Scene Nine: Narration (Based on Genesis 42:1-5)
Back in the land where Joseph’s brothers lived, the seven years of plenty came to an end.
As the years of famine began, people from different countries came to Egypt to buy food. Jacob sent his starving sons to do the same thing. Well, he sent all except Benjamin – he didn’t want something bad to happen to Rachel’s other child.
Scene Nine: “My Brothers” (Based on Genesis 42:1-20)
JOSEPH
Who’s next? Get in line. Give me your basket. You’re welcome. Goodbye.
Next. Where do you come from? Oh dear. Is it really that bad? Sorry to hear that.
How much do you need? Be careful, it’s heavy.
Hello, thanks for waiting patiently. Where do you come….
(He turns to face the audience)
My heart has stopped! There is no beat!
I know those men I’m about to meet!
MY BROTHERS!
(Stays facing the audience but looks back briefly)
They all look like…starving men!
I wonder what they’ve done with Ben.
MY BROTHERS!
(Claps his face)
My face is hot, my palms are wet.
My past is gone, but I can’t forget,
MY BROTHERS!
(Simeon & Levi crawl towards him)
They’re at my feet. They bow the knee.
I want to shout, ‘Hey look, it’s me!’
MY BROTHERS!
(pause)
I’ll say I think they’re telling lies.
I’ll accuse them all of being spies.
MY BROTHERS!
I’ll send them back to fetch young Ben.
I will be so happy then.
(Turns around and stretches his arms out wide)
MY BROTHERS!
