At the Foot of the Cross - Easter Plays For Black Churches

In the shadow of Golgotha, a small group refuses to leave. While most keep their distance, those who loved Jesus stay near the cross, not because they understand everything, but because love will not abandon Him in His suffering. Mary The Mother Of Jesus stands with a grief too deep for words, Mary Magdalene wrestles with the fear of losing hope itself, and John feels the weight of being close enough to hear the silence between breaths.

As the hours pass, questions rise like dust in the air: Why doesn’t God stop this? Where are the miracles now? What do we do when the One we trusted seems to be slipping away? A Roman Centurion watches with troubled eyes, soldiers carry out orders with hardened faces, and a few bystanders argue, mock, and wonder. Yet in the middle of sorrow, something holy happens: forgiveness is spoken, promises are remembered, and strength is found in staying.

An older narrator looks back on that terrible day and tells the congregation what he learned at the foot of the cross: suffering does not cancel God’s love, and silence is not the same as defeat. The play ends in stillness, no victory shouts yet, only a quiet, reverent pause that prepares hearts for the resurrection hope to come. Love stayed, even when hope seemed lost.

Theme

Forgiveness And Faith When Hope Feels Far

Characters

(14-20 actors)

• Older Narrator (Older John) – older, reflective voice guiding the audience through memory and meaning

• John – young disciple; loyal, tender, trying to be brave for Mary

• Mary The Mother Of Jesus – quiet strength; sorrowful, deeply faithful

• Mary Magdalene – emotional, honest, fiercely devoted; fights despair

• Salome – friend and follower; practical, steady, occasionally brings gentle lightness

• Joanna – thoughtful follower; remembers Jesus’ words and clings to promise

• Mary Of Clopas – supportive, protective; helps hold the group together

• Peter – conflicted disciple; guilt, fear, and love collide in him

• Roman Centurion – officer in charge; observant, unsettled by what he sees

• Soldier Cassius – blunt, weary; hides discomfort behind duty

• Soldier Marcus – younger soldier; uneasy; questions quietly

• Religious Leader – stern critic; certain of his own righteousness

• Mocking Bystander – loud voice of ridicule; later falters

• Weeping Bystander – ordinary person moved by compassion and fear

• Messenger – brings updates and urgent news; breathless, anxious

• Temple Servant – repeats rumors; represents the swirl of voices and confusion

When

Biblical times, during the crucifixion of Jesus (Passover season)

Props & Costumes

• Simple robes and head coverings (followers)

• Roman-style tunics/cloaks (soldiers/centurion)

• A wooden cross silhouette upstage (no graphic depiction)

• Small cloths, a water jar/cup, and a shawl

• A signboard prop reading “INRI” (optional)

• Stones/sand-colored fabric for “Golgotha” ground (optional)

Why

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

This verse anchors the meaning of the cross: Jesus’ suffering is not a mistake or a defeat. It is love in action—love that chooses forgiveness when we least deserve it, and love that stays when hope feels buried.

How

A simple stage: the cross silhouette upstage center. Followers gather downstage right (a “safe edge”), soldiers downstage left. Lighting grows dimmer as the scenes progress. No graphic action—only the spiritual weight, the words, and the choice to remain.

Time

45 minutes