This Easter play script, "He Is Risen," is designed for flexibility, allowing for adaptation to various age groups and performance settings. It focuses on the core message of Easter: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This script is free to use for non-commercial purposes; however, please credit the author (insert your name or the name of your organization here).
Characters:
- Narrator: Guides the audience through the story.
- Mary Magdalene: A devoted follower of Jesus.
- Mary, mother of James: Another follower of Jesus.
- John: A beloved disciple of Jesus.
- Peter: One of the twelve apostles.
- Angel: A messenger of God.
- Roman Guard 1: A Roman soldier guarding the tomb.
- Roman Guard 2: Another Roman soldier guarding the tomb.
Scene 1: The Empty Tomb
(Setting: A simple depiction of Jesus' tomb. A large stone is positioned to block the entrance.)
Narrator: Early on the first day of the week, as the sun began to rise, Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of James, hurried to the tomb. They had come to anoint the body of their beloved Lord, Jesus.
(Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of James approach the tomb, looking distressed.)
Mary Magdalene: The stone… it’s rolled away!
Mary, mother of James: (Gasps) Impossible! Who could have moved it?
(John and Peter arrive, running.)
John: We heard the news! The tomb… it's empty!
Peter: (Peering into the tomb) Empty… completely empty!
(Roman Guard 1 and Roman Guard 2 enter, looking bewildered and fearful.)
Roman Guard 1: We… we saw an angel! A bright light!
Roman Guard 2: He told us… He is risen!
(The guards exit, shaken.)
Narrator: Fear turned to awe as the women and disciples realized the significance of the empty tomb. The stone had been rolled away, not by human hands, but by divine power.
Scene 2: The Appearance
(Setting: A simple setting, perhaps a garden.)
(Mary Magdalene is weeping, alone.)
Mary Magdalene: (Sobbing) My Lord… where are you?
(The Angel appears.)
Angel: Woman, why are you weeping?
Mary Magdalene: They have taken my Lord away, and I do not know where they have laid him.
Angel: Woman, why are you weeping? He is not here. He is risen!
(Jesus appears.)
Jesus: Mary!
Mary Magdalene: (Overjoyed) Rabboni! My Master!
(Jesus embraces her. Peter, John, and the other disciples enter.)
Jesus: Peace be with you.
(Jesus shares words of encouragement and hope with his disciples.)
Scene 3: The Proclamation
(Setting: A simple setting. The disciples are gathered.)
Narrator: The disciples, once filled with fear and despair, were now overflowing with joy and hope. The news of the resurrection spread like wildfire.
Peter: (Addressing the audience) He is risen! Just as he promised! Death could not hold him!
John: (Addressing the audience) This is the victory! This is the promise of eternal life!
Mary Magdalene: (Addressing the audience) Believe in him. He lives!
(All the disciples, together:) He is risen! He is risen indeed!
(The play ends with the joyous proclamation of the resurrection.)
Notes for Directors:
- This script is adaptable. You can add more characters, expand on dialogue, or shorten scenes as needed.
- Consider using simple costumes and props.
- Encourage the actors to express the emotions of hope, fear, and joy.
- Music can enhance the emotional impact of the play.
This free Easter play script provides a simple yet powerful portrayal of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Use it to share the message of Easter with your community. Remember to adapt and personalize it to best suit your specific needs and audience.
