Women of Wine and Bread
A Maundy Thursday Drama for Small Churches. Bring the Easter story to life with a fresh, poignant perspective without the burden of a massive production.
A Holy Week Drama Designed Specifically for Smaller Churches.
Bring the Easter story to life with a fresh, poignant perspective without the burden of a massive production. Women of Wine and Bread was written with the specific needs of smaller congregations in mind. It features a small, intimate cast and a simplified musical score set to well-known hymn tunes, ensuring your choir or ensemble can prepare with ease and confidence.
The Story
This moving drama reimagines the events of Holy Week by contrasting two very different responses to the crisis of the Crucifixion.
While the men of the inner circle struggle with competition, anxiety, and the instinct to flee, the women who followed Jesus demonstrate the power of cooperative faith. From the joyful preparations of the Passover meal to the agonizing vigil at the cross, the women—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Salome, and Mary Mother of James—remain steadfast. They find strength in community and service, offering a powerful message of hope and unwavering support even when the world falls apart.
Why Choose This Script?
Small, Flexible Cast: Requires only 7 actors (4 women, 3 men), making it perfect for churches with limited volunteer pools.
Familiar Music: There is no need to learn complex new compositions. The musical numbers are set to beloved, well-known melodies such as Amazing Grace and Be Thou My Vision, allowing your congregation to instantly connect with the emotional core of the story.
Powerful Themes: The script explores deep spiritual themes of service, humility, and the "spiritual fortitude" required to find community in the midst of tragedy.
Modern Accessibility: Scripture quotations are drawn from The Message, making the dialogue accessible and engaging for modern audiences.
Cast of Characters
Mary Magdalene: A passionate leader with deep faith and a troubled past.
Joanna: A woman of means who battles uncertainty but finds courage through her friends.
Salome: Quiet, observant, and deeply committed to the mission.
Mary, Mother of James: Resilient and wise, she anchors the group.
Peter: Passionate and impulsive, he wrestles with deep anxiety and the fear of failing Jesus.
John: The beloved disciple, struggling with insecurity and self-preservation.
Michael: The hospitable owner of the Upper Room.
Setting & Staging
The play takes place across four acts with simple staging requirements that can be easily adapted to any sanctuary:
Act I: A bustling kitchen (Preparation).
Act II: The Upper Room (The Last Supper & Foot Washing).
Act III & IV: The Streets of Jerusalem and Golgotha (The Arrest & Crucifixion).
Performance Rights & Licensing
We believe in making this story accessible to congregations of all sizes. Therefore, there is no royalty fee for performances of Women of Wine and Bread that are free and open to the public. If you are not charging admission, you are free to perform this work without financial obligation.
Planning to Charge Admission? If you intend to charge a ticket price or admission fee for your performance, you must contact us for permission and licensing arrangements prior to the event. Please direct all licensing inquiries to: contact@foundery.dev