Extracts From “Passion”
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Publicity Photo for Passion, featuring Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Simon-Peter from the original cast.Back
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Act One: Foundations. Scene One: There are
two Christs positioned motionless on the stage as the lights come up. One is set in an orthodox Christian manner,
as a messiah image. The other is
positioned as a "man of the people", a revolutionary activist. Jesus sits at the front of the stage in a
relaxed and unposed way. His manner
throughout the scene is one of light-hearted welcoming. He is genial, approachable, reassuringly
human, and never sickening or over sweet.
The actor is required to display an astonishing lack of messianic
qualities in this man for the deception of this early dialogue to work. Christ1: [Revolutionary] Good evening ladies and
gentlemen. My name is Jesus Christ. Jesus: You can laugh at that, if you want. Christ1: I was born on Jesus: I mean, it's a pretty outrageous thing to
say really, isn't it. "Good evening
ladies and gentlemen, my name is Jesus Christ.". Takes a lot of front. Christ2: [Orthodox] Good evening ladies and
Gentlemen, my name is Jesus Christ. Jesus: And where do you go after that? It's the name see... there's so much weight
attached to the name. Christ2: I was born in a stable in the town of Jesus: So many people with such firm opinions. Christ1: Soon after I was born, my father, Joseph,
had to go into hiding from Herod. He
had been involved in the Pharisee uprising. Jesus: I mean, this stuff happens and then two
thousand years later you try and understand it? Christ2: My father was our Lord, the one true
God. My conception was a symphony
played on rays of light by creatures of pure truth. Jesus: You can't.
You can understand the life of a man from the past with about as much
ease as a man from another world. It's
all changed so much. Christ1: He remained in hiding until Herod's 70th
birthday. Then he returned to us. Jesus: All the relevances, the codes and clues and
primitive symbols, they've all changed. Christ2: Kings and shepherds visited my cradle and
knelt in praise. Jesus: [ nervously, without complete surety, as
if this is something he wants both us and himself to believe, but without
proof ] But not us, I suppose. We
still feel the same ways, walk the same paths, go round and round the same
old circles: love and hate, fear and arrogance... maybe that's always going
to be true, maybe we all feel the same way for ever, maybe it all feels the
same way. By "it" I mean
everything, all of it, from the smallest particle to the furthest star. You know what I mean: [ self conscious
at the weight of the word ] God.
Maybe God has all the same passions.
Oh yeah, by the way, my name is Jesus Christ. And we are in the house of Joseph and Mary,
parents to Jesus. Joseph is a plain
and simple man: he is intelligent, but uneducated, puritanical about the
pursuance of his own personal morality which is founded in realism. Mary is a warm wave, a force for peace and
calm, selfless and loving she is the perfect counterpoint to her husbands
cold view of the world. Although their
intense romance is long since over, they are still very much committed to
each other and still think of each other with the same love and respect. They have been watching Jesus as he
finishes his last speech. Joseph: He's talking to himself again. Mary: There's nothing wrong with that. It's normal. Joseph: I didn't do it. Mary: You did Joseph, you just don't remember
it. You block it out. I remember up until I was thirteen I
thought that I could fly, I was sure I went flying, when I was a child. And then one day your brain gives in and
you have to tell yourself "No, I
didn't fly. Of course I didn't
fly.". But every time you do that
you kill the little child that thought it could do everything, anything, that
no task would be too great for, no undertaking too vast. Well that's how it is with Josh, he can see
angels and fly and work miracles; the miracle of the garden that becomes a
jungle, the miracle of falling out of high trees and somehow getting up with
nothing more than a grazed knee, the miracle of imaginary friends and enemies
so real that you can talk to them.
He's young Joseph, let him have his youth. Joseph: [Knowing this will annoy her but
thinking it too important to just let pass] There's no time for youth in
this country any more. There's no room
for the weak, the dreamers. This is a
time for men of action, men of strength.
The whole country, the whole world; it's about to fall, it's cracking
at the seams... the people are hurting and crying out for change, and it
won't be poets and dreamers who change the world Mary, it never has been,
it'll be men like me, armed against an armed opponent. Mary: [she has heard this speech many times
before] Fight, fight, fight. Man
of action. The world isn't built on
action, its foundations lie on philosophies, on ideas and dreams. Joseph, men of action sometimes help to carry
an idea, but that's all they do, and when the action is over, when the fight
is won, what use are you then, eh?
