Description
A contemporary version of the thieves on the cross with Jesus.
Takes place in prison on death row. How do the thieves handle their situation?
Cast: 3, (m or f)
- Jess the one who is reminiscent of Jesus
- Flake unrepentant but afraid
- Leslie asks Jess to “remember in heaven”
Bible Reference:
Set:
- blank but could be made up to resemble a jail cell
Lighting: standard
Sound: wireless mics if available
Song: none
SFX:
- sound of cell door opening and closing Example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnAeuW3Pi2Y
Costumes:
- striped prison clothes if available
Props:
Special Instructions: none
Time: 9
Sample of script:
actors are onstage
SFX: cell door closing
Jess & Leslie bow heads, silence
lights flicker
Flake shows disdain, arms upraised, fists clenched, defiance, laughs mirthlessly
Flake, laughs: Another one bites the dust!
Did you see the lights flicker?
Crank up the solar panels, the wind turbines, the chair is a big consumer of electricity!
Leslie: Have you no decency at all?
Flake: Me? . . They call me Flake. . . . So you expect decency? . . . You saw on TV what the judge said. . . Called me a non-repentant, immoral fiend! . . . So you judge! . .
Leslie: I am Leslie . . . . and a human being was just put to death in the next room! . . How can you treat that so callously, so hard-heartedly? How can you show absolutely no compassion?
Flake, laughs Me? . . Not compassionate? . . Showin’ no remorse? . . . Listen Leslie . . I slit the throats of my entire family, startin’ off with my father! . . . And if I had the chance I would do it again, with a smile on my face!
Leslie: What had your family done to you?
Flake: Done to me? . . . I had no reason to allow them to live, especially my father! . . They meant nothin’ to me, why would I grieve the loss? . . They were simply takin’ up space on this planet, breathin’ precious air, consumin’ food.
Leslie: You are scum!
Flake, laughs: Yes I am, and proud of it! . . . And why are you here . . . choirboy (choirgirl)?
Leslie: I took a life. . . Not proud of it, I’d give anything if I could go back to that night, undo what I did!
Flake: Well you can’t, so stop your snivellin’! You bleedin’ hearts make me sick to the stomach! . . Man up and take your medicine! . .. (laughs) . . Or in this case take your high voltage large charge!
Flake turn to Jess, speaks
Flake: You are quiet. . . Who are you and what misdemeanor brought you to this outstanding palace?
Jess: My name is Jess. . . And what importance is it why I am here?
Leslie: You are Jess? . . . I’ve heard rumors, I heard you are covering for some people.
Flake: Coverin’ for anyone is just dumb! Take it from someone who’s been around the block. . . Trust no one, they will stab you in the back every time.
Leslie: Flake stop it will you?
Flake: Whatever! . . . Regardless, in a few minutes they will strap us to the chair, flip the switch and we will be goners. . . . And that’s just fine with me!
