Oliver Smith Drama - Lyndale UCC Advent Play 2002

Oliver Smith

Lyndale Advent Play 2002

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Act of Threes
Synopsis
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This Advent play is about survival in times of crises and believing that there can be hope in those situations. Regardless of how dire the circumstances can be. Mary and Joseph are a young couple, one a Jew, the other a Palestinian, who have been orphaned by the middle eastern conflict. Mary is pregnant and due to deliver her child at any moment. As they work their way through a Palestinian neighborhood on the West Bank, in Israel, they come across a shelled out building that does not appear to be occupied by anyone, so they go inside.

Initially they huddle in a corner and listen to the voices wandering past the open windows, hoping that no one comes inside the building and discovers them. When they hear noises that indicate the presence of someone else they become startle and stand up, ready to run. In the darkness of another corner of the room, three women move towards them and signal that they will not harm them and invite them to follow.

Not really sure what to make of the these three women, and somewhat fearful with respect to the wisdom in following these strangers, they decided that it couldn't be any more dangerous than staying where they were at. So they follow the three women.

They are taken into a hole that opens up in the floor of the room where they had been hiding and they find themselves making their way through a long tunnel that winds itself deep into the earth.

Along the way, they pass through several rooms where they meet Changing Woman, Rumi, Mr and Ms Santa Clause (with the magic wand) and other personalities in spiritual history who welcome them, bless them and send them on their way.

Meanwhile, the sounds of war decrease until it becomes totally silent and peaceful. Finally, the three women bring Mary and Joseph into a large room with a large, black stone cube in the center. There is a fresh spring flowing from the base of the stone and trees, green ferns and shrubs with fresh berries growing on them are growing along the path of the stream.

The three women, who are named Qure, Aluzza, and Almenat, explain that the stone is called the Kabah, and it is the home of Allat, the creator, and that they are the three daughters of Allat (who is called Yahweh by the Hebrews and Alla by the Muslims and Ahura Mazda by the Zoroastrians), and that where the stone is, time has no meaning, and that they are all safe here. They also explain that Mary and Joseph have been chosen to bring peace into the world and that their one will be the one to accomplish this.

When Mary and Joseph ask for an explanation for how this can be, the three daughters of Allat simply say that it will be made known to them, but in the meantime, they should enjoy the fruits in the garden of the Kabah, for when the time comes for Mary to give birth to her son that they will need to go back up to the surface.

When Mary's labor pains begin, three Magi arrive at the edge of the garden to lead them back to the surface. When they arrive, they find themselves outside of an inn. The rubble of war is gone, as is the sound of sirens and bombs, and the people walking on the street are dressed in ancient clothes, just as they had read in history books about the first century of commonn era in Palestine.

A woman approaches them from inside the inn and asks if she can help them. They say that Mary is about to give birth to their child and they were wondering if they had a place to stay. The woman at the inn says that there is no room, but if they want, they can use the manger.

When Mary gives birth to her child, she calls the child Jesus, just as the daughters of Allat had asked her, and the three Magi reveal the gifts of gold, frankensense and myrrh that they had brought for the child who is the child of the creator.

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Cast for An Act of Threes

Soldier #1
Soldier #2
Joseph
Mary
Joseph

The daughters of Allat

Aluzzah

Almenat

Qure

The Navajo Triple Goddess

Changing Woman

Whiteshell Woman

Turquoise Woman

The Magi

Melchior

Balthasar

Gaspar

Rumi
The Co-Clauses (two people)
The Inn Keeper

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Act of Threes
Lyndale United Church of Christ
Lyndale Gone Mad Productions
Children's Christmas Program 2002
Script by Oliver Smith
Art by Kelly Waterman
Stage Direction by Vicki Keck

Script
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(Stage Note: The play opens up on a street surrounded by the rubble of war somewhere on the Palestinian West Bank, in Israel. On the stage there are artifacts of the destruction from military weaponry, but there are no people in the scene yet.