When we tire of action, and fighting, and hating, what then? Joseph, your world is too cruel. Joseph: [getting angry now] My world is the
real world. And it is the world my son
will grow up in, not some fantasy place populated by ridiculous people with
impossible dreams. The boy will need
strength, not to change the world, just to live in it. Mary: [with infinite love, instantly defusing
the tension] Oh, but Joseph, there are so many different types of
strength. Jesus: It was their clash which tied them up, my
parents. When two people fall in love
it can be painful, even agonizing. But
when two philosophies fall in love the destructive potential is
enormous. After all, one amateur
philosopher is more than sufficient to keep a whole room entertained if
they're any good. But two? Two's just a bit of a nightmare. Joseph: I have to go to the city for a few days. Mary: What for? Joseph: You know what for. Mary: [in exasperation] Joseph, please... Joseph: Mary.
Don't. Mary: [After a pause born through having had
this discussion throughout their lives] Okay. Just, be careful. Joseph: [With a smile] I'm always careful. Jesus: That was why they were together, you see:
they loved each other enough not to judge each other. They knew that they couldn't demand without
losing. My parents understood love,
and how to use it. And they were never
too afraid to trust it. Mary: Jo?
How would you feel about me coming with you? Joseph: Are you serious? Mary: Yes, me and Josh. It might be good for him. Joseph: You know, I would like you to come, both of
you, but I'm worried about the danger.
This state doesn't fuck around with its enemies. [With venom] It wipes them out,
publicly obliterates them. That's why
it's lasted so long. Not because it's
so violent, but because it's so public.
A dead hero is a martyr; a humiliated hero is a fool. [A pause. She has heard it all before. Then, honestly:] I just don't want them getting to you. Jesus: John! Mary: Then you'll have to be especially careful
won't you. Jesus: John, come quickly. John: [as he enters] What? Joseph: Well, I think I can handle that. They kiss; a long, familiar, tender kiss, not
passionate, but loving. And John the Baptist, a man approaching
thirty, is sitting with Jesus at the temple sharing his memories. He is a childhood friend and confidant of
Jesus, they have studied together in the temples and laughed together
socially. They are very close, sharing
an honest and genuinely supportive friendship. This is not to create the impression of two
bores sitting discussing philosophy: They both enjoy life, and choose each others
company because they both stop each other from taking themselves too
seriously. Their conversation is light
and gentle, but carries the weight of shared secrets. Jesus has talked with John at great length
during his recapitulation. Jesus: This is it... this is when it started. John: What? Jesus: The trip to John: The temple. Jesus: Yes. John: So you went in. Jesus: Yes. John: And the priests found you. Jesus: Yes. John: And they fed you, and they healed your
cuts. Jesus: No.
You did that. John: I did? Jesus: Yes.
Don't you remember? John: No.
It all seems so long ago now. Jesus: [exasperated] But John, if you forget... then you... John: What? Jesus: You lose it. John: What? Jesus: All of it.
Faith, God... power. John: Oh right, that's easy for you to say, a
descendent of David. That's pretty
much a licence to rule. Jesus: A ruler is nothing without the trust of his
followers, and that is earned, not given. John: Sorry, but that's not how it is. You have a birthright, you're of David's
line. You could be a messiah. You could be the messiah. Jesus: Anyone can be a messiah. That's the point. John: You're wrong Josh. Not everyone gets to play that part. Jesus: Maybe that's because no-one wants it. Anyway, quiet, I'm listening to the priest
over there, remember? Scene One: Theme from a serious fast and slick news
program is performed by the cast. At
the end of the music, which is stern and highly pompous, the lights come up
on the host, positioned behind a desk.
This sequence is very fast and all location jumps are immediate like
television news cuts. The host speaks
in a fast newsy BBC type voice with probably a touch of action film trailer,
whilst the reporter, Gavin, takes his news much too seriously and in a
voyeuristic manner. Just like the real
news. This sequence should be very
slick and fast. Host: Good evening. The headlines tonight: Rabbi in Bite: [Cured Man]...it was incredible, he
just, sort of, I don't know... touched me... Host: John the Baptist arrested on direct orders
from the Queen. Bite: [Soldier] ...and then the order
arrived, this morning, "Bring me the head of this turbulent
priest"... Host: And
panic in the fishing industry as people just walk away from their
jobs. Bite: [workmate of Simon Peter] ...one
minute they were hauling in the catch and then, well, they just pissed off. Host: [Slick] Good evening, I'm Clive Psoriasis, this is
the news. Stories continue to abound
about new Galilee Rabbi Jesus Christ.
