Drama: Esther, a queen in the making

This is a dramatised poem which tells the story of Esther. It should be narrated by a male and a female voice alternately, with the characters of Esther (child and adult), Mordecai, Xerxes and Haman, plus two soldiers, providing mimes as the narrators speak. Esther is the only character who speaks, at the critical moments in her life. There are two refrains, which should be said by the congregation.

Verse 1    The child Esther, face in hands, weeps. Mordecai enters and puts his arm around her.

Behold the story of Esther, the Jew;
Her parents are dead – now what will she do?
'Fear not,' says her cousin, the good Mordecai,
'I will raise you as mine – do not weep, do not sigh.'

Congregational refrain
Be good, little Esther, and mind how you go.
No need to be daring, no need to be bold;
Always remember to do as you're told.

Verse 2    Exit child Esther and adult Esther appears, a plain scarf modestly draped around her head and shoulders. She takes Mordecai's arm.

The years roll onward, and Esther's a beauty.
She's good and she's kind, she remembers her duty.
She's just like a daughter to dear Mordecai,
And he says she's the apple of his eye.

Repeat congregational refrain.

Verse 3     Enter two soldiers who take Esther by the arms to lead her to the palace. She and Mordecai mime dismay.

But hark! What is this? New maidens are sought
For Xerxes' harem – and Esther is caught!
Now, keep your head down, Esther, watch what you do;
And whatever happens, don't say you're a Jew.

Repeat congregational refrain.

Verse 4     Enter Esther, now wearing a fancy scarf or veil and 'bling'. She runs to greet Mordecai fondly, and takes his arm just as before.

A year further on, and Esther is stunning.
She's perfumed, bejewelled, but still knows no cunning.
She's meek and she's mild, with no hint of pride,
And that's just what King Xerxes will want in a bride.

Repeat congregational refrain.

Verse 5    Exit Mordecai, and enter Xerxes. Esther kneels, and he places a crown on her head.

Now Xerxes, he wants a sweet little Queen,
A bit of eye candy, you know what I mean;
Esther must please him, never a frown,
Smiling and posing in her golden crown.

Repeat congregational refrain.

Verse 6    Exit Esther and Xerxes, enter Mordecai chased angrily by Haman.

Now the King's servant, Haman, hates all the Jews.
Esther is called on to help – she must choose;
For Esther is queen, but only in name;
She dare not play this dangerous game.

Repeat congregational refrain.

Verse 7    Enter Esther, distraught, who speaks herself this time.

How can I do as I'm told at this time?
To go to the King would just be a crime.
Mordecai, please, you don't understand –
I have to wait on Xerxes' command!

Narrators now lead new congregational refrain:

Be bold, Queen Esther, it's time to be brave.
Put your faith in the Lord, and your people you'll save.
Think for yourself and save Mordecai;
Without your help, he will certainly die.

Verse 8    Enter Xerxes and Haman; Esther falls to her knees, is fondly encouraged by Xerxes to rise, and offers them fruit from a basket, being charming and flirtatious.

So Esther employs all her womanly wiles;
She plots, and she flatters, she smiles and beguiles.
She turns the tables on the King's chief advisor;
He's under her spell, and he's none the wiser.

Esther now says her own refrain:

I'm bold, and I'm brave, I am Esther the Queen;
There's much more to me than anyone's seen.
I'll save Mordecai, whom I love and I cherish;
I will make sure that my people don't perish.

Verse 9    Esther turns to Xerxes and Haman, and points her finger accusingly at Haman. The King exits furiously and returns with the soldiers, who march Haman away.

So Haman, swung dead from his very own gallows,
And Esther proved that she wasn't shallow.
Now Queen and respected, she issues decrees,
And Mordecai works for royal Xerxes.

Verse 10, the finale     As Esther stands regally, the soldiers enter and kneel at her feet. Xerxes comes to her side, and Mordecai approaches the King, bows, and holds out a scroll or similar. And Esther says :

Praise to the Lord who gave me my beauty,
Praise to the Lord who taught me my duty;
Praise to the Lord who gave me the power
To rescue my people in their direst hour.