Esther’s Purim—A Play

Esther’s Purim—A Play lesson plan

This Purim play enchants and engages children, teachers, and families. Tell Esther’s story complete with original script, costumes, and scenery.

  • 1.

    The spring holiday of Purim is joyful for Jewish people all over the world. It is a festival that celebrates survival, focusing on the story of Queen Esther as told in the Book of Esther. Purim is often observed by presenting a play about Esther and how she saved the Jews. Find out the details of the story first, so you can plan your play.

  • 2.

    What needs to be done to put on a play? These are some of the tasks you can divide up for small groups: <UL> <LI><STRONG>playwriting</STRONG>—write the script and develop each character </LI> <LI><STRONG>directing</STRONG>--- assign parts and decide how actors will move in the play </LI> <LI><STRONG>costumes</STRONG>---decide what each character wears. Who will make the clothing as well as masks? </LI> <LI><STRONG>scenery</STRONG>--design and make the backdrop(s) for the play and any props to create a regal setting </LI> <LI><STRONG>actors and actresses</STRONG>---besides Esther, the play includes these royal personages: Ahasuerus; her husband, Haman; his advisor, Mordechai; Esther’s uncle; and maybe Vashti, Ahasuerus’ previous wife </LI></UL>

  • 3.

    <STRONG><EM>Masks/headgear</EM></STRONG>. Cut a wide strip of colorful posterboard with Crayola® Scissors. Wrap it around the actor’s forehead so it hangs down and covers the face down to the mouth. Carefully mark where the eyeholes need to go with a Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencil. <STRONG>Remove the mask</STRONG>.

  • 4.

    <STRONG> Ask an adult</STRONG> to help poke small eyeholes with scissors. Cut out holes large enough to see through clearly. Erase extra pencil marks. Cut two parallel slits between eyes at the bottom edge for a nose flap. Draw facial features with Crayola Gel Markers.

  • 5.

    Put the mask back on the actor. Hold the mask where the edges overlap while you <STRONG>remove the mask.</STRONG> Secure edges with Crayola School Glue. Hold the posterboard in place with paper clips until the glue air dries.

  • 6.

    Shape the top edge of the mask into a rounded oval for a better fit around the head. Round off the bottom, too. Fashion tissue paper into a veil or turban and glue to mask. Gather yarn into shanks and glue on for moustaches or hair. Glue on other decorati

  • 7.

    <STRONG><EM>Scenery and costumes</EM></STRONG>. Make backdrop and costumes for your play with Crayola Fabric Crayons and recycled sheets (<STRONG>ask an adult</STRONG> first). Use 100% polyester fabric (the higher the polyester content, the better the col

  • 8.

    Cut the fabric as needed for backdrops or costumes. For an abstract look, place a textured object under fabric. Remove papers from crayons. Rub crayons sideways over fabric and object. For more realistic designs, draw directly on the fabric, either before

  • 9.

    To make an ironing pad, place newspaper on an iron-safe surface. Cover with white paper.

  • 10.

    <STRONG>Ironing should be done by an adult in a well-ventilated area</STRONG>*. Set iron on synthetic. Place fabric on ironing pad. Cover fabric with white paper. To set crayon, press with slow, steady pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. Lift iron to move it. Ho

  • 11.

    Apply Crayola Glitter Glue to masks, costumes, and backdrop to add finishing touches. Lay flat to air-dry.

  • 12.

    To hang backdrop, cut openings on sides of sheet and thread backdrop through a large dowel.

Benefits

  • Children learn about the story of Esther and the meaning of the Jewish holiday of Purim.
  • Children organize and delegate responsibilities for a multi-task project.
  • Children work together to reach a common goal of play presentation.
  • Children employ various media to write, direct, and create scenery and costumes for their play.

Adaptations

  • Although the story of Esther takes place during Biblical times, decide in what time period your version will be set. Maybe you can think of an appropriate or allegorical era in which to set your play.
  • Research other traditional activities that are also a part of Purim, including food and gift giving.
  • Find out about other holidays that are celebrated with a play, such as the Hindu Dassehra, and put together an evening of plays from different cultural traditions.