An "eye witness" narrates Jesus' last days on earth as actors perform the story. Witness is like a Passion Play, especially appropriate for Lent but equally effective any time.

The main characters are Jesus and a modern student (who plays most of the major roles). All the other roles may be handled by an ensemble of 12 performers, with virtually any mixture of males and females. Highly flexible, it works on a church lawn, in a sanctuary or fellowship hall as well as a stage. It may be presented with music and "voice over" taped narration, as described in the text; or it may be presented with live narration and without music, sound, or lighting effects. Since most of the lines are spoken by a narrator, there is little memorization involved.

The text recommends that a choir (which may also serve as the chorus or performers) sing "The Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah and the spiritual, "Were You There?" Any other appropriate music may be substituted, and the audience (or congregation) may be invited to sing if a good choir is not available. It is recommended that action be continuous, moving from one scene to another without interruption—no blackouts, curtain closings, or lengthy pauses. Members of the chorus may make needed scene changes during the action and dialog, as suggested in the text. Detailed suggestions for staging this moving drama of Jesus' final days may be found in the playbook. For all ages.

One act; Set, levels and columns; Time, today and the time of Jesus.

See also: Religious Plays