THIS SCRIPT ----------------- For electronic distribution, the Internet version of this script uses the following conventions: * character names are in ALL CAPS. * stage directions within a character's line are enclosed in parentheses (e.g., "(with anger)"). * stage directions without are enclosed in brackets (e.g., "[They exit.]"). * the plus sign (+) indicates when to cue trax or begin intro for next song ---------------------------------------------------------------------- These plays and musical resources are made available free-of-charge, without obligation, in service to our Lord and to His glory. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- David S. Lampel Winterset, IA 50273 USA Complete resources at http://hc.dlampel.com/ "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom 11:36) 20120305