[first lines, as the falcon flies at the night sky]
Jacob: It's taking so long.
Judah: [chuckling] Look at yourself, Father. You would think this was your first child. Tell me, were you this nervous when I was born?
Jacob: Well, yes and no. It was different with your mother. But with Rachel, we gave up hope. We were told she could never have children.
[they hear a baby crying]
Man: Father! It's a boy! Father, it's a boy! It's a boy.
[the baby continues crying]
Jacob: My boy! [he goes off]
[the baby continues crying]
Reuben: Can you believe it? Rachel had a baby.
Judah: I guess it is a miracle.
[they all walk to the baby, with Jacob opening the curtain, looking at Rachel holding a baby]
Jacob: O God, who is the Father of us all, you have blessed me with a gift beyond all measure. Within a barren wife, amid to the twilight skies of my life, you've placed a treasure. [singing] A brightly shining star where there was none, you have granted us a son.
Rachel: [singing] Dreams do come true. Look at you.
Jacob: Joseph.
Together: [singing] Our baby brother, he is special. He is one of us we'll keep him from harm. And we will teach him.
Jacob: [singing] I will teach him all he needs to know. He'll stand apart from other men.
Together: [singing] We'll stand beside him and together, we will show him what it means to be a family.
Jacob: Ah. Ooh.
Father: You are a miracle child, you are the best, you shine the brightest.
[baby Joseph laughs]
Father: [singing] Your days.
Jacob: Joseph.
Father: [singing] Will be cloudiness.
Jacob: Come to Papa.
Father: [singing] And mild.
[baby Joseph walks to Jacob]
Father: [singing] Your trails be blessed, your trials the lightest.
[Joseph grows up]
Father: [singing] You were made for better things, you will share the air of kings. You were born and fortune smiled, for you are a miracle child.
Rachel: [begins playing on the harp, by making a coat, then singing] The sun will rise within your eyes. The moon will light your smile, and Heaven grace your gentle face. With power to beguile. [putting a blanket around, speaking] Good night, Joseph. [gives him a kiss, then she continues singing] You will wade through the river of sorrows warm and dry.
Judah: Keep it steady.
Father: [singing] And angels will guide your tomorrows, this I prophesy.
Both: [singing] For you are a miracle child. You are the best.
Judah: Hey, what are you doing?
[breaks the part of the well, making a river]
Both: [singing] You shine the brightest. Your days will be cloudless and mild. Your trails be blessed. Your trials the lightest. You were made for better things. You will share the air of kings you were born and fortune smiled.
[the brothers shout]
Both: For you are a miracle child.
[Jacob takes the ball to Judah, then throwing up and down, then looking at Jacob and Rachel, holding a coat, then putting it on]
Joseph: [singing] Dearest Mother, beloved Father, a coat of colors bright as butterfly wings. To remind me, things you've told me all my life, I am special, I am smart, I am somehow set apart, petty rules and limitations don't apply. For I am a miracle child. I can't be harmed.
Judah: [scooping the well] Sorry.
Joseph: [continues singing] I'm wrapped in rainbow. Though fate can be heartless and wild. [speaking] Come on. Let's play. [continues singing] My life's been charmed.
Boy: Come on!
Joseph: [singing] And shall remain so.
Jacob: [to Joseph] Come with me, Joseph.
Joseph: [singing] Not to struggle, but to soar. To my fortune reconciled. For I am a miracle child! You won't see me bent over double, in darkess and rubble, where mountains of trouble are piled! I was destined to fly, watch me light up the sky! For I am a miracle child!
[cut to Joseph in a tent, sleeping, with the coat like a blanket, while breathing heavily, grunting, then cut to a painting, while opening the eye with the sheep appearing, then taking a sunflower, then waking up, looking at the sheep while getting up, then running with an animal growling, then looking at the wolves, then barking at Joseph, then running away, going through a hay, then grabbing a leash, then putting it down, then walking to a sheep]
Joseph: [whispering] Hey. [he tries to pet the sheep, then the wolf appears, chomping, then screaming while waking up, with Joseph being tied up] No! Stop! What's wrong?
Judah: What's going on? What did he say?
[lights up a fire]
Judah: What's the matter?
