Pageant Plot Pardon: Play - Esther

By Marie Seltenrych

Esther is chosen to visit the King in his quest to find a new Queen.
A plot is devised behind the scenes and soon the entire Jewish community will be decimated.
The date is set and the Decree formulated...
One person can save her people. But at what cost?
Esther must make plan of equal dexterity to foil the villain's devices.
Her virginity and her life are the price in the lottery.
Who will hang on the gallows and who will gain the crown?
Dramatic stage play from beginning to end. Lots of helpful directions throughout from experienced director/producer/actor, with professional qualifications and experience in performance, playwright experiences and productions in Ireland (Dublin), Abbey, Gate and Gaiety Theatres, Embankment (Tallaght) and Four Courts Theatrical Events, (Quays Dublin); Canberra, Acton Players (A.C.T.) Melba Players, Maryborough Players, QLD, A.C.E. Christian Schools Drama.
Cover: Image Courtesy Pixabay Images

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Seltenrych
• Release date: Oct 15, 2010
• ISBN: 9781458102461

Marie Seltenrych

I recently purchased new Photoshop Software, Elements 2021 and a second-hand Cintiq (Wacom). The picture on my profile is the first picture completed using these software products.I had unpublished this version of Runaway Princesses because of Kindle Unlimited rules (publish with Amazon only for 90 days and renew etc). I have now finished this process for the moment.It is very difficult for Indie authors to nagitate through all the pros and cons of different publishers online. We are buffeted from Billy to Jack, as the saying goes.Whilst I was creating the above picture (from scratch) I was disappointed to find my Elements Photoshop software crashing continually. It was another hurdle to overcome as an Indie Author who also creates her own book covers. I truly love to create my book covers and sometimes I have a book cover idea way before I have even begun to write the story nowadays. It must be the magic of creation and seeing the shapes and form evolving from simply scratching away with my Intuos pro pen. It is magical for me.I have also been trying to format the digital edition so that it displays correctly in EPub products, Kindle, and other places. Unfortunately these products have not cooperated together over the years, making life a little more disturbing for Indie digital artists.I hope it is a better product now to enjoy. As an Indie author and graphic artist, I do all this just for you, dear reader and those I call my followers. Thank you. MarieYou can find out more about my ideology on my webpage: https://www.runawayprincesses.com/contactOn a flight from Abu Dhabi to Manchester recently, I was asked by one of the attendants "How are you so intelligent?"[We had enjoyed a short chat during the landing process (near exits).]I replied, "I am old!", and laughed. With my 70th birthday pending, it was the first answer that came to my head. However, it was a bit of a shock to hear someone asking me such a thing as a stranger perceiving me as "so intelligent!"When we consider our lives, experiences, opportunities and setbacks, and take time out to ponder our way forward, we must see that our lives are a living organism shaping from day to day, adding and subtracting items of interest and value, to bring about the sum total of our comprehended being.Looking back over my long existence, I have learned a lot, and possibly forgotten more than I have retained. After all, our brain is a organic lump of matter that somehow cannot exist by itself for very long! It is like a director of an orchestra who has nobody to play any instrument. It is a useless effort to try and get one sound out without something responding. So while our life blood courses through our veins and our brain is working its work, we must try our best to get our thoughts out there into the world, scattered and maybe sometimes picked up by one or two persons who have a moment of inspiration, joy or contemplation.So, we work our work and let our creative juices flow as the saying goes. But it is more than creativity, it is contemplation, consideration, discussion, activity. Our whole lives are involved in our work as we dedicate ourselves to our task in hand.I have included some of the fringe accolades that I happened upon during my course of living, tokens of achievement that were always unexpected and appreciated. These are not listed to gain anything in particular, just a matter of fact that happened along the way of my life. The last thing I want is jealousy. Reader, never be jealous of another person's abilities, because your ability is equally astonishing when you ponder your own life and how it has evolved over the years you are alive. Jealousy is not a topic we often hear about, yet it is a lurking destructive possibility for any human being. We can all get caught up in forms of jealousy and must guard ourselves diligently on this matter. "I can do that!" or "That is nothing", are vital signs that we must learn to put down and change.However, a thought comes to mind that makes jealousy have another side to its coin. God is a jealous God and will not stand to have His creations bow to another. In other words, everything should be in its rightful place. God is justified in that God has the final say for all persons, even for those who cannot believe God even exists. (Theoretical, rational and knowledge based evidences)So, when you read my words and sometimes even pay a small price to download a copy, please be merciful and gracious. I have limited abilities, time and thoughts, but if I can share some with you for your benefit or for the benefit of those who listen to you, then I have done my job in this life. So, I write stories and dictate to my fingers what to say and do, to bring a new experience, a joy, a revelation or refocus to you, dear reader. To me, you are the first person I think about, yet I do not know your name. You are the one I want to hug, give encouragement and to show love, yet I have no idea who you really are, except that you exist and are present.If you leave my site with one new thought, fashion or change of plan for the better, then I am satisfied. Thank you for stopping by and for reading this message. One day we will meet in the future (Eternity) and everything shall be made clearer then. Until we meet, take care and remember to use your talents relentlessly while you are able, and never succumb to jealousy.[Marie has achieved many accolades for her volunteer work in her capacity as author, writer, teacher, and services to her community over many years. These are some of her noted achievements and awards:Certificate in Acting 1969; Bachelor of Ministries 2004.Experience: Stage production; Acting; Public speaking (motivational); Preaching (over 10 years); Worship leading (7 years);Teaching Religious Education (4 years); home schooling children (7 years); Editor of Newsletter (Slacks Creek 3/4) (7 years);Awards: Certification of Appreciation Cooinda House (2012); Certificate of Recognition Australian Blood Service (2012), signed by Jennifer Williams CEO; Certificate of Appreciation: Humpybong State School, (signed by Sam Knowles (Principal) and Ros Smith (President P & C) 2006. Certificate of Appreciation Underwood Neighbourhood Watch (2003) Silver Lapel Badge Award Slacks Creek 3/4 signedby Alex F. Erwin, Superintendent 1380, (2002). Merit Award, Writers World 1999. Certificate of Appreciation, Redeemer Lutheran college Middle School, 1999 (signed by J. Winslour (Head of Middle School) and W.J. Basrow (Librarian); Avon Team Leader Certificate 1999 (signed by Dianne Walsh District Sales Manager) ]Irish born Australian, Marie Seltenrych [nee Rafferty] began writing and drawing at age 4. During Summer holidays in her beloved Leixlip, she drew pictures and made comics with her beloved siblings, Dolores, Liam, Josephine and Raymond. Her youngest brother, Keith, (17 years her junior) has inspired her to write and has been one of her biggest encouragers. From crayon and pencil scribbles, she has gained skills and confidences to write, draw and publish short stories, children's stories, adult romance titles, an adult mystery, a play, a book on prophecy, a book on "How to do online publishing", various devotionals. Marie is also a poet (much to some people's surprise), and is always busy helping someone along the publishing journey. Her belief is definitely, "Love your readers"; "practice makes perfect;" "Pick up the pieces and move on" and "get the talent honed".Contact Marie [e-mail]

