The Characters
Principal Characters
There are three principal speaking roles: Jesus, Caiaphas and Pilate. Each has about 24 lines in the play and alot of character acting.
Jesus
Jesus is obviously central to the play - this is HIS story! But surprisingly he doesn’t have many lines to say! The Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life are full of his amazing stories, teachings and wisdom but by the time we come to his final days on earth, it’s as if he’s said all he needs to say and he simply lets it all play out before him as if there’s an inevitability to the outcome.
However, Jesus’ few lines and even his silence speak volumes and give rise to the question ‘Who is this man?’
The Centurion who witnessed the whole thing and stood at the foot of the cross as Jesus died, had only one answer: “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54)
In this production Jesus sings a psalm set to an original tune specially composed for this performance, accompanied by his disciples and friends.
Caiaphas
Caiaphas was the Jewish High Priest and ruler of the Council at the time of Jesus’ ministry, as confirmed by the Jewish historian Josephus.
When the other priests came to him expressing concern about the influence that Jesus was having over the people amid their fears of the Roman occupiers, Caiaphas spoke prophetically: “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (John 11:50)
Pontius Pilate
Pilate was the Governor of the Roman province of Judea, serving under Emperor Tiberius, from about 27 to 37 AD. It was he who had the power to pass down the death sentence on criminals, though in the case of Jesus he demonstrates some reluctance not finding sufficient evidence to condemn the man. Seemingly, to avoid a riot he acquiesces to the demands of the Jesus’ accusers.
In this production, Pilate sings a solo, questioning who this man Jesus is and washing his hands of responsibility for his death.
There are eight named characters who have a significant role in this play. They have between 6-15 lines and great opportunities for characterisation. Some feature in one particular scene, others have a small role through the play
Named Main Characters
Simon Peter
Simon, nicknamed ‘Peter’ by Jesus, was one of the twelve disciples and one of Jesus’ closest friends. Peter was a fisherman by trade but he grew into a gifted preacher and bold leader in the early church. In the gospels, he’s portrayed as impetuous, always speaking his mind and acting on impulse.
In this production, Peter sings a solo as part of an ensemble of passers by who prompt his threefold denial of his friend.
Judas Iscariot
Judas, known as Iscariot, was another of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He was the ‘keeper of the purse’ and was known to challenge the extravagance of others. He agrees to betray Jesus to the Jewish leaders for thirty pieces of silver but then in remorse returns the money .
Mary, the mother of Jesus
Mary, one of the few female characters in this play, is the Mother of Jesus. She is a quiet presence throughout the story and in the crucifixion scene we witness her grief at the foot of the cross.
In this production Mary sings a solo, expressing her pain and calling on God’s Spirit for comfort. She is backed by the other women disciples.
Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is one of Jesus’ female followers who has tended to his needs. She experienced a powerful healing at his hands and has been a devoted follower since.
She provides some backing harmonies to the song sung by Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea
These two characters are Priests and members of the Jewish Ruling Council but have secretly become followers of Jesus, having been persuaded by his words and deeds. Their voices are not strong enough to halt the momentum of the plot against Jesus. It is they who take Jesus’ body after the crucifixion and place it in a rich man’s borrowed tomb.
John
Another disciple who is part of Jesus’ inner circle of friends. He is with him praying in the Garden of Gethsemane but then flees with the other disciples in fear for his life. At the foot of the cross we meet John again as Jesus entrusts him with the care for his mother Mary.
Simon of Cyrene
This man’s appearance in the story is minimal. He’s just an incidental passer by, who the soldiers call on to carry Jesus’ cross once he stumbles and falls!
Quintus
This character is a fictitious addition to the original story described in the Biblical account. He is the right hand man for Pontius Pilate and his role in the play is to simply explain for the audience some of the background to what’s happening.
Unnamed Main Characters
There are a further six characters with significant parts, having 6-15 lines each.
In this production, Caiaphas is surrounded by a group of four priests who help to pad out the dialogue in the fateful plotting against Jesus. They feature in most of the scenes throughout the play.
Priests
Soldiers
The main speaking parts for soldiers is at the Crucifixion scene as they mock Jesus and cast lots for his clothing.
There are lots of roles that only speak a few lines. Some are named, but also include passers by, witnesses and other disciples of Jesus.
Supporting roles
Other Disciples
The other eight disciples, including James, the brother of John, also feature in the early part of the play and sing with Jesus.
Maidservant, Bystanders and Witnesses
These characters accuse Peter of being with Jesus, give testimony against Jesus at his trial and mock him as he hangs on the cross. In this production they provide harmonies to Peter’s solo.
Thieves
Two criminals are crucified with Jesus, one either side. One harangues him but the other pleads with Jesus to be remembered when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus promises him a place in Paradise.
The temple guards accompany Judas to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Two of them have a line or two to say.
Temple Guards
The scriptures tell us that Jesus was often accompanied by a group of women who helped to take care of his needs. In this production Salome has a small speaking role and also provides harmonies to back Mary’s solo at the foot of the cross.
Other Women, including Salome
Roman Centurion
The Centurion has very little to say but perhaps has the most important words, recognising Jesus for who he is. In this production the Centurion sings a solo expressing that sense of wonder.
Each scene of the Passion Play is framed by a few words spoken by two narrators, to help explain the setting and context for the action.