ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the reciprocal illumination of Bible and Drama. It explores the way in which the biblical text generates the dramatic text and performance, as well as how the dramatic enactment underlines the various issues at the heart of three biblical narratives of family and monarchy. The book demonstrates how the narrative of family and monarchy from the biblical Book of Esther—including concepts of monarchic responsibility and rightful reign, familial and national loyalty, the concept of law—provides the framework within which to study how these aspects are developed in Godly Queene Hester. It also demonstrates how the Davidic narrative in 2 Samuel 11–19—including the monarchic abuse of privilege and power, together with murder and insurrection—provides the framework within which to study how these aspects are developed in David and Bethseba.
