Description
Monologue tells of Leah, who was the first wife of Joseph, but never was first in his heart. Forced on Jacob by her father when he expected to wed her sister Rachel, Leah must have lived a painful life, knowing that she was there in his house, mother of half of his sons and his only daughter, yet Jacob’s “favourite” was always Rachel and her son Joseph. Still the sons of Leah went on to figure prominently in Israel history.
This monologue delves into what must have been the full gamut of feelings which went through this woman’s mind as she struggles to play out the role which God set out for her.
Cast: 1, woman middle age
Bible Reference: Genesis 29
Set: bare
Lighting: standard
Sound: wireless mics if available
Song: none
SFX: none
Costumes: Likely but not necessarily traditional
Props: none
Special Instructions: none
Time: 3
Sample of script:
actress comes on stage, distraught, wringing her hands, pacing
What am I to do?
My foolish sons! They have done the unpardonable, and surely will experience the fury of my husband.
And not just my sons, but also the sons of my maidservant Zilpah.
And the sons of my sister, Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah.
How could they treat Joseph so?
Joseph, their brother, son of their own father.
(pauses, worried smile)
It is true, their brother Joseph was not the easiest brother to love. . . . I mean he did have an aggravating habit of being, well, dominating, over-bearing. . . .
Well, an example, his dreams . .. Joseph was always having these dreams, dreams which, according to Joseph, meant that the day would come when his brothers would all bow down to, and worship, Joseph. Fact is, Joseph even hinted that his father Jacob and I will also bow down. (chuckles)
That sort of comment will seldom make one the darling of one’s brothers, now will it?
So, I do, somewhat, understand the attitude of his brothers.
(annoyed)
But their actions?
NEVER!
Regardless of how Joseph may have exasperated them, their actions could never, ever be condoned.