The Rabbi has already caused a stir by preaching outside of the
temples and now things look set to escalate with rumours continuing to fly
about this man's extraordinary extra-curricular activities. Our special report tonight by Gavin
Westland. Gavin: Thank you Clive. I'm here in Man1: [Typical, slightly stupid,
"ordinary" member of the public.
Casually:] What
happened? Well, you have to remember I
was insane at the time. Thrashing
around and knocking things over, cursing my mother, calling Satan on my
children. Apparently, they were at
their wits end, when Jesus, that's the Rabbi, arrives. He walks over to me, slowly like, and puts
his hands on my shoulders. Then he
looks me in the eyes and starts to talk.
I can't remember everything he said. Jesus: [Played completely straight, with force
and clarity:] Can you hear
me? This must end. You have to come back now. You're alright. You can come back now. They're gone. It's over. Man1: But I just felt better. It was like having sweaty sheets ripped
off, if you see what I mean.. I just
felt fresh, renewed. Gavin: And he's not the only one. Since the Rabbi took up his teaching he
seems to have been laying his hands on most of the parish. So is everything strictly by the Scriptures
for this "Priest with five fingers"? We tracked down an old flame. Mary Magdalene surrounded by
"journalists" at her front door.
She is bitter now, attempting to hate Jesus rather than drown in the
hurt she feels from the love she still carries. She is typically self-indulgent, and
frighteningly sharp tongued. We see a
strong woman here, not a pathetic victim. Interviewer:
[Wolf in sympathetic journalist's clothing:] Mary?
Can I ask you a few questions? Mary: [This is a regular event for her:]
Why don't you all just fuck off and leave me alone? Reporter: [Blunter than his colleague:] Your ex., Mary. Is it true?
Can he perform miracles? Mary: The only miracle that man knows how to
perform is breaking hearts. Photographer: [From the most gruesome of tabloids:] So he wasn't exactly a hit in the sack
then, eh love? Mary: What is this? Reporter: Mary!
Is it true you used to work the streets? Photographer: Is that how you met him love? Is that how it was? Mary: [Angrily:] What do you want me to say? Interviewer:
Just tell us about him Miss, in your own time. Mary: What is there to say? He came into my life, we shared some time,
he left, and he's a fool. Reporter: So you don't think he's the Son of God
then, as some people have been saying? Mary: I don't know what he is. Why don't you ask him? If he says he's the Son of God, and you
shallow thinking vultures believe he's the Son of God, what does it matter
whether he's the Son of God or not?
You've read the prophecies, work it out for yourself. That's all I have to say. [She turns to go in.] Interviewer:
Miss Magdalene, will you be going to see him speak this Sunday? Photographer: Mary, give us a flash of your thigh, just
for the lads, like. Reporter: Why don't you want to talk about it
love? What happened between you? Mary?
Miss Magdalene? Mary? Judas crosses to Peter. He is a keenly intelligent and empathic
man, loyal and devoted, with a healthy dose of self preservation. He is not the dark and sinister shape of conventional
interpretation, rather a vivid and passionate man, driven by his own morality
and respect for Jesus. Once he is
beside Peter he speaks quietly as if aware of being watched. Judas: Peter.
Up there. Peter: I've seen them. Judas: [With venom:] Cowards!
They haven't even got the guts to come down and face him. Peter: They're afraid. Afraid they've gone too far. They can't understand that he doesn't care
what they've done before. They can't
understand that forgiveness because they're not capable of it
themselves. It's so ironic. Judas: So much of what he says is. It's like a trap, a no win situation. You won't see it until you believe in
it. What if I can't believe in it
until I see it? Why should I turn the
other cheek? What if they kill my
daughter? [Gaining intensity
now:] Do I offer them my wife as
well? What sort of man won't stand up
for himself? What's he going to do
when they come for him? Does he think
he can really get away with it? The
fucking Romans came to my friend's house, Peter. They dragged him and his wife from his
bed. They raped her in front of
him. The final penetration was with a lance. They lifted her from the floor by the lance
and they held onto her arms and pulled her down. Then they blinded him, so it would be the
last thing he ever saw. They took him
out into the street, blood and tears pouring down his face, and they marched
him to the centre of town shouting "Here is a man who thinks he is greater
than the state!". He had never
killed anyone. He had never hurt
anyone. His "crime" was to
push one of them off an old man they were beating. His crime was disrespect. Peter: [After a pause:] I'm sorry.