Joseph is running up and down the isles of the sanctuary, looking behind at soldiers, who are pursuing him. )

Narrator

Welcome to the fourth annual Lyndale Goes Mad Advent Production. This years Play is called "Act of Threes" and we find ourselves in the midst of the conflict between the Palestinians and the the Jews on the West Bank of Palestine. This is a place torn apart by war, hatred, misunderstandings, greed and political manipulation. Mary and Joseph are just two innocent people caught in the middle. They are looking for a place that is safe for their child to be born.

Soldier #1: Stop! We will shoot if you don't stop!
Soldier #2: Did you see where he went?
Soldier #1: I believe I saw him run into those ruins over there.

(Stage Note: From the back of the stage a young woman's voice can be heard. )

Mary: Joseph! (pause) Joseph, where are you? (pause) I can't see you.
Where are you headed? You are going to get us killed!
Joseph: We have to find a hiding place where we can be safe for a while. We want our child to live and not be found by soldiers.
Mary: I'm so sick of all this fighting and killing. When will it ever stop.
Joseph: I don't know Mary. I don't understand it, but until I met you, I didn't think I could like a Jew. All I heard from my dad was how terrible the Jews were. But then I met you at school and learned that Jews were just like us Palestinians, at least as far as I can see.
Mary: I know. If my dad were alive today he would be very angry that I am having the child of a Palestinian. But right now I don't feel safe from either the Jews or the Palestinians. There is just too much hatred in this world.
Joseph: Yeah, it was strange that all of our parents were killed by the same bomb. Why do the Christians in the United States hate us so much that they supply guns and bombs that destroy so much of our lives?

( Stage Note: A group of non-descript soldiers run down the sides of the sanctuary. )

Mary: Joseph look! They are coming!
Joseph: Quick. This way. I saw an empty building I think we can hide in.

( Stage Note: Mary and Joseph run into a war-damaged building and hide in a dark corner, clinging to each other. The soldiers pass by without stopping, not noticing them in the building. )

Joseph: I think we'll be safe here, for a while a least.
Mary: I hope so, but I'm getting cold and hungry. What are we going to do.
Joseph: Let me look around this building. Maybe there will be some blankets or cans of food somewhere.

Narrator

Suddenly, Joseph and Mary hear a sound coming from the other side of the room.

Mary: What was that?

Narrator

Three women appear in the corner and signal them with their hands.

( Stage Note: This would be a good place to insert a musical interlude where the the three daughters of Allat can dance. )

Mary: Joseph! What are those women doing here? And why are they making those signs?
Joseph: Shhhhh! Don't say anything.
Mary: I don't think they will hurt us. Look, they are signaling us to follow them.
Joseph: I'm not sure about this. I think we should leave.
Mary: And go where? It's not like there is anybody out there who wants to be nice to us.

( Stage Note: Joseph and Mary rise up from the floor and move in the direction of the three women, who turn around and point to the floor in the middle of the room. )

Narrator

A hole forms in the floor, with a stairway leading down into darkness.

Joseph: Are you sure you want to be following them now?
Mary: Unless you have a better idea.
Joseph: OK, but I'm turning around as soon as something funny happens.
Mary: Just be quiet and follow them. It can't be any more dangerous in there than where we are now.

Narrator

The three women descend into the hole, motioning for them to follow, and they do follow, disappearing into the hole.

At the bottom of the stairs a tunnel extends deep into the earth, lit only by a mysterious glow coming from the three women.

(Stage Note: to simulate movement through the tunnel, the three women, Mary and Joseph work their way up and down the isles of the sanctuary. Changing Woman, Turquoise Woman, Whiteshell Woman, Rumi, and Mr and Ms Claus [who used to have the magic wand], are positioned at different places in the sanctuary, representing different rooms in the underground labyrinth that the group is travelling through.)

Narrator

Soon, Mary and Joseph began to feel an incredibly fresh breeze that enlivened them, and the sounds of a babbling brook came to their ears, and beautiful trees started to appear as though they were in an oasis of peace and safety.

