Scene Seven: Narration (Based on Esther 4:16 – Esther 6:4)
Esther got all her maids and assistants to fast and pray with her for three days and asked Mordecai to get all the Jews in the capital city to do the same.
When the time was up, she went in to see the King who held his sceptre towards her. He was so pleased to see her that he said he would offer up to half his kingdom if that was her request. She simply said that she would like the King and Haman to dine with her the following evening.
In the meantime, King Xerxes had a dream which reminded him about something that had happened a while ago. He remembered that he was warned by someone that he was going to be murdered and wondered who it was and if any reward had been given to that man. He got someone to check the historical records to see who it was and when he realised it had been Mordecai, he desperately wanted to show his appreciation.
Haman however, had other plans. Esther had invited him to dine with herself and the King. This had made Haman very proud indeed as no-one else had received an invite. He ran home to tell his wife, but on his way, he passed Mordecai, who again refused to bow before him.
He told his wife how happy he was that he was going to the King’s for dinner but how that happiness was marred by the anger he felt towards Mordecai. His wife suggested that he make a hangman gallows and hang Mordecai on it in the morning. That way, he could go to the meal with a happy heart.
Scene Seven: “The Boomerang Plan, Part 2” (Based on Esther 7:1-10)
(They are each holding a wine glass)
KING XERXES
My Queen, what is your request?
Would you like more rooms?
Or some more of the finest,
fragrant perfumes?
(Cocks his head)
More maids or servants?
Some more silk dresses?
Or more gold flowers
to adorn your tresses?
QUEEN ESTHER
My request is simple,
I’d like you both to dine…
with me again, tomorrow.
I’ll order the best wine.
(Haman looks at the audience)
Well, did you hear that?
I’ve been exalted!
She loves me so much,
I cannot be faulted!
KING XERXES
Haman. There’s someone I’d like to honour,
not many, just one.
For the man I’d like to honour,
tell me, what should be done?
HAMAN
(Looks at the audience again)
Well, I am the greatest
so it’s plain to see,
that the mighty king,
is referring to me!
(Looks back at King Xerxes and puffs his chest out)
Take a royal robe…
one that you have worn.
This should be the garment
that is used to adorn.
Decorate his shoulders
with what you’ve been wearing,
then he will get attention.
(Grins to himself smugly)
Everyone will be staring.
Then, take a horse you’ve ridden
one of the very best.
One which has upon his head,
your shining, royal crest.
(Getting excited)
Then, parade him on horseback
through the city square.
He deserves applause
and a loud fanfare.
Let someone shout aloud
that he’s honoured by the King.
Let this man on horseback,
hear his praises ring.
KING XERXES
Excellent idea!
That’s what you shall do.
Go and shout the praises
of Mordecai the Jew.
Do like you suggested,
leaving nothing undone,
for he’s worthy of this honour –
Mordecai is the one.
And don’t forget the banquet.
Esther’s very keen
that you alone should dine
with me and the Queen.
HAMAN
I feel ill.
I’m nauseated.
What a palaver
I have created!
My stomach’s cramping,
my face is blue,
at the thought of what
I have to do!
I’m sickened at how
he’s going to be treated!
I’m full of rage,
for I’ve been cheated.
(Looks up at the audience)
But I’m determined
not to accept defeat.
Mordecai will die
when my plan is complete!
(The King carries on drinking from his glass, while Queen Esther watches Haman closely. A sullen Haman, gets up from the table slowly and exits the stage UP RIGHT.)
(The lights dim, and the Narrator says, “The following evening…” the lights go back on, and Haman comes back in again and resumes his place at the table. He bows to the King and Queen before he sits.)
KING XERXES
What is your petition, Esther?
What do you need?
You know I’ll give you anything,
you don’t have to plead.
ESTHER
If I’ve found favour –
favour in your sight,
save my people
from a terrible plight.
If we were to be slaves,
I wouldn’t say a word,
but we’re going to be killed
on July the third.
Oh King, you’ve acted
so innocently.
You’ve been tricked into making
this dreadful decree!
You’ve been deceived,
you’ve been provoked
so this awful decree
cannot be revoked!
Your signet ring
has sealed our fate
and now I fear,
it’s much too late!
KING XERXES
What? Who is he
that would plot such a thing?
ESTHER
This wicked Haman,
that’s who, oh King.
(The king rises from his chair)
KING XERXES
I am so angry!
Get out of this place!
(The servant and Harbonah come onto the stage. He beckons them to come forward.)
Hold this man
and cover his face!
HARBONAH
See those gallows outside
that block the sky?
Haman made them…
fifty cubits high.
It is for Mordecai.
Haman’s full of hate.
KING XERXES
Well, evil Haman,
You shall alternate!
For all your wickedness,
you shall be repaid,
for you shall hang
on the gallows you made!
HAMAN
(Looks at the audience)
I wish I had an hour
for his anger to subside,
but there’s no time,
the gallows is outside!
If they had to build one
especially for me,
I’d have time to plead
and maybe, I’d go free.
But everything is ready
and the noose is in place,
yet I wanted to annihilate
the whole Jewish race!
My plans have gone wrong,
Mordecai should have died!
(Looks up)
That God he serves
must be on his side.
I can hear the wood creaking,
now I’ve lost hope.
Here they come
with my very own rope!