Book preview

Pageant Plot Pardon

(ESTHER)

3 Act Play

By Marie Seltenrych

First Published 2010

Rev. 07 13 2018

Copyright Marie Seltenrych, 2010 -2018

Published at Smashwords, 2010

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Based on the Biblical story of Esther.

3 ACT Play

Notes for Actor: Producer:

Permission

This play has been adapted from the Bible story of Esther and shows the hand of the Almighty in the lives of Jewish captives in Susa, Persia.

Text is contemporary translation by the author, Marie Seltenrych. Original text has been adapted to suit a contemporary play, with additional text added for dramatic effect; (author’s prerogative.)

Stage Direction codes

Stage directions are also included for convenience but can be altered at the Director’s discretion.

Codes: (SR = Stage Right; SL = Stage left; US = Upstage; DS = Downstage CS = Centre stage. These are based on actors’ on-stage perspectives.

Disclaimer: The author Eileen Marie Seltenrych declares the rights to the creation of this play, including cover inserted picture and written words. I give permission to Amateur Dramatic Societies to use this play royalty free. Others, please contact author for permission please.

This is a work of fiction and the characters do not bear resemblance to any person living or dead.

Contact author for clarification of terms of use if necessary:

Ideas for lighting:

A complex story with twists and turns requires a variety of scenes.

Spotlights can be used to indicate change of scene instead of changing a whole set.

Settings suggested can be quickly adapted by an artistic director to become a spectacular movie.

Actors are already larger than life and quite comical; some of the dialogue is humorous, no disrespect intended.

I have used the along with the text [ [originally sourced Bible ] for some verification of dates and information.

Part of this play (ladies quarters) has been rehearsed by a ladies group, with much laughter.(R1)

In a smaller theatrical group, Actors can enjoy playing two or three characters each.

Marie Seltenrych July, 2010