----------------------------- 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 ----------- THE BUTTERFLY Type: Sketch (from The Twelve) Synopsis: On the island of Patmos, Naomi (wife of a local fisherman) brings news to the elderly apostle John that soldiers have arrived to escort him back to Ephesus. What follows is a scene laced with humor wherein the cantankerous apostle explains to Naomi how we all are transformed by the power of Jesus. NAOMI (shaking her head) I can't picture it. JOHN My dear, you're forgetting: The caterpillar goes through the metamorphosis. There is a change. A cleansing from the ugliness of the old to the exquisite beauty of the new. We, too, went through a change. You could not walk with Jesus for three years without there being a change--a tangible change. You could not see His resurrection, His return to the Father without there being a change in your life. (turning; intensely) You cannot receive the Holy Spirit without change. (from The Butterfly) Theme: No matter what we used to be, Jesus can change us for His work Misc. Notes: This sketch is great fun because John is played very (very!) old, a bit absent-minded and given to random streams of consciousness. His costume should be a collection of dusty rags and cobwebs, multi-layered and he should appear just slightly younger than Methuselah. He should also have a tired, weathered look to him from being outside so much on Patmos. Props: "Rocks" for sitting and a walking stick for John. Naomi could be carrying a basket. Characters: The apostle John and Naomi, a fisherman's wife. Length: 5 min. ------ SCRIPT ------ THE BUTTERFLY Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company The Time: c.95 AD The Place: The Island of Patmos Props: Walking stick, a "rock" Note: Blocks of wood covered with carpet to match the stage make suitable "rocks". [John, the aged Apostle, enters with deliberation. He has the appearance of incredible age, but there is still color in his cheeks and a twinkle in his eye. He is a man of humor, a man possessed of a peace that comes from great age and from walking with the Savior. Naomi, a woman of middle years, is the wife of a local fisherman. She and John are already friends, having met each other shortly after John's exile to the island because of his testimony for Christ. John carefully sits down and closes his eyes. Shortly thereafter, Naomi enters.] NAOMI (searching for him) John. John! Are you sleeping again? JOHN (without reacting in any way except to speak) A man of God does many things with his eyes closed (opening his eyes and turning slightly) only one of which is sleeping. NAOMI (excitedly) I have great news for you! JOHN (suddenly interested) Your husband has come ashore with fresh fish? NAOMI No, no, I-- JOHN (trying to guess) The runner has come with new papyrus for me. NAOMI (scolding) Try my patience more and I'll forget you are a man of God! JOHN (looking away; meekly) I'll be good. NAOMI I've just come from the docks and I heard soldiers-- JOHN (excited again) Oh, there is fresh fish, at last-- NAOMI Would you just wait! (pause) I overheard the soldiers talking. They'll be here shortly to take you back to Ephesus! John! You're going home! JOHN (quietly) Hmmmm....that is good news, Naomi. NAOMI Aren't you excited? At last, you'll be getting off this rock. JOHN Oh, Patmos hasn't been so bad. I've enjoyed the quiet and accomplished much. (pause) But I do miss Ephesus. NAOMI There was something else. Tell me, John, has anyone ever called you, uh......thunder? JOHN Why do you ask? NAOMI (with disgust) That husband of mine. As soon as the soldiers stepped off their boat, he asked them their business. When they said they were here to release the disciple of the Nazarene, he said, (mimicking) "Oh, you mean old 'Son of Thunder'" What does it mean....Son of Thunder? JOHN It's been many years....... NAOMI It seems a strange name for you. JOHN (struggling to get up; Naomi helps him) Naomi, you're a person who spends much time outside--much time with the creatures of this island. NAOMI (sarcastically) You mean like my husband? JOHN (with very little reaction to her previous line) You know that before the moth, must come the worm; before the butterfly must come the caterpillar. (she nods) Then, likewise, before the man you see now, there was....Son of Thunder. Actually, it was "Sons". (wistfully) I had a brother. Many, many years ago. (to her) James. (smiling) He was mother's favorite. (soberly) Now he's gone. He was the first of the twelve to die for our Lord. (pause; ruefully) I will be the last. (long pause) Ah, there we were. Young, vibrant, alive! Twelve ugly caterpillars who thought they were already butterflies. We were just old enough to know it all--and too young to know any better. NAOMI (insistent) But the name--where did that come from? JOHN (quickly) You see! Just like my brother and me. So impetuous. So impatient. (louder; entranced) So ready to call down fire from heaven to consume the Samaritans! NAOMI (baffled) What Samaritans? What are you talking about? JOHN (recovering; sheepishly) Pardon me, woman. I was carried away. NAOMI I think it's a good thing you are getting off this rock JOHN There are many memories stored in my head. Occassionally one pops out. NAOMI Who called you "Sons of Thunder"? JOHN My brother and I had a habit of making much noise...with little being accomplished. So Jesus named us Sons of Thunder. NAOMI (shaking her head) I can't picture it. JOHN My dear, you're forgetting: The caterpillar goes through the metamorphosis. There is a change. A cleansing from the ugliness of the old to the exquisite beauty of the new. We, too, went through a change. You could not walk with Jesus for three years without there being a change--a tangible change. You could not see His resurrection, His return to the Father without there being a change in your life. (turning; intensely) You cannot receive the Holy Spirit without change. NAOMI So often you've spoken of this Jesus. JOHN I have. I never tire of it. And when there is no one around to listen, I talk to myself about Him. (pause) The rest of the time I talk *to* Him. NAOMI And now they call you the "Apostle of Love". JOHN (irritably) Everybody has to have a title these days! (quieter) If I am, it is only the love of Jesus working through me. Without Him, I am still "Son of Thunder". With Him, my heart is tender. I know compassion. It doesn't come from me--it comes from Him. NAOMI I wish I had known Jesus. JOHN I keep telling you: You can! NAOMI But He's no longer living! JOHN He is! He lives on with the Father! How many times have I explained it to you? (pause) Well, there is still breath left in this body; I'll keep telling you more about Jesus until you do know Him. (shuffling toward exit) Meanwhile, you can help me down to the dock. (as they exit; to the audience) I just know they have fresh fish! [Naomi takes John by the arm as they exit.] ---------------- 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