I don't know what to say. Judas: Do as he says, Peter. Open your eyes. This is way too big, there are too many
people here, it's all happening so fast.
Simon. I'm scared. Peter: So what are you going to do? Judas: Whatever he asks me to, I suppose. Peter: Yeah.
I think that goes for me too. And immediately we are in a boat
on the middle of a still lake in the midsummer afternoon. Jesus is standing on the water, John and
Peter are in the boat. John is a
hardened cynic with a rapier wit. He
understands, but he doesn't believe.
John is charming enough to get away with everything he says; he
provides an inroad for the audience and it is essential that Jesus and he
should enjoy the battle of wits. All
this section very quickly, with Judas watching. Jesus: [Completely straight:] I want you to step out of the boat and walk
towards me. Peter: [Nervous, embarrassed:] I can't.
I'll drown. Jesus: Peter, trust me. I'm not drowning, am I. Peter: No, but you're... Jesus: [With warmth:] An ordinary man who is stupid enough to be
your friend. [urgently] Come on Peter, look in my eyes. I'm trying to teach you something here. John: Maybe he can't swim. Jesus: Shut-up John. John: Only trying to help, [Sarcastic:] Oh great one. Jesus: [Forcefully:] Peter, look at me. Don't look down, just look at me. Now, take a step towards me. It'll be alright. There's something there to hold you up,
just keep focusing on me and walk towards me.
Come on Peter, why don't you trust me? Peter: I do.
Oh... shit. [he takes a step
over, staring ahead resolutely] oh
shit oh shit oh shit oh shit Jesus: [Delighted:] There.
See? You're doing it. Peter: How? Jesus: Trust, faith, removal of doubt. Peter: Is it a trick? Jesus: No trick.
Don't look down, just trust your experience and keep walking towards
me. Don't look down. Just look forwards. And trust. Peter: But how?
How do you stop the doubt? Jesus: Through experience, and practice, a step at
a time. Peter: What is holding me up? Jesus: You are. Peter: And if I don't believe it? Jesus: [Sternly, a warning:] Then the energy you spend checking will
leave you with too little for it to be true. Peter: I want to know how. Jesus: [Exasperated, what does it matter?:] Why? Peter: I don't know. But I have to know how. He looks down and falls under. Focus shifts to Judas. Judas: [To the audience, as is all this scene
which has no location:] He falls
in because he doubts, you see. He
loses his confidence, becomes self-conscious, falls in immediately. Jesus: And...? Judas: And so the incident takes on symbolism, to
the point where it's impossible to distinguish what the real purpose is. Jesus: What do you mean? Judas: I mean in thousands of years, when stories
about you have been told and retold who is going to know what actually happened,
and what is just there for a lesson. Jesus: But Judas, what if it's both? What if the lesson and the story are both
equally important? What if that's the
whole point? Surely they'll be able to
see that. Judas: Do you think that Moses foresaw what the
Pharisees would do with his teachings? Jesus: Good point. Judas: Sharp as a lance. Jesus: [He knows this to be true in his gut and
has learned to trust it:] You're
scared, aren't you Judas? Judas: Aren't you? Jesus: No.
I know what happens. I've
already accepted it. Why should I be
scared? Judas: How can you be so sure? Jesus: Haven't you heard Judas. The prophecies are coming true. I'm the messiah mate. Perhaps if you spent less time condemning
the Pharisees and more time listening to what they can teach you, you'd
understand. Judas: [Changing the subject, he doesn't like
being beaten but knows he can't get away with sulking:] You're taking Peter and James and John out
today? Jesus: Yes. Judas: I'd like to come. Jesus: No Judas.
Today isn't for you. Today is
for them. Judas: [Ingratiating:] He's a nice bloke, that Peter. I like him. Jesus: [Touched by his jealousy:] Judas, you have a part at least as
important as his to play. Learn
patience. Judas: I think I'm being very patient. Jesus: But you expect so much still. Judas: Not really.