Joseph: It was wolves. There were wolves everywhere. They were coming out of the shadows. I was surrounded. They were all around me and...
Judah: That's it?
Simeon: You woke us for a dream?
Reuben:Ooh!
Jacob: [to the sons] Quiet down! You want to scare the sheep?
Joseph: The sheep. The ram. [getting up, then running, then opening a curtain] The wolves killed the ram. It was dead. I... I don't understand. It all seemed so real.
Jacob: Everything is fine, Joseph.
Rachel: [puts the coat on Joseph] It's over. There's nothing to worry about.
Jacob: And, you boys, since you're up, make yourselves useful. [gets the stick] Get to work before sunup. [throws a stick at Judah]
[the brothers groan]
Judah: [to Joseph] Thanks.
[the brothers go inside a tent]
Jacob: [to Joseph] Joseph, where do think you're going?
Joseph: Um, I, uh...
Jacob: [grabs a map to Joseph] You have studies.
Joseph: But, Father, I wanna go with them.
Jacob: Look. You know they have their work and you have yours.
Joseph: But why?
Jacob: Because you do. Because you do. Because you're a miracle child. For you, things are different.
Joseph: You've said that all my life. I don't want to be different. I want to be like them.
Jacob: Joseph, God has a plan and a purpose for you. You're not like the rest of us. I've worked this earth all my life, just as my father and grandfather did before me, and as your brothers will after me. That won't be your future.
Rachel: Jacob, even God rested on the seventh day. He'll find his future soon enough. Let him be with his brothers.
Joseph: Please?
Jacob: [sighs] Go on.
Joseph: [grabs a map to Jacob] Thanks.
Jacob: Be safe!
[they both look at Joseph, running away]
[cut to the men, digging hay]
Joseph: Judah! Simeon!
Simeon: Hmph! Look who's here.
Levi: The miracle child. What are you doing here?
Simeon: Don't you have some scrolls to read or something?
Joseph: Here, let me do that.
Levi: [to Joseph] Joseph! Wait, wait! You have to be very careful. You might cut your hands on the soft fur.
Joseph: [to Levi] Get away!
[judah and simeon laugh]
Joseph: I... I just want to help.
Simeon: [to Joseph] You've helped enough. Thanks to you, we'll work an extra hour today.
Joseph: You're not tired because you got up early. It's because you were out all night.
Simeon: Why, you little sneak. What do you know?
Joseph: I know about everything, the women and the drinking.There's a lot Father doesn't know.
Issachar: You wouldn't.
Simeon: He would. The little brat. [grabs Joseph] If you say one word, I'll wring your skinny neck.
Judah: [to Joseph and simeon] Stop it! If Father sent him, we should be happy for his help. Maybe he can do your work, Simeon. Huh! Somebody should.
[the brothers laugh]
Judah: Besides, there is something Joseph can do. [he takes Joseph]
Issachar: What's he doing?
Reuben:: I don't know.
Judah: [to brothers] Shh! While we round up the strays, can you watch the herd for us?
Joseph: Of course.
Judah: Good. We'll be back soon. Let's go.
Issachar: Maybe we should split up.
Judah: You go over there.
Joseph: [chuckling] Hey! What are you doing? Hey! [he laughs]
[the sheep bleats, then laughing, then petting the sheep, then the brothers laugh, then chattering]
Levi: Hey, come on! Look at him.
[he looks at throthers in the pool]
Levi: get him.
Issachar: You're too heavy.
brother falls in the water, then laughing, then sighing, then walking away, then putting the stick on the ground, then sitting on the rock, then bleating at Joseph]
Joseph: What? Are you making fun of me too?
[the sheep dances excitedly, then running]
Joseph: [to the sheep] Hey! [grabs a stick] Hey, come back! [opens the bushes, then looking at a wolf, growling] Huh?
[the wolf appears, growling, then gasping]
Joseph: [to the wolves] Get away! Get away!
[the sheep bleats, then the wolves start to attack the sheep, then running]
Joseph: [grabs a sheep] Gotcha!
[the wolves run through Joseph in a hay, then chomping closer to the sheep, then attacking Joseph, then hitting the tree, then Jacob attacks the wolf]
Jacob: [to the wolves, attacking] Back! Back! Get away!
