Character Bios

First Centurion Justus Rustius Longinus

Centurion Longinus has just been promoted to First Centurion (Primi Pili or First Spear in Latin) of the Sixth Legion of Rome and is essentially in command of the entire legion (4800 men). He is a very ambitious man and has actively sought advancement his entire career. He is young to be a First Centurion, and very proud of it. He has the knowledge and conviction that he is cursed, because he was forced to order a century to stand and be slaughtered to protect the legion. The century of his young son. He was saved that day from suicide by Caius Cornelius Valorus, a young soldier who took him under his wing and raised him within the legion as a brother. Justus has not believed in any God since the day his son died, and is intent on doing the bidding of Rome no matter what it asks. What god, he asks, coudl allow a father to sacrifice his son? (70 Lines, Sings “The Hammer” and “I Surrender All”.)

Centurion Caius Cornelius Valorus

Centurion Valorus is the soldier who once saved the life of young Justus. He too has been a career soldier, and has been a centurion for a number of years and commands “Cohors I Italica”, the Italican Cohort (the Italian Regiment) stationed in Capernaum, but has not advanced much farther than commander of a Cohort 360 Soldiers). His experience in the defeat of the Teutoberger Vald led to a different religious experience, as he has searched for a true god ever since. Cornelius had studied the God of Israel when he heard a new Jewish Rabbi that touched his heart. The Rabbi Jesus Christ. At the beginning of the play Cornelius is stationed in Capernaum and is seeking the Rabbi Jesus because his servant is ill. Cornelius already believes that Jesus may in fact be a messiah, and lives by his teachings. As the play progresses Cornelius is assigned to accompany Pontius Pilate and Justus to Jerusalem for the Passover Holiday. (25 Lines, sings “Via DelaRosa”, 5 Scenes)

Miriam of Migdala (Mary Magdalene)

A former dancer and more, Miriam of Migdala has recently decided to follow Christ. She left her place of employment (the Dance house of Abenadar) and began to follow Jesus. She has changed her name from Miriam of magdala to Mary Magdalene to signify her new life.. She is amazed by Jesus’ teachings and forgivenance. Fortuitous timing and an insight into how people behave (a lesson learned by her own difficult life) leads her to be the one person who is hearing what Jesus is saying. It is her words and singing of “Mary did you Know” that foreshadow the crucifixion and the resurrection. She will meet Centurion Justus at the cross, and leads him to Christ in the climactic scene of the play. (30 Lines, sings “Mary did you know”, and “Were You There”.)

Jesus Christ

Savior to mankind, the character of Jesus in this tale is almost a supporting role. He knows the future and foreshadows the ending when he gives the very nails he is to be crucified with to Centurion Justus and forgives him in the first scene. He performs the last supper and sings “The Lords’ Prayer”. He sings “Rise Again” from the cross as he foreshadows his resurrection, and ultimately appears to Justus and Mary Magdalene in the finale. (Fifteen Lines, sings “Rise Again” and “The Lord’s Prayer”).

Martha, Sister of Mary the Mother

A bit of a sarcastic know it all who has been with Jesus since the beginning (and wants you to know it), Martha sings Mary’s Alabaster Box as Mary Magdalene acts out the scene, and has only a few lines. (Five lines, four scenes, sings “Mary’s Alabaster Box”)

Mary the Mother

A noble sadness pervades Mary’s thoughts. She knows something is to happen, and hears the words of Mary Magdalene but desires them not to be true. All the same, she gives up her will to God and trusts in him. She only appears in a few scenes, and only has lines in two. (Eight Lines, four scenes)

Procurator Gaius Pontius Pilatus

A political appointee and member of Rome’s Senatorial Class, Pilatus is looking to stay out of trouble with the Emperor. Pilate must temper his dislike of Caiaphas and the Jewish Sanhedrin with the need for Law and Order (the Emperor only likes nice tribute paying provinces, not ones full of rebellion). He is aware that Caiaphas reported on him to Caesar in the past and dislikes him personally for it. Having survived one insurrection in the province of Judea where the dreaded Bar Abbas was captured, Pilate hopes to avoid future troubles by crucifying Bar Abbas during the Passover. Concerned over the potential for rebellion, it is he who orders the overly ambitious Centurion Justus to watch Christ, leading to the cascade of events that end at cavalry.

Chief Priest Caiaphas

Looking to hold onto and increase his power in Judea, the high priest is troubled by this upstart Jesus who is getting a great deal of attention. He does not like Pilate or the Romans, but is prepared to use them to further his own ends. Knowing that only Pilate can order an execution, he knows he must get Rome involved somehow. The plot he has hatched is aided by the fortuitous appearance of Justus who plays into the hands of Caiaphas. (18 Lines, 6 Scenes)

Priest Nicodemus

Troubled by the Sanhedrins’ Actions, Nicodemus is the lone defender in the group of Priests, He believes Christ is the Messiah, but is overwhelmed by events. (2 lines, 2 Scenes)

Disciple Peter

A supporting cast member, Peter’s lines occur during the last supper scene, but he appears in numerous scenes as a disciple. He cuts off the ear of Malchus in the Garden. (2 Lines, 5 Scenes)

Disciple Judas

A few lines, but a big part, Judas is integral in bringing together the plot. He believes Christ will rise up and start a rebellion to free the Jews when the Romans come for him. He is wrong.

(10 Lines, 5 Scenes sings “Silver and Gold Have I”)

Scribe Malchus

Basically a background figure who manages to get his ear cut off by Peter. (No Lines, 4 Scenes)

Bar Abbas

The son of Abbas, who history does not even give us a first name of. Leader of the Jewish Freedom party, scheduled to be crucified during the high holy days. (No Lines, 1 Scene)