| Joseph Sample 5: Opening night. The return of Bert the Director. |
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NARR Joseph could take it no longer. Touched by the way his brothers had offered their own lives to save their little BENJjamin, he realized that they had learned their lesson. No longer were they the jealous, selfish band of years ago. Their difficulties and famine had made them humble, humble enough to put someone else's life ahead of their own. Throwing off his grand robes, he revealed his true identity. (Throughout NARRATOR'S speech, DIRECTOR has wandered in unnoticed, and is now standing by the side of the stage) ISAC Bert! BENJ Bert? DAN That's not Bert, it's Joseph! ISAC No, Bert, he's come back! REUB He has, too! SIMEON Hiya Bert! NAPTH Good old Bert! (BROTHERS rush straight past JOSEPH to greet DIRECTOR, clapping him on back, etc) LEVI We missed you! ZEBUL It was murder without you! REUB We nearly abandoned the whole show! JUDAH We knew you'd come back really! GAD Have you been watching? ASH Did we do well? BENJ Was the singing ok? ISAC Did you like my joke about the sheep's eyes? SIMEON What about "I'm desperate, Dan!" (everybody laughs, completely ignoring JOSEPH) JOSEPH Oi!!!!!! (stunned silence, everyone freezes, then very slowly turns towards JOSEPH) ASH He spoke! REUB (pointing) You spoke! JUDAH Is that allowed? SIMEON Search me. NARR Realising that it was their long lost Joseph that stood there before them, the brothers rushed to greet him. (BROTHERS drag themselves away from DIRECTOR and half-heartedly go back to JOSEPH. After a few muttered greetings and handshakes they stand around, wondering what to do next, looking embarrassed). Their father, Jacob, was the last, and his greeting was the fondest and warmest. JACOB (Still talking to DIRECTOR) See you later then Bert. Tada! (Dir exits. JACOB crosses stage to JOSEPH, who waits eagerly with arms outstretched. JACOB tries to summon up some enthusiasm, but fails miserably) Hi Joseph, all right? (Shakes hand briefly before turning to BROTHERS) Great to see Bert again wasn't it?
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