[the wolf growls, then grunting, then the wolf continues growling, then sighing]
Jacob: [to Joseph] Joseph, are you hurt?
Joseph: [gives Jacob a hug] Father! [panting]
Jacob: [to Joseph] Your brothers, what are they? I asked you a question!
Joseph: They're... They're, uh... They... They went swimming.
Jacob: Swimming?
[the brothers run]
Judah: What happened?
Jacob: This is how you take charge? I expect you to watch after Joseph, but you abandoned my son. My son!
Judah: [to Jacob] Aren't we your sons too?
Joseph: The ram!
[the sheep bleats]
[then grabbing a leash, jingling]
Simeon: It's Joseph's dream!
Judah: Wolves kill sheep. It happens all the time.
Jacob: No! I understand. God sent you a vision of the future.
Simeon: Joseph didn't really see the future, did he?
Judah: Let's get back to work.
[cut at night, with Joseph sleeping in the bed, grunting, then going in a painting, with a bird flying, squawking, bringing a hay, then putting it down, with the brothers bringing a hay, then putting it all down, with the hays lying down, then they all look at a hay growing up, revealing stars, with sun and moon, then opening a curtain]
Issachar: Why do we wash before work? We don't want the sheep smelling you and running off. Hey, look who finally woke up. Oh, look at the sun brought up.
[Joseph puts water in his eyes]
Rachel: Good morning, Joseph.
Joseph: [takes a towel, then drying off the eyes] Mom, last night I had another dream.
Issachar: Oh, another dream!
Brothers: Ooh!
Joseph: I wasn't talking to you.
Issachar: Well, then, please, why don't you share it with all of us.
Simeon: Yes. Who'd the wolf get this time?
Joseph: You can laugh, but this time it was about all of you.
Levi: Oh, please, you must tell us our future, great Joseph.
Simeon:: Should I be scared?
Joseph: Leave me alone!
Judah: Come on, Joseph. Tell us. We're dying to hear about it.
Joseph: Well, all of us were carrying sheaves of wheat. I was among you, but then all of a sudden, I was above you and your wheat bowed to me...
Levi: I wonder what that's supposed to mean.
Judah: Nothing, that's what it means. Nothing.
Joseph: Hey, you asked to hear the dream.
Jacob: [to Joseph] What happened next?
Joseph: The sky was dark, and all around me there were stars. They were bowing to me too.
Issachar: Ooh! Let's all bow down to Joseph.
Jacob: We can't ignore these dreams. After all, his last one did come true.
Simeon: Are you saying that Joseph belongs all of us, even Judah?
Jacob: I'm not saying that, but there could be a message here.
Simeon: Judah's led the herd for years, brought in the wheat, raised the tents. He comes first before any of us, especially Joseph.
Jacob: Judah, it's not up to me. God may be telling us something of our future.
Judah: Then I guess all my work doesn't matter.
Jacob: Watch your tongue.
Rachel: Jacob, Judah, please!
Judah: I've had enough of this.
Reuben Let's go.
Levi: [sighs] Look at what your dreams have done. [grabs a bag to Joseph]
Joseph: Don't get mad at me. I didn't ask for them.
Simeon: You didn't ask for this either, brother. [hits Joseph, getting all wet]
Joseph: [putting the bag down] Half brother!
Jacob: Joseph! Boys! Apologize to each other!
Rachel: Let me talk to Joseph. [she walks by Joseph]
Jacob: [offscreen] He's just a boy. You're too harsh on him.
Judah: You're always defending him!
Jacob: [offscreen] His dreams come from God.
Rachel: Joseph, you need to be more understanding of your brothers. Life is a lot harder for them than it ever will be for you.
Joseph: Why do you defend them? They're not even your sons.
Rachel: They're no less my sons than you are. We're family, all of us. If we break apart, we have nothing left. [singing] You've seen the damage words can do, when full of thoughtless pride.
Jacob: That's enough!
Rachel: [continues singing] Now heed the wiser voice in you that calls to be your guide. The flowers reaching for the sun are all uniquely blessed. But though each is special, not a one is better than the rest. Bloom, bloom, may you know. The wisdom only time breeds. There's room, bloom and you'll grow to follow where your heart leads. Bloom and may you bring your colors to the vast bouquet. There's room, bloom, learn one thing. Your gifts are meant to give away.
