by Caryn Shalita
"Esther and Ahasuerus"
Bernardo Cavallino, 1645-50.
Judaism has a rich tradition that dates back from the early 1400's of
celebrating Purim by retelling the story of the Book of Esther, bringing
Esther, Mordechai, King Ahashueras, and the evil Haman to life in
a Purim Play (also known as a Purim Spiel) using silly song, rhyme,
and monologue. As far back as the 1400's these "non-traditional" tellings
of the Purim Story have delighted Jewish audiences. A Purim Shpiel
can range from a few hundred rhymed lines to a full-blown Broadway-style
production, complete with songs, choreography, and costumes--it all
depends on who is the intended audience of the play. This play is
written for an intended audience of about 11 years old and up, and
should be fun for a pre-teen audience and adults alike. If you are
looking for a play suitable for a live-action play or puppet show
for very small children, I suggest you check out this
link.
Check out the Printer Friendly Version
Narrator: In the third year of his reign, King Ahashuerus made a feast unto
all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles
and princes of the provinces to show off the riches of his glorious kingdom
and the honor of his excellent majesty's many days of being King. The feast
lasted not one day, not two days, but seven days. It is on the morning of
the seventh day, that we begin our story...
Open on: ROYAL BEDROOM SUITE of KING AHASHUERUS
Servants scurry in and out the room asking the king for his royal stamp on
preparations for the final evening of the big event. KING AHASHUERUS sits in
a big chair wrapped in a terry cloth robe, getting a pedicure, while reading
one of his own royal edicts on a scroll, delighted with his own words. A
half empty bottle of top quality liquor sits on the table next to him.
KING AHASHUERUS: God, I'm good. (realizes what he's said and looks up to
the heavens.) Not better than you...(looks back down at his scroll,
savoring the words.) But I'm good.
A MANSERVANT comes to show the King several outfits to consider wearing for
the big evening. He holds up a ruffled outfit that's a little less than
dignified.
KING AHASHUERUS: No, no, no. Do I look like some pansy version of Orlando
Bloom to you? I am King. This is my third anniversary of being King, and I
will look like a King at my own party.
SERVANT: OK, Armani it is then. (mumbles under breath as he exits)
Orlando Bloom....is he kidding?
KING AHASHUERUS: What was that you said?
SERVANT: Party on, dude. I mean. King. Dude. (he rushes out)
KING AHASHUERUS calls in one of his royal advisors, MEMUCAN
KING AHASHUERUS: Remind me to lock up the royal liquor cabinet. I think the
servants have been enjoying the royal wine with a little too much abundance.
Where is Queen Vashti?
MEMUCAN Still in her chambers, your Highness.
KING
AHASHUERUS: Bid her to come here.
MEMUCAN (nervous) She still refuses to speak to you, Sire.
KING AHASHUERUS: Well there's a change. (Pours himself another shot of
whisky and downs it in one swig) Usually can't shut her up. Normally, I'd
be thrilled. But not tonight. Tell her I expect her to be there, just I
told her. The Princes are not coming just for food and drink. They expect
a hot chick and some dancing, and that's exactly what they're going to get.
BLACKOUT.
Ahasuerus Sends Vashti Away, Marc Chagall,
1960.
Galerie Art Chrudim.