More information about
EIGHT-COW BRIDE
MAIN POINT
Many of us easily believe any negative comments made about us, even those from people we
may not respect. By remembering the price that God paid for us, we begin to recognize our
true worth in God's eyes.
CHARACTERIZATION
The Narrator should be played by your strongest actor, male or
female. The narrator's goal is to tell the story.
The Girl, young, shy and lonely, has believed every negative thing ever
said about her. She has no concept of her own self-worth, and has sought refuge from the
gossip's taunts and her father's displeasure by withdrawing into herself.
The Father is a successful rancher, who has difficulty accepting his
daughter, whom he views as homely and undesirable. He is bitter and frustrated, and
oblivious to his daughter's feelings. By his actions, he adds to her insecurities.
The Baker is wealthy and arrogant and lonely. Even though he is old, his
pride causes him to rebuff the father's attempts to pawn the girl off on him. He is easily
led by the gossips, and cares a great deal about what people think of him.
The Gossip is the town busybody and formerly the most attractive woman of
the village. Now she is happy only when making things miserable for others. She is the
person most responsible for setting the "standards" that the girl can't live up
to.
The Merchant is kind and gentle. He uses his influence and wealth for
good. He is wise, and he has a keen ability to perceive truth despite distortions overlaid
on it.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) Play the story as a fable with no distinct time period or
location. This will keep it universal in feel.
2) The narrator should take on an omniscient quality, reciting lines from
a side position or as a townsperson involved in the action.
3) Although this story is sweet, the idea of buying a wife with a few
cows is humorous, and that humor should not be lost on the narrator and cast.
4) If you don't wish to act out this sketch, it can be done as readers'
theater.
5) This script can also be performed by a single narrator who reads all
the parts while five other actors act out the story in pantomime.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds each of us that we were bought for a price, and should
therefore glorify God in body and spirit. Acts 20:28 says that the church was purchased by
Jesus' blood. Also look at Ephesians 4:32 for its directions about how we should treat one
another. Ephesians 4:29 warns of the dangers of "evil talk" - which was the sin
of the villagers in this script.
RELATED THEMES
In addition to the themes of low self-esteem and our worth in God's eyes, this
script can also be used to deal with the negative effects of hurtful words, the healing
power of affirmation and the willingness not to seek retribution for the cruelty of
others.