Joseph: Thanks, Mom. [he runs off, then waving to Rachel] Judah! Simeon! Levi! Reuben! Where are you?
Judah: [offscreen] Joseph isn't fit to lead sheep.
Simeon: [offscreen] I agree.
Reuben: [offsreen] But he's our brother.
Issachar: [offscreen] Half brother. Said so himself.
Simeon: Judah is the one who should take over for Father.
Reuben Yes, but...
Issachar: Do you want a spoiled brat giving you orders?
Reuben No.
Simeon: Can we all agree that something has to be done about Joseph?
Judah: Yes. I agree.
[ levi grabs Joseph]
Levi: Hey, everybody! The little spy is back!
Joseph: I wasn't spying.
Simeon: Did Father tell you to check up on us?
Joseph: No! Maybe this was a mistake. I just want to...
Judah: Report on us to Father?
Simeon: You're his favorite.
Joseph: N-No.
Judah: [grabs Joseph] You look at scrolls all day while we're covered in sweat. Why is that, Joseph? Is it because we don't have pretty coats like you?
Simeon: [takes his coat off] I have mine.
Joseph: That's my coat!
Simeon: Step aside, brothers. I'm the new head of the family. Bow before me, you sheaves of wheat!
Levi: Oh, yes, Master Joseph, ruler of the world.
Joseph: Give it back, now!
Simeon: If you want your coat, why don't you go get it? [throws a coat to Reuben]
Issachar: Levi's got it.
Levi: No, I don't. Judah does.
Man: Come on! I've got it!
[ judah tears Joseph's coat, then yelling, then laying down on the ground, then they all laugh]
Joseph: I've had enough of this stupid game!
Judah: Joseph! Who says this is a game?
[the brothers push Joseph to the pit]
Joseph: What are you doing? Leave me alone! No! Stop it! [he falls down in a pit, then getting up, coughing]
Levi: [offscreen] What do we do now?
Issachar: [offscreen] Are we just going to leave him down there? What are we going to tell Father?
Judah: We'll think of something.
Joseph: Somebody! Please!
Judah: Just get out of here.
Simeon: Maybe he can dream his way out.
[the coat lands on Joseph]
Joseph: Don't leave me here alone! [he grunts, then sighs, then cut at night, with Joseph shuddering, with a lobster crawling on Joseph, then getting off of Joseph, then grabbing a rock, then pounding on the ground, killing a lobster, then the rope lands on the pit] I knew you'd come back. [he climbs out of the pit] You think this is funny? Well, Father won't be laughing when he hear... Who are you?
Slave Trader: Get him.
[the brothers grab Joseph]
Joseph: Hey! Hey! What are you doing? Ow! Let me go! You don't understand. I'm from the house of Jacob.
Horse Trader: A little scrawny, isn't he?
Lead Trader: It's hard to tell with that pretty coat on.
[Joseph falls to the ground]
Lead Trader: Hmm.
Joseph: No, no, no, don't take my...
Slave Trader: Get up!
Lead Trader: Looks like he's never worked a day in his life.
Horse Trader: That'll change.
Joseph: My brothers will come from me. Judah! Simeon! Levi! Please help me!
Judah: Joseph! We're right here.
Joseph: [sighs] Judah. [he hugs Judah] I told you they'd come for me.
Slave Trader: [dumps the pieces of silver on the hand] As agreed, 20 pieces of silver. [throws a bag to Judah]
Joseph: J-Judah.. Why... No! Help me! Levi, please. Issachar. Simeon. Stop them. Judah. Judah, help me, please.
[they take Joseph]
Joseph: Please!
[the slavers grunt, then taking a coat to Judah]
Joseph: Judah, please!
Issachar: [to Judah] Judah, we can't turn back now. We've gone too far.
[the rope ties Joseph's hands]
Horse Trader: Hut, hut!
[the camel takes Joseph]
Joseph: I'm your brother! I'm your brother!
Judah: Half brother.
Slaver: Yah!
[the camel continues taking Joseph, to a desert, with a wolf howling, then conserving at the campfire, with the wind howling, then grabbing a sunflower, then cut to Rachel and Jacob]
Rachel: Where could he have gone?
