Sample Dialogue: "Jake the Handyman"
About Jake the Handyman
"Jake the Handyman" is a series of four warm and sometimes humorous reader's theater worship events for Holy Week. Pastor Gifford uses the clarity of simple, modern conversation to tell the story of the Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the last supper with the disciples, then Jesus' death and resurrection. These plays are set in the backstreets of Jerusalem, though the conversation could be any street, any town. In this telling of the Passion the biblical, historical story happens in the background while all of us at worship are invited in, empathetically, through the back ally of Jake's human experience of redemption.
Each of the four plays may stand alone, or may be used as a series that suits the traditions of your congregation or community. The Good Friday play was originally done as a community-wide worship service in a central Indiana town, and the Easter play was presented as a church cantata using familiar hymns. But this package has more creative possibilities for you to discover.
The production calls for three adult actors/readers in addition to the traditional leaders of worship. The acting parts are clear and fully developed so an experienced cast might find it possible to prepare a high quality production with only a little rehearsal time to fine-tune cues and timing. With a director's vision this may also be a solid piece for beginning actors.
The cost for the Jake the Handyman package is $39.50
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Sample Dialogue for Jake the Handyman
By the time we follow Jake through the whole Passion Story we hear the Easter Jake celebrating forgiveness, in the defining moment: "I cried, I sobbed, I made the cross." The following sample dialogue is from the Palm Sunday Drama. (By Roger Gifford, © 2004)
PERSON 1: There was a huge crowd. Some were up in trees in order get a view.
PERSON 2: I was out front; I could see everything. Some cut branches from the trees and waved them.
PERSON 1: Others placed the branches on the road ahead of the man!
JAKE: I could hear the shouting from here. Who is this man?
PERSON 1: I never saw him before.
PERSON 2: Someone said it was a man named Jesus.
JAKE: Jesus? I've heard that name.
PERSON 1: Jesus. I think he's some sort of religious leader.
PERSON 2: They were calling him, King!
JAKE: Another politician!
PERSON 1: He's not like any politician I've ever seen.
PERSON 2: They say he teaches and preaches.
JAKE: I think I've even heard of some miracles.
PERSON 1: We could use some miracles around here.
PERSON 2: Someone who could throw out the bloody Romans.
JAKE: Wait a minute. They are paying my salary.
PERSON 1: What are he and his cronies doing in Jerusalem?
PERSON 2: Probably just passing through.
JAKE: Probably came for the crucifixions.
PERSON 1: Maybe. You think he's for it or against it?
PERSON 2: I bet he'd get a lot more support if he was for it.
JAKE: Isn't he a carpenter's son?
