Hadassah of Susa

There is but one rule in the palace of Susa: submit or die.

Esther’s story, that of a Jewish queen in a Persian empire, is still relevant for men and women living in our modern society. It deals with questions of power, of injustice, of impossible circumstances, of fear, and of being a follower of the one true God in a depraved world.

(at the time of this recording, the Hadassah of Susa script was 7 scenes; it has since been revised & expanded)

What you need:

  • Script: includes the entire roughly-40-minute monologue (see sneak peaks below) plus tips for staging and costuming.
  • Music: select worship songs for in between each of the 9 scenes. I’ve included a list of several dozen on this page.

Who you need:

  • One actress: the entire story is carried by one person in several monologues.
  • Worship leaders & instrumentalists: for the interim singing.

Production Notes

Hadassah of Susa was written as a storytelling script. It can be costumed and memorized but that’s not necessary.

The actress should have a deep understanding of the line of thought presented; she can then change individual words to best deliver them in the moment.

When I’ve performed scripts like this, I have the script binder on a half-height music stand angled to the side. It’s available for me to glance at, but because I know the storyline and have practiced it dozens of times, I can focus on truly presenting the story rather than remembering the exact individual words.

I also recommend having a second copy backstage, so that between scenes the actress can look over the upcoming scene and remember the opening lines.

Costuming Esther: Part 1 is an in-depth guide to creating your Hadassah costume and showing character development through costume changes. I also include dozens of links for accessible costume pieces you can order as you build your look.

Costuming Esther: Part 2 goes over three actual, functional looks I’ve put together for this character, and how I use color to augment the narrated story.

Music Database

Any songs that deal with the themes of God’s grace, power and sovereignty, and humanity’s trust and dependence on Him will fit beautifully. (Scroll down for sample outlines with my favorite picks)

Current favorites for congregational singing:

Current favorites for special music:

Always great:

  • Abide With Me
  • Because He Lives
  • Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
  • His Eye is on the Sparrow
  • It is Well
  • Be Still My Soul
  • How Firm a Foundation
  • I Surrender All
  • Day by Day
  • I Need Thee Every Hour
  • El Shaddai – Amy Grant
  • You Are My Hiding Place – Selah
  • He Will Hold Me Fast – Keith Getty
  • Sovereign – Chris Tomlin
  • In Christ Alone – Stuart Townend
  • Voice of Truth – Casting Crowns
  • Praise You in the Storm
  • Lord I Need You – Matt Maher
  • More Than You Think I Am – Danny Gokey
  • Haven’t Seen it Yet – Danny Gokey
  • Blessings – Laura Story
  • Scars – I Am They
  • I Will Fear No More – The Afters
  • Steady My Heart – Kari Jobe
  • Fear is a Liar – Zach Williams
  • I Will Follow – Chris Tomlin
  • Cornerstone – Hillsong
  • Thy Will – Hillary Scott
  • Trust in You – Lauren Daigle
  • Mighty to Save – Hillsong
  • Remember – Lauren Daigle
  • Because He Lives (Amen) – Matt Maher

Here’s how music selections might look in a real production:

Shop the script on Etsy!