Jacob: Don't worry. I'm sure he's all right. [hugs Rachel] The boys will find him.
Judah: Father. This is all we found.
[they both look at the coat with blood]
Rachel: [gasping] Joseph!
Jacob: No! Joseph!
Rachel: Joseph!
[Rachel sobs]
Jacob: Oh, Rachel.
[Rachel continues sobbing, then cut back to Joseph]
Slave Trader: [kicks him] Hey, wake up.
[the sunflower flies away, casuing the tears in his eyes, then crackling of the campfire, forming a desert, taking Joseph]
Men: [singing] Behold the glory, behold the wonder, what we have made shall not be torn asunder! Such vast achievement, stone and papyrus! Beneath the gaze of Isis and Osiris! Land of majesty, where the heavens smile! Jewel of history shining by the Nile!
Man: Hey! Here. Exquisite, aren't they? Yes.
Slave Trader: Where's the slave market?
Lead Trader: Down by the docks.
[the camel brays, then taking Joseph, with a man shouting]
Men: [continues singing] Serve and be silent you who are chattel, we think of you as little more than cattle! This is your lot now and we advise you, to bow before whatever master buys you! Feel the power here! Power has its price!
Slave Trader: Let's go.
Men: [continues singing] Some can live like gods! Some must sacrifice!
Slave Trader: What do you have? A Canaanite.
Men: [continues singing] Through the centuries, many backs have bent! Many dreams are built, many lives are spent!
Joseph: Move, slave! Get in line.
Trader: Slaves for sale! Buy this one!
Man: Now, let's have a look at him. Let me see his teeth. Hmm. Mm-hmm. He's too skinny. This is more like it.
[he gasps]
Man: The captain of the guard needs a slave for his household.
Slave Trader: I have one you might like.
Man: Thirty pieces. Hmm. He looks healthy enough. Lord Potiphar!
Potiphar: He'll do.
Man: Ah. Looks like we have some work to do.
Men: [continues singing] Look and be humbled, learn what your place is Egyptian slave! No matter what your race is, this is your future your life suspended, and everything you knew before has ended! You are Egypt's now!
[Joseph coughs, then putting around Joseph]
Men: [continues singing] We have all control!
Joseph: Hey!
Men: [continues singing] From your every step to your very soul!
Man: Hold still. You're done. He's ready for work.
[he walks off, looking at a reflection of the water, putting a bucket in the water, then throwing a towel, wiping it off]
Man: It's not for your face. It's for the floor.
[he grunts, wiping the floor]
Joseph: Ow! [he looks at the hands]
[the brother laughs]
Simeon: Hey, Joseph, you missed a spot.
Levi: It's different doing real work, isn't it?
[Joseph puts the towel on the ground]
Issachar: No more baby soft hands.
Judah: Who bows now, little brother?
[the brothers laugh, then wiping it off]
Potiphar: [to Joseph] You there. Have you cleaned this entire courtyard by yourself?
Joseph: Yes.
Zuleika: He's a hard worker.
Potiphar: Hmm.
Zuleika: Maybe we could put him to better use in the banquet hall.
Potiphar: My wofe thinks you should work for her. What do you say?
Joseph: I cannot say. A slave is not his own master.
Potiphar: Well said. Find him some new clothes. Then get someone else to finish here.
Attendant: Yes, my lord.
[Zuleika walks to Joseph, then getting up, with a cat messing around on the table]
Asenath: Here, kitty, kitty, kitty! Come on.
[the cat yowls at joseph]
Asenath: Who brought the cat? Here, kitty, kitty, kitty. Oh, stop that.
[he chuckles]
Zuleika: Come down!
Woman: Aunt Zuleika, I'm sorry. I'll get down from there.
[the cat meows]
Woman: Please come down. Come here, kitty.
[Joseph pours into the bowl, then putting it down]
Joseph: Come here. Look at this.
[the cat drinks the water]
Asenath: [to the man, petting the cat] Hmm. She seems to like you. [grabs the cat] Thank you. I haven't seen you here before.
Joseph: Oh, I'm new.
Zuleika: [to Asenath] Asenath.
Asenath: Coming Aunt Zuleika. Good-bye.
