Reporter 1: Hello, this is Associated Time Travel Press reporter, NAME, coming to you live from outside the palace of King Ahasuerus in Persia. The recent upheaval in the palace has made national news. Joining me is Mordecai, gatekeeper of the palace and cousin of the present queen, Esther. (Speaking to Mordecai.) Mordecai, give us your
views on the recent events at the palace.

Mordecai: Thank you, REPORTER NAME. Things have been hard for my people. When the king called Haman to be his main advisor, Haman decided to use his new power by making everyone bow down whenever they saw him. I would not do this, so Haman told the king lies about my people and me. Haman said that we would not keep the laws of the land.  He tricked the king into making a new law that gave Haman the right to
kill all the Jews in the kingdom. Because the king trusted Haman, he agreed to make this law.

Reporter 1: When you speak of "my people" do you mean the Jews?

Mordecai: Yes. Haman wanted all of the Jews to be killed. This was terrible news for us. We needed help, so we began to fast and pray to the Lord. (Queen Esther comes to stand beside Mordecai).

Reporter 1: We have just been joined by Queen Esther of Persia.  Welcome your majesty.

Esther: Thank you, I've come to get my cousin, Mordecai, who needs to testify at a trial, but I couldn't help overhearing you. I remember this well. I was so afraid for Mordecai. My bodyguard, Hatash, had spoken to Mordecai and told me about Haman's plan to kill all of the Jews. My cousin asked me to plead with my husband to save our people.

Reporter 1: Wait! Isn't going before the king without being invited punishable by death?

Esther: Yes, but Mordecai reminded me that because I was a Jew I would be killed anyway.

Mordecai: I told Esther that she might have become queen at this time just so she could save our people.

Esther: Because I was so frightened, I asked Mordecai to have our people fast for three days and told him that my servants and I would fast day and night for three days as well. Then I would go before the king, even though it was against the law: and if I were killed, then so be it.

Reporter 1: What a story! I know you need to leave, so thank you for your time. (Turns to the audience.) We now join our own SECOND REPORTER'S NAME inside the palace, where HE/SHE will be speaking with some of those in the king's court.

Reporter 2: Thank you REPORTER 1 FIRST NAME. I'm here with Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, who was told to protect Queen Esther.

Hatach: I was the messenger the queen used when she needed to send word to Mordecai. I knew Queen Esther was a brave and virtuous woman, so I trusted her. We all did. Her maidservants joined the queen in fasting—even though they were not of her faith. This is how much they admired the queen.

Reporter 2: So, what was the outcome of the fast?

Hatash: On the third day of our fast, the queen's maidservants helped Esther put on beautiful clothing. Then the queen went to the inner court of the king's house and waited, while the king sat upon his throne. We knew that if the king was angry with her, he would have her killed, but if he held out his golden scepter toward her, the queen would live. We were all so frightened for her.

Reporter 2: What happened next?

Hatash: Well, the king looked at Queen Esther for a moment. She stood so straight and still, and didn't bat an eyelash. Then the king pointed his scepter at the queen, and she walked forward slowly and touched the top of the scepter. We all sighed with relief! The king asked his wife why she had come to speak with him. He told her that he would give her whatever she wanted—even if it was half the kingdom!

Reporter 2: Our sources tell us that the queen responded by inviting her husband to a small dinner she was giving, and told the king to be sure his advisor, Haman, came as well.

Hatash: Yes, that is correct, and after this invitation, Haman was impossible to live with! He became even more vain and proud because he thought the queen had chosen him because of his great power. I remember it so well. It was just like this…

This next scene should be played as if Hatash was telling it to the reporter. The characters involved are Haman, his wife Zeresh. Haman hurries into the place where Zeresh is standing.

Haman: (Angrily) That Mordecai! I hate him! I was so pleased that the queen had invited me to her dinner, but when I walked by that old man he still wouldn't bow down before me! But, let's not think about that! I have wonderful news!

Zeresh: What is it?

Haman: I am going to be so rich and powerful! I have been given more glory than all the princes and servants of the king! Not only that, but Queen Esther has invited no other guests to her dinner but the king and me!

Zeresh: Oh Haman! That is wonderful! What wealth we will have!

Haman: Yes, but it won't mean anything as long as I have to keep seeing that rotten Mordecai sitting at the king's gate!

Zeresh: Don't worry my dear husband. Build a high gallows, and tomorrow tell the king to hang Mordecai on it. Then you can go to the dinner with a happy heart, knowing your enemy is dead.

Back to the interview.

Hatash: So Haman built the gallows. He also attended the banquet given by Queen Esther. The king was so pleased that he asked what he could do for his wife…

Go to another "memory" scene involving Esther, Ahasuerus and Haman.

Ahasuerus: Esther, you have given us a fine dinner, what can I do for you?

Esther: (Breathing deeply.) If I have made you happy, O king, please give me my life and the lives of my people. You do not know this, but…I am a Jew, and you made a law for all of the Jews to be killed or sold into slavery. You have an enemy that has tricked you into making this terrible law.

Ahasuerus: (Angry.) Who is this man, and where is he that he dares to trick the king!

Esther: (Pointing at Haman) Your enemy is Haman!

Back to the interview

Hatash: Haman was terrified for his life and tried to plead for mercy, but it didn't work. He is currently on trial for his crimes.

Reporter 2: Thank you Hatash. What a tale! We eagerly await the outcome. Back to you NAME OF REPORTER 1.

Reporter 1: Thank you NAME OF REPORTER 2. It looks like the verdict is out. Haman has been found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on the very gallows he built for Mordecai. Mordecai was given all of the wealth and property that had belonged to Haman, and was given power second only to the king himself. And so, the king let Mordecai and all the Jewish people go free, and the people never forgot that they owed their lives to the courage of Queen Esther. And that's our story for this afternoon. Here to wrap up the news hour is Sister _______ in ________ (your state).

You should point out some of Esther's strengths that led to her courageous acts. Here are some things I thought of:

• She had a testimony of fasting and prayer—individually and in groups.
• She trusted the Lord enough to state that even if she died, she knew He would bless her.
• She understood that we all have a purpose for our existence and are placed in our individual times and areas for a reason.
• She recognized the importance of always choosing the right, because we never know how we will influence the lives of those around us.
• She knew that we should never be ashamed of our religious beliefs, and must be brave enough to stand up for the truth at all times.