Meet Joanna, Herodias, and Salome
Think your family is dysfunctional?
Just wait till you meet the Herods, big players in the the latest musical project.
For writing the musical project,12, Marcus Thomas and I want to be sure that we're building realistic political tensions so the audience clearly sees how the disciples may have been pushed to their breaking points - both in their faith and their relationships among each other - during the three days after the crucifixion.
So, we've got to get to know the main players: the Jewish factions - the Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, and Zealots; an interesting priestly family led by Annas with nephew Caiaphas as high priest; and of course, ROME,
But in between Rome and the Jews, stands the Herod family.
Enter a few of the women of our play-...
Herodias came from a line of bold women.
Her grandmother, Salome, divorced her husband, and her mother, Berenice, had married her father in effort to unify the larger Herod family which, due to Herod the Great's five wives and reputation that "It was better to be Herod's pig than his son" (he had a bad habit of exiling and killing them off) was - you could say- toxic. Her efforts were unsuccessful.
Herod had Herodias' father (his son) killed, and it's possible her mom could have been involved. So, without a dad, Herodias was married off to Herod Philip I, but she later left him to marry his brother Antipas. *YIKES*
She and Antipas "ruled" the Galilean territory. Her first marriage produced a daughter...
Salome, famously danced for Herod and earned the thank-you gift of John the Baptist's head.
Salome was married to Herod Philip II, Antipas' half brother, tetrarch of the NE Judean territory. He died in his early 40's and they never had children. She later married Aristobulus, Herodias' brother, and they had three children together.
So what about Joanna?
Her husband, Chuza, worked as the household manager for Herod Antipas. Jesus healed her of either sickness or demon-possession, after which she followed him along with the other disciples. She, Mary Magdalene, and Susanna, helped support his ministry out of their own means. There is a possibility that she - and maybe her husband - moved to Rome later, taking the names Junia and Andronicus.
Now that you know the basics, here's the scene. Enjoy!
Exclusive excerpt from 12...we'll see if it ends up in the final script!
Herodias' quarters - Herodias, Salome, and Joanna
The whole household is packing to return to Galilee since Passover has concluded. Herodias knows Herod has fired Chuza, but Joanna does not know. Personally affronted that her heads of house had aligned themselves with the movement associated with the Baptist, who preached against her marriage, Herodias toys with Joanna while also attempting to secure the future of her daughter, who has already married Philip the Tetrarch.
Joanna is braiding Salome’s hair- Herodias looks through personal items deciding how to pack them- whether to take or give some of them away.
HERODIAS
What do you think of this cuff, Salome? I couldn’t look away from it yesterday, but now I think it clashes with my complexion. Do you want it?
SALOME
No thanks.
HERODIAS
Fine. Oh, perhaps Procla would like it. A little farewell gift before we return to Galilee. Yes, I think so. Her skin could use a pop of color.
SALOME
Ouch! Gentle!
JOANNA
Pardon me, Ma’am.
HERODIAS
Oh, let me. Salome’s mane requires a mother’s touch. Jo, dear. Wrap this up for Procla, and then pack the linens. To Salome Do you and Philip have any news for us yet, my love?
SALOME
Mother-
HERODIAS
I’m only saying, you’ve had plenty of time to give me a grandchild. Wouldn’t you agree, Joanna?
SALOME
I don’t think I’m the problem, Mother.
HERODIAS
Aren’t you dancing for him?
SALOME
Honestly! I’m getting enough of this from Ma Cleo, ok?
HERODIAS
It’s just that you’ve hardly spoken of dear cousin since you got here. I have to know he is taking care of you, my love. The Northeastern territory is well, I trust?
SALOME
He’s more capable than you give him credit for, you know.