The Power of Rome

What does Jesus have to do with me?

Ha! This is Herod's problem.

The power of Rome in Jerusalem is in the hands of the governor, Pontius Pilate. He has already had to deal harshly with two previous uprisings of these very annoying Jews who don't realise they are defeated.
On this fateful day, the Jews bring him a man they want crucified. But Pontius Pilate knows he is innocent.
When the Jews call for Pilate to come out they are very rowdy and disrespectful. They do not want to be made impure by going into Pilate's palace. When Pilate appears, the crowd immediately fall silent, waiting for the dialogue between Caiaphas and Pilate.
Pilate's first attempt to avoid crucifying Jesus is when he hears Jesus is from Galilee. "Galilee? Then he is Herod's problem. Take him there."
But before long they return, once more calling for Pilate.
Pilate offers the customary Passover deal - he'll free a prisoner. He offers the crowd the horrible murderer Barrabas or the man they call their king, Jesus. To Pilate's horror, they choose Barrabas to be freed.

Do you want me to release Jesus - or this horrible criminal Barrabas?

A message from his wife, Claudia, handed to him by Claudia's handmaid

So, the first two attempts having failed, Pilate orders Jesus to be scourged but not killed, then he will let him go free.
His wife Claudia had dreams because of Jesus and warns Pilate to have nothing to do wth Jesus.
In the re-enactment, after the scourging, Claudia catches Pilate and remonstrates with him to do the right thing and not crucify an innocent man.
(Look at the photo as Pontius Pilate turns to go, with Claudia having the last word. Great work!)
Then Pilate washes his hands to dispense of the matter, but still orders Jesus to be crucified.

The Roman power team is led by Pontius Pilate. Ron has been playing Pilate for a number of years and his "gravitas" works very well. At one point when he was talking, the SPQR Eagle sign detached and fell. Pontius had a brief look of minor surprise and continued on unfazed. Someone in the crowd thought it was very effective, symbolising the downfall of Roman Power.
Claudia Procula, Pilate's wife, was played by a newcomer this year. She had not attended the play previously and was very nervous. But no-one could tell in the crowd. "Just imagine you are telling off your husband," we directed. Great work.

Pontius! You have the power to release an innocent man!

Ecco Homo! Behold the Man!

We also had another newcomer play Claudia's handmaid who was by Claudia's side the entire play.

I have nothing to do with this. Crucify him yourselves.

The two young Roman servants are veterans having been in most of the plays over their years. Their silent presence besides Pilate and in the balcony works very well. Good job lads!