From behind one of the trees, three women came forward. One was dressed in turquoise, a second was wearing shells and the third was wearing the brilliant colors of the rainbow.

( Stage Note: The woman wearing the rainbow stepped closer to them and spoke. )

Changing Woman: My name is Changing Woman.
Whiteshell Woman: I am Whiteshell Woman.
Turquoise Woman: I am Turquoise Woman.
Changing Woman: We are birth.
Whiteshell Woman: We are peace.
Turquoise Woman: We are the past, present and future.
Changing Woman, Whiteshell Woman and Turquoise Woman together: We welcome you to the fourth world.
Changing Woman: You bring much pain with you from the fifth world,
the surface world,
and we share this pain.
Whiteshell Woman: It is time for peace to be brought back
and put into the hands of those on the surface world.
Turquoise Woman: (Stage Note: Pointing to the stream)
Please drink of the water from the stream. It will give you strength for the journey ahead. It has within it the pollen and the dew from powerful flowers.
Mary: Why have you brought us here?
Changing Woman: Those of us in the fourth world are concerned about the violence and war that is taking place in your world and we need someone to bring the message of peace there, in hopes that someone will listen.
Joseph: Look, I don't know who you are, or what the fourth world is, or even why you think that you can do anything about what is happening up there, but this is just a bit strange to me. I can't imagine telling anyone up there to stop anything. It is screwed up beyond any repair.
Whiteshell Woman: But Joseph, there is far more to your life, and the universe, than you realize. When we put life up onto the surface world, we intended for all of life to remain in harmony with each other, but the balance has been destroyed and we need someone to help bring it back.
Joseph: And, like, who in the world is going to do that? Me? Mary? Who?
Turquoise Woman: (Stage Note: Walking over to Mary and placing a hand on the unborn child)
Your child, Joseph. Your child will help bring peace there.
Joseph: My child?
(Stage Note: looking a Mary)
This child? Our child?
Turquoise Woman: Yes. Your child will be our messenger, and we need you and Mary to bring this child into your world.
Joseph: But why us? Why this child? Why now?
Changing Woman: Because the Surface World needs this child now more than at any time in human history, and because you and Mary feel the pain. You understand the need, and because your calls for help have been heard by all of us in the fourth world.

Narrator

Changing Woman walks over to a birch tree growing by the stream and pulls a small branch from it, and then she hands the branch to Mary.

Whiteshell Woman: Take this branch that the birch has given to you. It will help to ensure that your child is born safely. You must go now, for your child will arrive soon and your journey is not over. The three daughters of Allat. They will lead you to the Kabah, and to the path of peace.

Narrator

Once again they followed the tunnel with the stream and it became dark, lit only by the light coming from the three daughters of Allat in front of them. Eventually, the stream widened into a large, deep pool beneath a sparkling ceiling. The water flowed right up to the steep walls, leaving no room to walk. The water was far too cold to swim in.

Joseph: Oh great. Changing woman says that we should be in a hurry and now we are stuck at a lake that we can't cross. What kind of place is this anyway?
Mary: She called it the fourth world, and I think it is kind of neat. Look at the daughters of Allat. They don't look worried.
(Stage Note: Mary puts her hands on her unborn child)
Oh my! The baby is moving really fast. Something must be happening!
Rumi: And indeed! Somthing is happening!
(Stage Note: a flambouyant character leaps from the shadows, wearing bright colored, flowing clothes.)
Did I detect a hint of doubt, my young friends?
Mary: Who are you? And what are you doing here?
Rumi: Who am I? Why, I'm Rumi, a mystical poet and friend to the tree people. I am known everywhere. Even the people out there (Stage Note: pointing to people in the sanctuary) have seen me before. They know all about me.
Mary: Whatever. I have never heard of you, nor have I heard of the Tree people? What are they?
Rumi: Do you know what trees are?
Mary: Yes, of course.
Rumi: Do you know what people are?
Mary: Yes. I know what people are.
Rumi: Then it should be perfectly obvious what Tree People are.
Mary: Are you always this confusing?
Joseph: Oh, good grief. Don't you know that we are in a hurry and don't have time to play games?
Rumi: Games?! Oh joy! What a wonderful idea. Let's play some games. But first we need some trees.
Mary: Games? Trees? Where are we going to find trees here?
Rumi: Just look around you, we are surrounded by trees. The Tree People have arrived.