I'd kill for you. I'd even die
for you. Why is it so wrong to expect
a little in return for that type of love? Jesus: Because if it isn't freely given, it isn't
love. Judas. I appreciate your love. I'll never ask you to kill for me. But I won't be tied down by your
expectations. I'm well beyond that
now. Look around you and listen. The people are speaking my name, they're
singing my melody. I think it's time. Judas: To go to Jerusalem? Jesus: Yes.
We'll leave tomorrow. I want to
spend today with Peter, James, and John.
I'll spend this evening alone.
We'll leave at first light. Jesus
is hard now, efficient, carrying out his protest impeccably. He is totally self assured and stronger
than we have ever seen him. His
loathing for the situation drives him, but he is being deliberately
over-dramatic to bring the story to a close.
This is something John has not worked out, yet. Judas: [Loud, loving it:] You heard him. Kick them over! Jesus: [Utterly enraged:] How dare you! You welcome me here with palms and then you
desecrate my temple. Changer: [Scared but not terrified:] It's just money. It's to go to the Pharisees. They won't take Roman coins? Jesus: But you will, won't you my friend. You'll take this, this... filth. [He sends money flying. Catches one coin.] How can you? How dare you worship this God before any
other? In a world based on love, money
will be worthless, for nothing will be unavailable. My God is the creator. This God is the destroyer. [Building to a climax:] This God is the wrecker of lives. Thou shalt have no other Gods before
me. None. None.
No false idols. No higher
priorities. Love. Love.
Love. Is that really so hard to
understand? Changer: Love doesn't put the food on the table. Jesus: Love always puts the food on the
table. This stuff just takes it away
again. People shouldn't pay to visit a
house of God. God isn't just for the
rich, although they certainly need it more than most. In two days we can tear down this temple
and build it again. In two days we can
tear down Jerusalem... tear down the world. Changer: And what will stand in it's place? Jesus: Heaven.
Of course. Changer: So will you do it? Jesus: Not without your help. Changer: [Finding this nutter amusing, scoffing
at him:] Then it'll never happen. Ciaphas [Arriving and angry:] Joshua! Jesus: [Don't call me that any more, you're not
my master now:] Jesus. Ciaphas What are you doing? Jesus: I'm stopping the world. I'm changing it all. We're starting again. Now.
This is a new day. Ciaphas [To John, he doesn't want to get
personally hurt:] You... stop
him. What does he think he's playing
at. He's got enough enemies already,
what does he want with more? John: He's the messiah, maybe he's just trying to
get a fair fight. Jesus: Tear down the old walls! Destroy all the old Gods! Ciaphas [Incredibly commanding, but still
totally ignored:] This has to
stop. Judas: The guards!
The guards are coming! John: [He suddenly gets it] Oh yes... Yes! Beautiful!
Beautiful! [He starts
laughing loudly] Jesus: Bring it down... let it all come
down... No more false gods!! [He
continues throughout the last speech]
No more false gods!! Bring them
down!! Destroy them all!! Smash the idols!! Kick over the statues!! Ciaphas [To the Romans, arriving from the
audience:] No! This is a house of God, you can't come in
here! You can't shed blood here! He's our man. We'll deal with it. There's nothing to see here now. Nothing to see. Just another crazy man, thought he was
God. We'll look after things now. Don't worry, it's all under control. It's all going to be alright. Blackout.
Interval. Scene Four: Jesus walks until he reaches the mount of
Olives. He waits and thinks. We can see his thoughts tire him, like a
train, racing over every last detail of the final moves. He can't stop his mind, his life, or his
future. He wants an escape, just
temporarily. He has sent for Mary
through Nicodemas, they have not seen each other directly for some time. They have not spent time alone together,
not touched since before the desert.
He has neither forgotten her or stopped loving her. Jesus: [Pleased:] You came. Mary: Yes.
Of course. It's not often you
get a calling from God. Jesus: I'm no God. Mary: Sssh.
[They embrace, Jesus finally relaxes:] Jesus: What do you think I am Mary? Mary: You know that. Jesus: Yes, but I need to hear it again, just to
be sure, it's been so long. Mary: [Cold:] Just a few years. Jesus: You look, beautiful, wonderful, heavenly. Mary: You look knackered, done in, destroyed. Jesus: Oh, cheers. Mary: You're welcome. Jesus: Have you missed me? Mary: [Annoyed at his lack of an apology:] No.
