Esther’s Purim—A Play
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:
- playwriting—write the script and develop each character
- directing--- assign parts and decide how actors will move in the play
- costumes---decide what each character wears. Who will make the clothing as well as masks?
- scenery--design and make the backdrop(s) for the play and any props to create a regal setting
- actors and actresses---besides Esther, the play includes these royal personages: Ahasuerus; her husband, Haman; his advisor, Mordechai; Esther’s uncle; and maybe Vashti, Ahasuerus’ previous wife
3. Masks/headgear. 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. Remove the mask.
4. Ask an adult 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 remove the mask. 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 decorative craft items as needed for each character in the play.
7. Scenery and costumes. Make backdrop and costumes for your play with Crayola Fabric Crayons and recycled sheets (ask an adult first). Use 100% polyester fabric (the higher the polyester content, the better the color transfer).
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 or after warming the surface.
9. To make an ironing pad, place newspaper on an iron-safe surface. Cover with white paper.
10. Ironing should be done by an adult in a well-ventilated area*. 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. Hold papers in place to prevent blurring. Cool.
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.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.
Costumes & Masks—
CAUTION: When children wear hand-crafted costumes and masks, make sure the crafts do not obstruct the child’s vision, hearing, or impede movement. Do not use feathers, fabric, or raffia on wearable costumes and masks because these items do not pass costume flammability tests. Wearable masks are those held in place on the face with elastic, yarn, or other materials. Keep away from open flames.
Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.
Small Parts— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.
Fabric Crayons or Melting Crayons—Melt crayons in a well-ventilated area. Overheating wax crayons during melting or ironing may release irritating fumes. Ironing should be done by an adult.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.
Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points
- 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.
Metric Hugs
Aboriginal Dreamtime Symbols
Wild & Windy Waves!