[Joseph sighs, then hearing a horse whinnying, while painting]
Zuleika: Joseph, come here. I'm waiting.
Joseph: I'm coming! [he goes down the stairs to Asenath] Oh! Sorry, Asenath.
Asenath: Oh!
Joseph: What?
Asenath: I don't think you want my aunt seeing you like this. [wipes off his face] That's better.
Joseph: Thanks.
[he hears a horse whinnying]
Zuleika: [the flies buzz at Zuleika] Slave.
Joseph: Oh, yes, of course. [he walks to Zuleika]
[he hears a galloping hoofbeats]
Potiphar: Hyah! Hyah!
Zuleika: What a magnificent animal.
Potiphar: Faster. Faster. Ah! [laughing]
Zuleika: Slave. I'm in the sun.
Potiphar: Hyah! Ho! [laughing, stopping the horse] Whoa!
Horse Trader: Well?
Potiphar: [getting off of the horse] You were right. He's all that you promised. I haven't seen a finer horse in all of Egypt.
Horse Trader: I'm glad Your Excellency is pleased. There is still one small matter.
Potiphar: Oh, yes. As we agreed. [takes a bag of coins, then putting on a scale]
Horse Trader: Oh, forgive me, but something is not quite right.
Potiphar: I thought I brought the right amount.
Horse Trader: You're a busy man. Anyone can make a mistake.
[Potiphar puts the coins on a scale]
Horse Trader: He's yours. Pharaoh himself would be jealous.
Potiphar: Yes, he's a fine horse.
Joseph: [looking at a scale, then taking a bag of coins] Master, I think you should see this.
Horse Trader: Uh... Get away from that. Don't touch it!
Joseph: [puts a piece on a scale] Well, look at that.
Horse Trader: Well, I... It's broken. Your Excellency, I had no idea.
Potiphar: Of course not. You're a busy man. Anyone can make a mistake. And yours is going to cost you your freedom.
Horse Trader: Please, keep the stallion as a gift from me.
Potiphar: No. Take him away.
[the horse nickers]
Horse Trader: I have a dozen more horses! Take them all! Please, anything!
[Potiphar grabs the bag of coins]
Zuleika: Potiphar, you should keep it. You said it was the finest in all Egypt.
Potiphar: Own a horse taken from a thief? What would that say about my honor?
Zuleika: [scoffs] You ane your honor.
Potiphar: You've done well. What's your name?
Joseph: Joseph.
Potiphar: Joseph. You're an educated slave. Where did you learn?
Joseph: My father taught me.
Potiphar: Ah. He taught you well. Tell me what else your father has taught you. I can read and write Egyptian.
Man: [singing] A boy looks up and sees a golden gift of chance.
Potiphar: What a mess. Good luck.
Joseph: [continues singing] To prove his worth, and make the best of what might seem a dire circumstance. Onward and onward the slow and steady climb.
Potiphar: Master. Let's have a look.
Joseph: [continues singing] Task upon task that can lift him to the summit over time.
Potiphar: Well done, Joseph.
Joseph: [continues singing] You've got to take whatever road's at your feet. You've got to make whatever progress you can. Although the map you hold is far from complete. You've got to take whatever road's at your feet.
[the men laugh, then taking the bowl to Potiphar]
Potiphar: [smacking a bowl] To a good year, and to your friend.
[they both laugh, then painting a sunflower, then sighing, looking at a sun, and the men, laughing]
Judah: My neck is killing me. It's too early for this.
[the men continue cutting, then Jacob walking, filling up the bucket, then looking at the sunflowers with butterflies, then Rachel, with a harp, with Jacob walking, sitting next to Rachel]
Jacob: [hugs Rachel] Rachel.
Zuleika: Joseph.
Joseph: Huh?
Zuleika: Shh!
Joseph: W-Why are you here? Is something wrong?
Zuleika: No. This land, it's not Egypt. Is this your home?
Joseph: Canaan.
Zuleika: Please, tell me more about Canaan.
Joseph: [sighs] This is the place where I was born. These are the sunflowers my mother planted. This is my, uh... My...
Zuleika: Family? You miss them, don't you?
Joseph: My brothers. They betrayed me!
Zuleika: Joseph, we are your family now.
