The Prodigal Son
Luke 15.11-32
An attempt to show the tug of war which goes on inside as we wrestle with decision making. In this case the prodigal son is trying to decide whether to go home or not. He comes up the aisle, stepping forward each time he hears a positive comment, and steps back every time he hears a negative comment. These comments come in the form of Voice 1 and Voice 2.
The narrator stands in the pulpit. Voice 1 and Voice 2 at the front, allowing space for the son to walk between them and hover there, taking time to think. Towards the end of the drama the father’s voice must sound from the back of the church or hall.
THE PRODIGAL SON
Luke 15.11-32
THE PRODIGAL SON
Narrator: You may remember the story of the prodigal son. You will see him in a moment on his way home, very tired, unwashed and starving. You may remember how he took his share of his father’s money and spent it all. His so-called friends deserted him, his life went from bad to worse, here we see him on his way home to his father.
Son: I’ll say, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
Voice 1: Wait a minute, where are you going?
Son: I’m on my way home to see my father again!
Voice 1: You can’t go waltzing in there expecting that everything gonna be all right, look at what you’ve been up to. You ought to think shame of yourself! You don’t deserve to have such a kind and loving father, you broke his heart when you left!
Voice 2: But he could be going back to say sorry.
Voice 1: Why no! he just wants a bath, clean clothes, more money, then he’ll be off again, you mark my words!
Voice 2: Aah give him a chance, his father’s going to be delighted to see him, he’s been waiting and watching for him for ages.
Voice 1: But can you imagine what everyone else is going to say? His father might want him back, but will everyone else? Imagine the looks on everyone’s faces, and what they’ll be saying behind his back, when he walks into the room.
Voice 2: Well I don’t know. I think it takes a lot of courage to admit you’re wrong, to say you’re in need. It takes a lot of courage to say sorry.
Voice 1: He’ll need all the courage he’s got when his brother gets his hands on him! He’s worked and slaved on the farm for years, and hasn’t had a penny. Hasn’t let his father down once! Solid, firm, reliable, that’s what he is. And anyway even if his father does forgive him, his brother won’t.
Voice 2: Yes, I suppose all the odds are against him, the hardest part of the journey is the last few steps.
Voice1: Too high a mountain for him to climb!
Voice 2: We’ll see! Look there’s his dad!
Voice: Son is that you?
Son: Dad? . Dad!!!!!!
The father runs to his son and embraces him; how the son responds is up to the actor who plays the part!
Son: Dad I’m no longer fit to be called your son. I don’t deserve it!
Father: Sssssh! Welcome! Welcome home my precious son!
Voice 2: (to voice 1) Told you so! (Voice 2 pulls a face)