Narrator

While Mary and Joseph were arguing with Rumi, trees have moved out of the shadows and have surrounded Mary, Joseph, Rumi and the daughters of Allat.

Joseph: Woah! Where did these trees come from? And how did they move?
Rumi: Don't forget that you are in the fourth world. Things are very different here. Now everyone, grab a branch from one of these ash trees and jump in the lake.
Joseph: But that lake is cold and deep, and I can't swim.
Rumi: Don't stop looking, or you'll miss the way.
The light is hidden in the fourth world day.
In the water, so cold and deep
There's music to be played and songs to keep.
Joseph: What melody. I don't hear anything. (Stage Note: In the background a melody can now be heard)
Mary: Listen! I hear the melody. (Stage Note: Mary grabs a branch from one of the ash trees and jumps into the lake) Come on! Let's go. For some reason the water is warm now. (Stage Note: Mary, Joseph and the three daughters of Allat join Mary in the Lake with their ash tree boughs)
Joseph: These limbs are actually moving in the water. Where are they going?
Mary: I don't know, but the daughters of Allat seem to know. Look, we are getting close to the other side of the lake.

Narrator

As the five of them climb onto the shore of the lake, Ms and Mr Co-Claus walk up to them and greet them.

Ms Co-Claus: Look Co, Mary and Joseph have finally arrived from the surface world, and none too soon. Things have gotten so bad up there. If only we hadn't lost that wand we could have brought some joy in the midst of the sadness and pain.
Mr Co-Claus: I know, but those selfish kids in Minneapolis just had to take it and destroy it. But seeing how the adults act up there I guess I can't say I'm surprised.
Mary: (Stage Note: to Joseph)
Joseph, who are these people?
Joseph: They kind of look like that Santa Claus guy who is so popular in the United States around Christmas.
Ms Co-Claus: And so we are. We are the Co-Clauses, and we have been so worried about the surface world. It was good to hear that the daughters of Allat were able to get you down here before something awful happened.
Mr Co-Claus: I see that Changing Woman was able to get you started on your way to the Kabah. Just follow the daughters of Allat. They know the way, but before you go, take this wand from the ash tree. It will help you find the people on the surface world who will help you raise your child and bring peace into all the world.

Narrator

So once again, Mary and Joseph followed the daughters of Allat into the labyrinth that Changing woman called the fourth world, and finally, they entered a large room with walls higher than the sky on the surface world and that are farther away than they could have ever imagined. There were groves of trees, green ferns, and roaming brooks everywhere. There were berries in the bushes and fruit in the trees. There was a warmth and peacefulness in the air. In the center of this massive room was a large black, cube and it was from the base of this cube that fresh, clean springs flowed forth. The daughters of Allat approached Mary and Joseph.

( Stage Note: The daughters of Allat touch the Kabah, then speak. )

Qure: Mary, Joseph, this is the garden of the Kabah, the home of Allat, the creator. My name is Qure, and these are my sisters, Aluzza and Almenat. We said nothing before because we cannot speak except in the presence of the Kabah.
Aluzzah: Come, you must eat and rest before you return to the surface.
Almenat: Yes, you must take advantage of Allat's presence while you can. You are especially blessed to be here, and your child will be unlike any the world has seen before.
Joseph: We have to return? This place is, like, totally cool. Why would anyone want to leave, especially to go back to where we were.
Qure: But you must go back, the surface world is in such great need of your child.
Aluzzah: You and your child will be safe. Everyone in the fourth world is committed to keeping you safe, at least until your child is grown. Then the real work begins.
Almenat: We only ask that you do one thing, when your child is born.
Mary: What is that?
Qure: You must call your child Jesus.
Joseph: But why? There was already a Jesus born.
Aluzzah: Because the surface world hasn't heard the message yet, and until it does, Jesus must be born to every generation, in every time in every place throughout the surface world, and now it is time for your child, your Jesus to be born.
Almenat: (Stage Note: Walking over to a nearby Yew tree and removing a small branch) Here, take this wand from the Yew tree, it will help you in your passage between the fourth world and the surface world.