Joseph: Huh?
Zuleika: We care for you here. We... I feel you are special.
Joseph: What? No. W-Why have you come here tonight?
Zuleika: To be with you.
Joseph: No. This is not right.
Zuleika: Look at me.
Joseph: I will not betray my master.
Zuleika: I'm talking to you.
Joseph: No! Stop! No!
Zuleika: Wait! I order you to stay! [rips his clothes]
Joseph: No! [runs away]
Zuleika: Everything you are, you owe to me!
[Joseph continues running, then he hears Zuleika screaming, then the men start to attack Joseph, then falling on the ground]
Potiphar: You stood apart from the other slaves. I let you work home. I kept you from hard labor, and you did well for me. Or so I thought.
Joseph: Master...
Potiphar: No other slave was ever given this opporunity! I gave you my trust. What do you say yourself?
Joseph: I did nothing wrong.
Potiphar: And still you insult me with your denials! What am I to make of this?
[Zuleika sobs]
Joseph: It's not what it seems. I could never betray you.
Potiphar: Such insolence! Am I to believe a slave over my own wife?
Joseph: I swear. I did nothing to betray you.
Potiphar: Silence! For what have you done, you must be put to death. See to it.
Joseph: No, no. Master, Master, I beg of you. Tell him! Help me! Tell him that...
[the man grabs Joseph]
Joseph: Help me! Please!
Zuleika: Stop.
Joseph: He doesn't deserve to die.
Potiphar: Why? I see.
[Joseph pants]
Potiphar: Take him to prison.
[he grunts]
Joseph: Wait, master. No! Please! Believe me! I did nothing wrong!
[Potiphar takes his hat off, then sobbing, then going away]
Joseph: This is a mistake! [kicks Joseph, grunting, then closing the door, then groaning]
Baker: I did nothing wrong.
Butler: Yeah, we know you're innocent.
[he hears a mice squeaking, then yelling, then falling down on the ground, going up, then putting a blanket around, shivering, then sleeping, then Baker grabs the onion]
Butler: I know it sounds crazy, but it was so real.
Baker: I was up all night with my own dreams. Now you wanna take up my day with yours? [eats an onion, spitting]
Butler: No. Just listen. I was back at Pharaoh's palace, in a garden of grapes that had three old vines. A tear fell from my eye, and the vines drank it in. They became so thick with grapes, that I squeezed them into a cup and served it to Pharaoh.
Baker: That is quite a dream.
Joseph: I know what your dream means.
Butler: You do? How could you?
Joseph: I just do. It's some kind of gift. The three vines signify three days. In three days, Pharaoh will bring you back to the palace a free man.
Butler: [sighs] If only it were true.
Joseph: It is true. And when you're free, tell Pharaoh about my gift. Please. Promise me.
Baker: Some gift. To make up fairy tales and give hope to the foolish.
Butler: Maybe he's not making it up.
Baker: All right, then. Here's one I've had every night for the last week. I'm taking three baskets of bread to Pharaoh, one on top of the other, when the baskets fall. I go to pick up the bread, when suddenly a swarm of birds come out of nowhere and attack me. They keep pecking at me in the face and the eyes. What does it mean?
Joseph: I don't know.
Baker: Yes, you do. Tell me. [grabs Joseph] Tell me!
Joseph: The three baskets also signify three days. In three days, Pharaoh will behead you, and birds will feed on your flesh.
Baker: What? You're lying. You're lying!
Butler: Stop it! [grabs Baker] Don't pay attention to him. We're not going anywhere. [he pours the plant on thr ground with the mice running away, then eating an onion, then grabbing the onion, then putting it down, with a door opening, then gasping]
Man: Take him. Get up. [grabs Baker]
Baker: You knew. You knew! That's not a gift! That's a curse!
Man: Pharaoh has summoned you to the palace.
Butler: Why? What did I do?
Man: Let's go. [grabs Butler]
Joseph: It's gonna be all right. You'll see. Tell Pharaoh about me.
Butler: I will. [closing the door] Don't forget me! Don't forget me!
[closing the door, then fade to black, with a leaf falling on the ground, then picking it up]
Joseph: Guard! Tell them I'm still here! Answer me! [sighs] No one cares.