[But she just can't hate him:]
Of course I have, what sort of question is that? Jesus: I've missed you too. Sometimes.
[To her eyes:] Sometimes
I wake up in the mornings and I've been dreaming about you and I hate myself
for what happened and I want to call your name out, bring you to me. Mary: You could have. I'd have come. Jesus: I couldn't.
I was... distracted. Mary: [A beat, then:] Why did you ask to see me now then? Jesus: Because it's all done now. There's nothing left for me to accomplish. Mary: It was Joseph who brought me your
message. The Aramathean. Jesus: [Impressed by Nicodemas' choice:] Oh, Nicodemas sent him. That would make sense. How is he? Mary: Well.
He told me to tell you you're an arrogant sod but he's prepared to
help. [She is genuinely impressed by
his bravery even if she finds it a little stupid:] How many of them know? Jesus: None of them. Only you, him, Nicodemas, and a couple of
others. Mary: Are you scared? Jesus: Terrified.
I don't like pain. I don't want
to endure it. Mary: [After a deep breath, knowing what she's
starting:] Can I help you? Jesus: You can hold me, tell me you love me, lie
to me a bit. Mary: [As she embraces him] Shit. Jesus: What? Mary: All the way here I said "Not again. Don't let him do this to me again." Jesus: What? Mary: [Already feeling weak:] Make me love. Make me hurt. Make me cry. Jesus: Please, don't cry, not for me. Mary: I'm not crying for you, I'm crying for
me. You're not the centre of my world
any more. I'm the centre now. I think so, anyway. It's so hard to tell. Jesus: [Reassuringly:] It's not the end, it's just an end. Mary: Really?
I hope so but I don't think so. Jesus: Do you love me? Mary: Yes. Jesus: Then trust me. Mary: Well how can I when you just keep ruining
everything? Jesus: [Kissing her. Soft pecks to the face and neck.] I need you.
Tonight. You're the only one
that can help me tonight. Mary: I know.
I need you too. [Tortured:] But it just hurts so much the next
day. I don't know whether I can go
through with it. I don't even know if
it's fair of you to ask me. Jesus: Well, no-one said it was supposed to be
fair. Mary: You did. Jesus: No, I said "Wouldn't it be good if we
made it fair." That's a different
thing. Mary: [To see if he can be swayed:] Are you going to do this for you? Do you really feel like you need to do this
for you? Jesus: I'm doing it for everyone. I don't know if that includes me, but it's
sort of irrelevant. Mary: Josh, is this our only time. Is this it?
A few stolen kisses and blind fumblings on a cold mountian. Is this it? Jesus: [Strongly:] No.
No. This is where it starts. Mary: Or where it ends. Jesus: There isn't much time left. Hold me, please Mary, I don't want to talk
any more. Mary: Oh.
Oh damn you. Damn you
Joshua. I hate you. I really hate you. They kiss, passionately, and lock into an
embrace that suggests they are making love.
And back in the tent Peter is stirred by the noise of the guards
arriving outside. He leaps to his feet and shakes the
others. Jesus also hears them and
breaks from Mary to run back to the tent. Peter: John!
John! Wake up. They're here. John: What?
[Suddenly awake:] Shit,
get the swords. Wake the others. Romans!
Romans! Jesus: [Arriving:] Nobody panic. Nobody fight. John: Ignore him, pick up your swords, this it it
folks... Party time. Judas: Well,
[He kisses Jesus:] I did
it. You bastard. Jesus: Thank you.
Don't feel bad. Judas: Good advice. About as practical as everything else you
say. I love you. Jesus: I know that. You know I wouldn't have asked you if I
didn't know that, don't you? Judas: Oh, shut up. Jesus: [To the guards:] I'll come straight away. John launches an attack. He cuts the ear from one of the Roman
guards. Guard: Oh no!
Oh god no! Please, oh God! The pain.
Uh. Uh. Help me, oh God, call for help! Jesus: [Angry:] Put the sword down John. [He heals the Roman's ear, it takes
considerable effort and leaves him tired.
To John:] Always, always
love. Guard: [Almost speechless:] How.....? Peter: [With hatred, to invoke guilt:] He's the messiah. That's what he does. Guard: I don't understand. Jesus: You're not supposed to, you're just
supposed to take me to see him. He
turns and points at Pilate who is now on the stage, a slick civil servant
type, looking down his nose at Jesus.
