The Pottery, Pliable
By Glenn A. Hascall
Summary
I call this a Mima, a combination Mime/Drama. The mime players represent
disobedient clay in the workshop of the Master Potter as narration and
music sew the scene together in this visual demonstration of what it means
to have clay honor the Potter's wisdom by their obedience.
Characters
NARRATOR (off-stage)
MASTER POTTER
At least 5 MIME PLAYERS.
Props
Potter's wheel, pottery vessels, black mime outfits and white face paint,
a painted refrigerator box or sturdier prop that the clay and Mime players
can enter for a kiln (should be painted with flames and a door).
Script
(SETTING: A potter's shop. The Potter is at the wheel, making a vessel.
NARRATOR: There once was a potter. He was Master of His craft.
He made the most beautiful vases and most usable drinking cups. He shaped
the clay with skilled hands. In the blink of an eye a common serving bowl
could be transformed into something grand and glorious.
One day the Master left the workshop for a few moments (Walks out leaving
the clay on the wheel). That's when something peculiar began to take shape
in the Master Potter's shop.
(Mine players are on their knees bent over with their faces on the
floor but rise as the Potter leaves the stage - Each mime player holds
a different clay vessel)
(One mime player floats around the stage with a pottery cup in hand,
then slowly notices the kiln and seems irritably drawn to the flames)
A drinking cup was concerned that the Master Potter may return at any
moment and remake it into a less noticeable vessel. Timidly, the vessel
ventured closer to the Potter's Kiln. (Mine player walks through the door
into the kiln and disappears).
This event was not left unnoticed by the other pottery, still warmed
by the touch of the Potter.
(Another mine player floats around the stage and lifts the vase as
the kiln seems to capture the attention of the player)
Soon a vase finds the flame an irresistible attraction. "A vase captures
the scent of a thousand flowers and provides beauty for the Master's table."
It began, "I must hurry if I am to be assured a place of honor at the Master's
table." And with that, the little vase lost sight of the Potter's wheel.
This was followed by a bowl and a decorative serving vessel. (three
or more mine actors or actresses float in disarray and each disappears
in turn into the kiln) Soon every vessel but one became the vessel they
had been temporarily shaped into as the flames of the kiln fire hardened
them to the Master's touch.
When the Master returned He was saddened to find only one lump of clay
remained from the work He had begun. One by one the self-satisfied vessels
emerged from the kiln thrilled that they had become what they had always
hoped to be. (Master Potter appears sad as the mime players emerge in smiles
holding the vessel high in offering to the Master Potter).
The Master Potter rose and took the first vessel and traced the lines
that had been lumpen clay not so long ago. Then He did a most peculiar
thing - He picked up the last remaining vessel on His wheel and dropped
it to the ground. (All the mime actors gather around the back of the vessel)
All the other vessels looked on as the bowl became misshapen and seemed
beyond repair.
They were suddenly very glad that they had taken it upon themselves
to finish the work of the Potter themselves.
With great sadness the Potter took the first vessel He had only recently
received and dropped it to the ground as well (Make sure to drop it hard
enough to break). The vessel became useless shards on the floor as the
other vessels looked on in horror.
The Master Potter gently retrieved the lump of smashed clay and placed
it firmly back on His wheel and an even greater vessel emerged. (Sets the
soft pottery aside) He then picked up some of the broken pieces of the
baked pottery and placed them on the wheel.
It became apparent that there was little that could be done with that
vessel.
The Master Potter needed His clay to be pliable. The stubborn refusal
of the hardened vessels to submit to His hand made it unfit for the Potter.
Then the Potter spoke..
POTTER: Don't I have the right to fashion (Holds a lump of clay) this
clay as I see fit? I make one vessel for practical use and another for
its simple beauty. Some may be used for simple chores while others may
grace the head table of a banquet hall. How is it possible for the clay
to decide what I will do with it. Clay is simply clay, it only become something
as it yields to My touch and design. Yet, today we have seen (points to
the clay shards) what happens when the clay decides what is best. Please
tell me if you can, what use can I find for this vessel now?
(All Mime players have heads bowed in shame as they hold their vessels.)
MIME PLAYER # 1: (Steps forward timidly and looks at the Potter) We
are the clay, and You are our Potter, and we all are the work of your hands.
Do not be exceedingly angry. (Reference Isaiah 64:8.9)
(All Mime Players smile as they offer their vessels back to the Master
Potter who takes them one by one and places them on His work bench as the
song "Change My Heart, Oh God" plays and the Mime players respond. The
Master Potter should shape new vessels during the song and exchange them
for the unyeilding kiln baked clay. In the end the Mime players should
return to a kneeling, prostrate position as song ends.)
.................................................
Copyright 2002 by Glenn A. Hascall.
If you use this script would you please be so kind as to let us know? Email: glenn.hascall<a>gmail.com