"Miss Persia"
A Drama Workshop Script
Characters:
Esther
M.C.
Other contestants (no lines)
Judges
Props/Costumes:
Sashes for contestants
Mic on stand
crown
Setting:
The scene begins with the final round of the Miss Persia beauty contest. Esther has to answer questions before she is crowned the winner. Esther and three (or more) contestants stand behind the M.C. as the scene opens. Then Esther is called to center stage. The judges are sitting together to one side of the stage.
M.C.: All right, Provinces of Asia, we’re back from our commercial break! We’ve whittled down the competition and now we’re down to our last finalists for the Miss Persia 475 B.C.
(The finalist are standing together, hugging and looking nervous. They’re all wearing sashes, like in beauty pageants.)
M.C.: The ladies behind me have made it through the evening-wear and talent portions of the competition and most have survived the onstage questions. We only have one contestant who has not answered questions from our judges, and let’s bring her out: Esther!
(Esther hugs the other girls then walks to the front with the M.C.)
M.C.: Esther, these judges have some questions to ask you before they make their final decision about who should be named Miss Persia. Are you ready?
Esther: Yes
M.C.: Then judges, take it away!
Judge #1: My name is Shaashgaz. I work in the king’s palace. Here’s my question in the form of a hypothetical situation: Let’s say there’s a bad storm coming through Persia—a real soaker—and you see a young mother with a small child whose chariot has turned over. Do you stop and help them, possibly risking your own life in the process, or do you run to safety alone?
Esther: So, you’re asking if I would care enough for others that I would act—even if it’s not in my own best interest? That’s a tough one…hmmm…I would stop and help the woman and her child. And if I perish, I perish.
(Audience applauds)
Judge #2: My name is Haman. I am the king’s right hand man—his VIP/BFF—the real brains behind the Persian Machine—and the most humble guy in Asia. Here’s my question: What do you think is the best approach when it comes to dealing with a problem?
Esther: I have found that the best way to deal with a problem is to fast and pray. Then the answer will come.
(Audience applauds)
Judge #2: I usually just build a gallows and look for someone to get rid of, but, whatever…
Judge #3: Esther, I am Xerxes, king of Persia… (pulls out crown and places it on his head)
M.C.: Your majesty! We are so honored to have you as a judge!
Judge #3: Yes, I know.
(Contestants in the back sigh loudly and simultaneously.)
Judge #3: Esther, I actually came in here tonight because I thought there was a Rug Sale going on. I’m so glad I did because I have been looking for a new queen and I think I just found her. Can you believe I just happened to be in the right place at the right time?
Esther: Who knows but that you have come to this competition for such a time as this?
(King approaches Esther and audience applauds.)
M.C.: (sniffling and wiping away a tear) What a beautiful ending, folks! It looks like we’ve got a winner! Congratulations, Esther from Susa, you’re our Miss Persia.
(Applause.)
NOTE: The story of Esther is often retold in comedic fashion as part of the Purim festival.
Posted by member Abby Rosser from: North Boulevard Church of Christ
Mufreesboro, TN
A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.
