Shorter Bible Plays by Rita Benton

(2 User reviews)   2457
By Abil Kile Posted on Nov 15, 2025
In Category - Adventure
Benton, Rita, 1881- Benton, Rita, 1881-
English
Ever wished the Bible felt more like a play you could watch? That's the magic of Rita Benton's 'Shorter Bible Plays.' Forget dry retellings. This collection takes the epic stories you know—like Noah facing the flood or David standing up to Goliath—and turns them into lively, actable scripts. The main question isn't just 'what happens next?' but 'how would you bring these timeless characters to life?' It’s a fresh, hands-on way to connect with these foundational tales, making them feel immediate and surprisingly dramatic. Perfect for curious readers, drama groups, or anyone who loves a good story told with energy.
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will be a helpful factor in the field of religious education. COSTUMES The costumes used in these Bible plays have been largely copied from Tissot's illustrations of the Bible. A straight piece of bleached or unbleached muslin, seamed at the sides up to arm-hole, with a slit for the neck, has been found the simplest foundation costume. Variations on this are: A girdle. Sleeves. Fringes. A cloak of contrasting color, of the same pattern as the slip, but open in front. Several yards of material of contrasting color, thrown over the head or shoulders, or draped. Strips of cloth, four to six inches wide, sewed the length of the costume. Black strips against white make an effective costume. For the head use a square of white cloth bound round with a thick, dark cord. For women the cloth may be lighter. They may wear two girdles instead of one, with the material puffed out between the girdles. Their veils also should be of lighter material; over these a heavy mantle may hang, if desired. Barefoot sandals or Japanese sandals will do for the feet, if antique sandals cannot be made. In many cases it is preferable that the actors go barefoot. For bracelets, crowns, scepters, fans, buy sheet copper or brass, tin shears, and cut as desired. These will last forever. For soldier costumes, make brilliant, short tunics. Belt these in with a twelve-inch strip of brown buckram, which, in turn, is tied on with a bright cord. Use cone-shaped caps. Egyptian costumes may always be indicated by a belt with a broad flap in the center, reaching from waist to hem. For headdresses, use striped cloth; draw the two front ends under the cloth and pin at the back of the head. For Babylonian costumes, take several yards of material; sew fringe to the ends and one side; pin one end of the goods at the back of model; wind goods about waist of model so as to form a skirt, and pin to end of goods; carry the rest of the goods around, under right arm, over left shoulder, about neck, over right arm; tuck in and hold in place by a three-inch belt. For head-gear use tall caps rather resembling a sugar loaf. Use heavy white canvas; this may be painted or fringed. Try to use strong, bright colors, with white and black and brown. Avoid navy blue, turkey red, baby blue or pink. Try to use the same color-values. SCENERY A sea-blue curtain is the one essential. [Illustration: NOAH'S WIFE] NOAH'S FLOOD THE PEOPLE MESSENGER OF GOD. NOAH. HIS WIFE. SHEM. HAM. JAPHETH. WIVES OF SHEM, HAM, JAPHETH. IDOLATERS. ANIMALS. (The number and kind of animals must be left to the costumer. Where the animals mentioned in the play are left out, mention of them must be omitted.) THE PLACE SCENE I. _The building place of the Ark._ SCENE II. _Mount Ararat._ The Ark may be built on a framework of wood, covered with cloth to represent a child's toy. Bright colors are preferable, such as gray and scarlet. Or the Ark may be cut out of wall board. A door on hinges must be cut in the side, also a window. A gangplank may lead up to door. If the play is given indoors, a blue back-drop may be used against which colored lights may be thrown, to indicate storm. If given out of doors, a blue, smiling sky is always desirable. Thin tarlatan may be cut in the shape, and painted to represent the rainbow, and stretched on a curved bit of wire. THE...

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Rita Benton's Shorter Bible Plays is exactly what the title promises: a collection of short, scripted versions of famous biblical stories. Originally published in the early 20th century, the book adapts narratives like the Creation, Noah's Ark, the story of Joseph, and the Nativity into simple plays meant for performance.

The Story

There isn't one continuous plot. Instead, Benton serves as a playwright, selecting key episodes from the Old and New Testaments and framing them as scenes with dialogue, character directions, and staging notes. You see Cain's anger flare up against Abel in a real-time argument. You get to imagine the practical chaos of loading the ark. The book presents the stories not as distant history, but as moments of high drama waiting to be acted out.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is its energy and accessibility. Benton writes with a clear goal: to make these stories active and communal. Reading it, you can't help but visualize a group of people—maybe in a church basement, a classroom, or a living room—bringing these scripts to life. It reminds you that these ancient tales are full of human emotion, conflict, and wonder. It's less about theological debate and more about experiencing the narrative punch of these foundational events.

Final Verdict

This is a gem for specific readers. It's perfect for teachers, youth leaders, or community theater folks looking for straightforward, royalty-free material. It's also a fun, different read for anyone curious about the Bible who finds traditional translations a bit dense. Think of it as a backstage pass to the drama of scripture. Just don't expect deep analysis; this book is all about the performance.



📚 Copyright Status

This historical work is free of copyright protections. You do not need permission to reproduce this work.

Mary Gonzalez
9 months ago

This book was worth my time since the emotional weight of the story is balanced perfectly. I learned so much from this.

Patricia Hernandez
1 year ago

Very interesting perspective.

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