THE STONE AND THE SEAL

SECTION A (Opening ~3,300 words)

Length target: ~45 minutes of stage time (when paced clearly)
Style: Easter drama with political tension
Core idea: Authorities attempt to control the resurrection narrative by securing the tomb—yet fear and truth collide.

CAST (18–26; expandable)

Roman / Political

• CENTURION (audience guide; cynical → unsettled; present in most scenes)

• PONTIUS PILATE

• PILATE’S ADVISOR

• GUARD CAPTAIN

• GUARD 1

• GUARD 2

• GUARD 3

• GUARD 4 (optional; can be merged with another guard)

• ROMAN MESSENGER (optional; can be played by a Guard)

Temple / Religious Authority

• CHIEF PRIEST 1

• CHIEF PRIEST 2

• SCRIBE

• TEMPLE ATTENDANT 1

• TEMPLE ATTENDANT 2

Witnesses / Disciples / Burial

• JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA

• NICODEMUS

• PETER

• JOHN

• MARY MAGDALENE

• MARY (mother of James)

• SALOME / OTHER WOMAN

Ensemble

• CROWD / CHORUS (4–10 voices; doubles as crowd, disciples, bystanders; can include some named roles seated in ensemble when not active)

SET / STAGING ZONES (single stage, no scene changes)

1. TEMPLE COUNCIL ZONE (stage left):

• Two chairs + small table/stand for scrolls.

• Lighting: warm but severe.

2. PRAETORIUM / ROMAN ZONE (stage right):

• One chair + table/stand for “documents.”

• Lighting: cold/official.

3. TOMB ZONE (upstage center):

• A large “stone” shape (foam block, draped riser, or framed fabric).

• A visible SEAL (ribbon/cord stretched from stone to “tomb edge,” with a wax-mark prop or red cloth “stamp”).

• Lighting: dim in early scenes; becomes focal later.

Flashbacks: done by lighting shifts + chorus voices; no props beyond minimal symbolic items.

PROPS / COSTUME NOTES (minimal rehearsal-friendly)

Props

• Seal kit: cord/ribbon + “wax stamp” symbol (can be red cloth tag).

• Scrolls/documents: for Priests, Scribe, Pilate.

• Spice bundles/cloth: for Joseph/Nicodemus and women (small pouches).

• Cloaks/markers: Roman sash for Centurion/Captain; head covering for women; prayer shawl/robe accent for priests.

Costume identifiers (simple)

• Romans: dark tunics + red sash/strap (or armband).

• Priests: light robe + dark stole/trim.

• Witnesses: earth-tone garments.

• Chorus: neutral black/grey.