Chapter 11: A family-Act One, Scene Three

Here in Sychar’s marketplace, the day is coming to a close.  The merchants and other townspeople are scattered about, working at various things and chattering among themselves.  Esau arranges his priduce as justifies the latest turn in his busy life to his friend Gad

Esau - Well, it just wasn't working out.  Besides, Deborah is still a fine woman, in her own right.

Gad -And the fact that she still has a large inheritance doesn't hurt either.

Esau -See here, my friend.  It's not like that at all ...

Gad - No.  Of course it isn't.

After a beat they burst out laughing.  

The group of women from the well enter the market 

as the continue their gossip as the enter the town while .

Esther - So how did you do it, Deborah?

Deborah - Why, I was just the perfect, submissive wife.

Esther - No, really.

Deborah - Really.  Before he left for work I submitted the profit I'd made from the grape harvest... from the field my father still owns...that I manage... and that I will inherit...

Rachel - ...that he won't get unless he's married to you.

Esther - Excellent.  Did he grovel.  Please say he groveled.

Deborah - Just like a dog.

Mary bursts onto the scene quite out of breath.  

The women, demonstrating a traditional Sycharian 

gesture of hospitality, spit vehemently on the ground 

and begin hurling scraps of food and insults at her.  

The men turn sheepish.  Some turn their backs.  

A few others smile, wink and nudge each other.  

Mary, in contrast, seems oblivious to their welcome.

Mary - Come ... and see.  Come and... see ...

Esther - Go away, harlot!

Rachel - You're not welcome among decent people!

Mary - No. You don't understand... You must... you must ... (stops and gathers her thoughts) Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.  Could this be the Christ?

Gad - The Christ!  Not another one!  He’s just another traveling magician.

Mary  - No.  You don't understand. 

She pauses and looks each man in the eye 

as she delivers the message once again.

Mary - He told me EVERYTHING... I...EVER...DID.  

It was another moment for realizing true power.  

The men get the realization, 

seconds before their wives do.  

Mary smiles a bit too wickedly.

Mary - Come and see.