Scene Four: Narration (Based on Esther 1:18-23)
King Xerxes wasted no time in arranging for a search to be made in every area of his kingdom, for beautiful young girls to come to the palace, one of whom would eventually become his new Queen.
There was a man called Mordecai, who was a government official in the palace. He had a cousin called Esther, who he adopted and brought up as his own daughter, after both her parents died when she was young. Esther was one of the young girls who had been brought to the palace. However, none of the girls was allowed to go and see the King straight away. They had to be prepared with beauty treatments for a whole twelve months.
Scene Four: “The Preparation” (Based on Esther 2:3 & 2:8)
(Hegai stands RIGHT CENTRE, facing LEFT CENTRE and turns his head towards the UP RIGHT where the girls are slowly coming onto the stage. When the last girl is in, he continues looking back as he shouts to the imaginary girls who have been left outside.)
HEGAI
Come girls, this way. I’ll take you in ten at a time.
The rest of you, wait by the door.
(Pointing around the room)
Look! Jewels galore! Pearls to adorn your neck. Sapphire pendants. Diamond brooches.
It’s going to be fun
and it’s all for the taking.
Look in the mirror,
you’re a queen in the making!
(He walks around showing them various items.)
Gold-braided scarves. Silk flowers for your hair.
Thousands of beads. Try these silver bangles.
Experiment. See what works for you.
Inside these trinkets, you will find rings with every precious stone that was ever created.
It’s going to be fun
and it’s all for the taking.
Look in the mirror,
you’re a queen in the making!
Cosmetics. Kohl for your eyes. They come in every colour of the rainbow.
Try this lotion, so creamy and light. Watch it glide through your hands like a sheet of ice.
Look, smell…. Oil of Myrrh. For six months, this shall be your best friend.
You shall treat your body with the very best. Yes, see how the fragrance fills the room!
It’s going to be fun
and it’s all for the taking.
Look in the mirror,
you’re a queen in the making!
You will be given maids to attend you night and day.
You shall have massages…nail treatments…pedicures…facials…
Just put in your request. Nothing is too much trouble.
Then you’ll be ready to see the King!
(Waves his hand about)
So, indulge yourselves, girls. Indulge!
It’s going to be fun
and it’s all for the taking.
Look in the mirror,
you’re a queen in the making!
