Listen To Jesus: Director’s Notes

As the lights go up, people are scattered around the stage. The play is numbered to make it easier to know where people are positioned. In Part 1, there are two girls standing DOWN LEFT. They are facing each other with their sides facing the audience. One of the girls opens her mouth in shock as she has just been insulted by the other one. The Devil and Jesus are standing in the CENTRE and walk towards the girl to speak to her. The girl looks at whoever is talking at the time. After Jesus has spoken, the girl who has been insulted, gives the impression she is forgiving her friend, by hugging her. They remain huddled together talking quietly as the Devil and Jesus move on to the next crowd of people.

In Part 2, three men are standing DOWN RIGHT at an angle with their backs to the audience. Another man is standing facing them and the audience. The three men are swaying about and laughing quietly. One of them holds out a beer can towards the man in front. As Jesus goes to talk to them, he pushes the Devil out of the way. The Devil is annoyed at everything Jesus is saying. While Jesus is still with the four men, the Devil turns around and sees a man and woman standing opposite each other in the CENTRE. (Part 3) He heads towards them, looking back to see if Jesus has noticed he has walked off.

In Part 4, the Devil moves UP RIGHT where two women are standing close together, facing the audience, whispering to each other, and looking across at a woman standing on her own, UP CENTRE. The woman is standing sideways, facing UP LEFT and is reading a book. The Devil goes between the two women and puts his arm around them. He is whispering suggestions to them which is feeding their gossip. They show this by widening their eyes, opening their mouths in shock, and looking at the woman with scorn. Jesus begins his dialogue before he approaches them and walks towards them with both arms in the air. The girls look guilty.

In Part 5, the Devil goes and stands in the CENTRE and looks around at all the people he has previously tried to tempt. Everyone ignores him. When Jesus goes to speak, the Devil runs off stage. Jesus stands in the CENTRE facing the audience and directing his speech at them. All the other people on stage stop what they are doing and look at Jesus.