He is the epitome of a reasonable man.
Like a Conservative MP on Question Time or a public relations officer
for an environmentally threatening company.
He is the public face of Rome, calm, composed, and very very
"acceptable". Jesus: And you're supposed to send me to
him. [Indicating Herod, who is
sitting frozen insanely waiting.] Pilate: Not yet.
Herod doesn't like to be disturbed for no good reason. Maybe we should talk. I'm a very powerful man. I give very powerful orders. I say when people get nailed up, and when
they get taken down. Jesus: I know.
So do it. Pilate: You want to die that way? Jesus: No.
But it's going to happen. You
can't stop it, and neither can I. Pilate: Well, actually, that's where you're
wrong. I can stop it. Do you remember that man we left up for
five days. Jesus: How could I forget. We heard him screaming in the night,
begging the soldiers to break his legs, kill him before sundown. Pilate: But they didn't. Do you know why? Jesus: No. Pilate: Because I told them not to. That's why.
I had the control. Now do you
want to talk? Jesus: No.
Not really. I just want this
show-trial over and done with. Pilate: Show trial? Jesus: Of course.
The verdict was reached a long time ago in Rome. Pilate: [With an evil smile:] You know, Herod is going to love you! Jesus: You think so. Pilate: Oh yes, absolutely. He loves a smart alec. Likes to, soften them up. Jesus: Is that supposed to scare me? Pilate: Listen to me. You might be the King of the Jews, I don't
know. You might be the most powerful man
on the planet, in spiritual terms. But
Herod knows how to break you. Herod
knows how to break anyone. And what's
more, he enjoys it. That's the
difference between he and I. I do what
I have to do, because someone has to do it.
But him, he and his wife, they enjoy it Jesus. That's how they got where they are, and
that's why they'll stay there. Jesus: Well, he hasn't met me yet. Pilate: Yes, but then, you haven't met him, either. Herod bursts insanely to life with his
repugnant wife entering the room to watch the torture, they are bloated
representations of an over-rich decadent society which is rotten from the top
down. He is part child prodigy, part
psychopath. She has none of the child,
she is a degraded and disgusting woman, only achieving her sexual pleasure
through another's pain. She is broken now, a pale reflection of what
she used to be. She is close to a
complete collapse. Mother: [Slightly dislocated:] I went to the cave, to grieve. Every day.
Just sat there, thinking about it all, how fantastical it seemed. I mean, when you think about your child's
future it's never this is it? Maybe
famous doctor, or ground-breaking scientist, world-shaking writer or
record-breaking athlete. But not
messiah. Comes as sort of a shock,
that one. I think I was going mad. Mary: [With compassion:] You were. Mother: Was I?
Yes, I suppose I was. At first. Mary: You thought he was an angel. That's pretty mad. Mother: Well when the cave was open. I didn't know what to expect. I thought maybe they'd robbed the body, were
about to desecrate him even further. And we are in flashback. Nicodemas:
[Appearing from inside the cave]
Don't be afraid. Mother: [She falls immediately to her knees to
pray rapidly, madly, throughout the rest of the scene:]
Our-father-who-art-in-heaven-hallowed-be-thy-name-thy-kingdom-come-
[Rest of scene continues here:]
thy-will-be-done-on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven-give-us-this-day-our-daily-bread-and-forgive-us-our-trespasses-as-we-forgive-those-who-trespass-against-us-and-lead-us-not-into-temptation-but-deliver-us-from-evil-for-thine-is-the-kingdom-the-power-and-the-glory-for-ever-and-ever... Mary: [Controlled, professional:] I'm listening. Nicodemas:
He wants you to find the others, as many of them as you can. Tell them to meet him at Galilee, he has
something he needs to say to them. Mary: [Enquiring about his health:] Is he..? Nicodemas:
No more questions. Get the others and
get them to Galilee. Mary? Mary: Yes? Nicodemas:
[This is what Jesus has told him to say:] If you have anyone to say goodbye to...
well, you know. Mary: There's no-one. That's sad, isn't it. Nicodemas:
No, that's very beautiful, very very beautiful. Mary: Come on Mother, time to go. Mother: [She is now in a complete state of
breakdown] Amen. Amen.
Amen. Fast Blackout. -------------------------------------------------------------- For
a full script e-mail scripts@jasonorbaum.co.uk |