SermonStudio

Diversity in life, especially in the body of Christ, is something to be welcomed and nurtured. However, most institutional structures prefer to stamp all members into a common mold. This pantomime portrays, in a very quiet way, the beauty and freedom that diversity brings to a body of believers.

For best effect, this drama should be produced on a large stage, or in-the-round in a large auditorium or fellowship hall. No special lighting or microphones are needed, though a spotlight on the final Maypole winding may add to the message's effectiveness.

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Setting: Around a Maypole

Characters:
LEADER: Someone who looks and acts with authority
FOLLOWER: Someone who is in full obedience to leader
TEN INDIVIDUALS: Assorted ages

Costumes:
Leader: Professional dark clothing
Follower: Plain clothing so as not to attract attention
Individuals: Light pastel colors in a variety of dress from professional to casual

Props: Large pole, stepladder, ten dark blue ribbons or streamers (width and length should be suitable for Maypole winding), ten assorted pastel colored ribbons (width and length should be suitable for Maypole winding)

Scene: A large pole stands center stage void of its ribbons. Beside it is a tall stepladder.

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(Enter silently all characters. Actions are slow and pleasant)

The LEADER takes a standing position next to pole, as FOLLOWER moves beside him with an armful of dark streamers. Individuals, in turn, take cross-legged positions on the floor encircling the pole. The LEADER smiles at the group, then bows his head in prayer. Everyone follows his example.

After several moments of silence, the LEADER signals FOLLOWER to climb up the ladder and secure the dark streamers to the top while everyone watches intently.

When the streamers are fastened, FOLLOWER comes down from the ladder, and the LEADER takes one of the streamers and indicates to one of the INDIVIDUALS in the circle (the one to the left and back of the pole should be first) to rise and accept the streamer. The INDIVIDUAL does so. He then steps back into position where he remains standing with streamer in his hand.

The LEADER then takes a second blue streamer and indicates for the next INDIVIDUAL in the circle to rise and accept the blue streamer. The INDIVIDUAL slowly rises, shakes his head, then hands the blue streamer back to the LEADER. Once again, the LEADER hands the blue streamer to the INDIVIDUAL with a look of puzzlement. It is then the INDIVIDUAL produces a yellow ribbon. He indicates that he desires the yellow ribbon to be tacked to the top. The LEADER takes the yellow ribbon, thinks about it, then reluctantly hands the yellow ribbon to the FOLLOWER who climbs up the ladder and secures it. The second INDIVIDUAL, pleased, grasps the yellow ribbon, then steps back into position where he remains standing with streamer in his hand.

This same scene is repeated with the other eight INDIVIDUALS. All are offered a blue ribbon which they decline. They then produce another bright ribbon of a different color, which is then secured to the top.

When all the ribbons are in place (the unused blue ones remain limp around the pole), the LEADER gives the signal; FOLLOWER moves the stepladder away from Maypole; LEADER and FOLLOWER each grasp a dark blue ribbon, and the Maypole winding begins. (Five INDIVIDUALS going one way, five INDIVIDUALS the other in an alternating over/under pattern)

When the Maypole is wound, the ribbons are tied together at the bottom in a bow by the LEADER. Everyone then steps back to admire the finished project. They embrace one another with quiet joy, then exit stage arm in arm.