Narrator

At that point, the three daughters of Allat turn towards the large cube and walk into it, disappearing. Mary and Joseph feast on the fruits and berries, drink the water from the stream, then fall asleep beneath a large tree.

Later, three people dressed in the clothes of royalty, approach the sleeping Mary and Joseph. Their names are Melchior, Balthasar and Gaspar.

Melchior: Mary! Joseph! Wake up! We must go, there isn't much time.
Joseph: What? What are you talking about? Who are you?
Melchior: I am Melchior, and these are my two companions, Balthasar and Gaspar. We are Magi and we are responsible for ensuring your arrival on the surface before your child arrives.

Narrator

Mary and Joseph get up and follow the three Magi, this time into a tunnel that is leading them up to the surface. The tunnel is steep and difficult, but eventually they get to the point were the tunnel is blocked.

Balthasar: Well, we are here. We just have to get through this final wall and you two will be able to walk back into your world.
Joseph: But how are we going to get through this wall?
Mary: The Yew Tree wand. The daughters of Allat said that the Yew Tree wand would help us in the passage between the fourth world and the surface world.
Joseph: (Stage Note: Taking the wand out of his shoulder bag) What do I do with this?
Gaspar: Just touch the wall with the wand.

Narrator

Joseph touches the wall with the wand and the wall disappears, opening the way for Mary and Joseph to return to the Surface World.

Mary: Are you three coming with us?
Melchior: No. We cannot enter the Surface World until your child is born. Then you will see us one more time.
Mary: But when?
Balthasar: You will know.

Narrator

Mary and Joseph leave the tunnel. The sun is shining and they find themselves on the side of a busy street, but they are puzzled, because the people who are walking by them are not dressed in clothes that they recognize, and the streets are not paved. There are no cars, nor are there planes in the sky. There are only mules pulling carts, herds of sheep and pigs making their way to market, and little shops selling vegetables, pottery and cloth.

(Stage Note: Trees could become people here. )

Mary: Where are we?
Joseph: I don't know. It is like we have gone back in time.
Mary: Oh no! (Stage Note: Putting her hands on her unborn child) I think the baby is coming. What are we going to do?
Joseph: It looks like there is a hotel over there, let's see if they have room.

Narrator

Mary and Joseph approach the boarding house and knock on the door. A person comes out.

Inn Keeper: What do you want?
Joseph: My wife is going to have a baby. Do you have room for us?
Inn Keeper: No. There is no room here. Go away!
Joseph: But we are desparate. Can't you help us?
Mary: Pull out the ash wand, it is supposed to help us get connected with other people.
Joseph: (Stage Note: Joseph takes out the ash wand) Are you SURE that you can't help us?
Inn Keeper: Well, I do have a sheep manger in back. It is a bit dirty, but you can be alone there.
Joseph: Oh thank you very much.

Narrator

Mary and Joseph go into the manger and Mary's labor pains increase. The birth is difficult, but Joseph, now understanding the purpose of all that they experienced, pulls the third wand, the birch tree wand, out of his bag. This is the wand that is to help with birth and new beginings. He holds it against Mary, who gives birth to Jesus. It was that night that Changing Woman shined brightly as a large star, and beneath that star came Melchior, Balthasar and Gaspar, the three Magi, and they gave the new baby messenger of peace gifts of Gold, Francensense and Myrrh.

The End

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