[the rain begins falling, then hearing a thunderclap, with Asenath, gasping while running away with a basket of food, then carrying it down slowly to Judah, gasping]
Joseph: Asenath!
Guard: Halt! Who's there?
[drops a basket of food, falling down]
Joseph: No!
[the basket breaks, then continues hearing thunderclaps, then the mice take their food, then yelling while grabbing the mice, then spitting, panting, and spitting]
Joseph: Oh, God why are you doing this to me? Do you hear me? Any kindness, you take away. You were the one who gave me the dreams. You brought me the gift. Some gift! My dreams are lies. What have I done to deserve this? [lets go, then falling down on the ground, then hearing a thunder rumbling, then getting up, looking at the branch and the leaf, then looking at it]
Man: [singing] I thought I did what's right. I thought I had the answers. I thought I chose the surest road, but that road brought me here. So I put up a fight, and told you how to help me. Now, just when I have given up, the truth is coming clear. You know better than I. You know the way I've let go the need to know why. For you know better than I. If this has been a test, I cannot see the reason, but maybe knowing "I don't know" is part of getting through. I try to do what's best, and faith has made it easy. To see the best thing I can do is put my trust in you. For you know better than I. You know the way. I've let go the need to know why. For you know better than I. I saw one cloud and thought it was the sky. I saw a bird and thought that I could follow. But it was you who taught that bird to fly. If I let you reach me. Will you teach me? For you know better than I. You know the way. I've let go the need to know why. I'll take what answers you supply. You know better than I.
[cut to Pharaoh walking along to the door, sighing, then opening the door, looking at Judah]
Joseph: Potiphar?
Potiphar: [puts hands behind his back] Pharaoh's butler said you interpet dreams.
Joseph:That is true. And?
Potiphar: Pharaoh is tortured by a dream. None of his wise men can explain it. I'm to bring you to the palace.
Joseph: Potiphar?
[lets go of the hands behind his back]
Joseph: It's good to see you again.
Potiphar: How could I have allowed this to happen? My wife...
Joseph: I understand. Let's go. [looking at the tree, then closing the door]
[cut to the men, bringing a bowl]
Pharaoh: For the sake of Egypt, relieve my suffering. [puts the bowl down, groaning, then the men put the shirt on, and the ring, and the hat, then grabbing the canes] Is this the one you spoke of?
Potiphar: Yes, Excellency.
Pharaoh: I'm told you merely need to hear a dream, and you can explain it.
Joseph: Not me, Your Excellency. The explanation comes from God.
Pharaoh: None of my wise men or magicians, none of my gods could help me. What make you think your God is any different? [the cane lets go of his neck]
Joseph: Tell me your dream, Pharaoh.
Pharaoh: Every night it's the same. I am standing by the Nile. Seven healthy cows graze peacefully on the banks.
[the cows bray, then hearing a thunderclap, then growling]
Pharaoh: But then seven horrible, sickly cows come from the same river, the most wretched I have ever seen in Egypt. Suddenly they begin to devour the healthy cattle, and yet the cows remain as sickly as before. And then I wake up.
Joseph: Is there more?
Pharaoh: Yes. Another dream always follows. Seven ears of grain, full and golden, grow from a single stalk.
[the eart quakes with a leaf growing]
Pharaoh: Suddenly, seven ears, hardened and scorched, spring up on the same stalk, and swallow the seven good ears.
[the creature bites the top, then breaking completely]
Pharaoh: All that remains are shriveled grains unfit to eat, and nothing else. Well?
Joseph: Pharaoh's dreams are one. The healthy cows and ears of grain are seven years of abudance. [shows the men cutting the hay, then throwing the hay] The sickly cows and the withered grain mean seven years of famine will follow, and destroy the land. Egypt may not survive.
Pharaoh: Can this be stopped? What can be done?
Joseph: [picking some berries] You must find a man you can trust. During the years of plenty, have him collect one-fifth of the grain from every field and store it under guard. Then, during the years of famine, give it back to the people.
Pharaoh: [to Joseph] Potiphar, you trust this man?
Potiphar: With my life, Excellency.
[they all take them to watch the crowd cheer, then silencing]
Potiphar: Through this man, I have seen the future of Egypt. And through his deeds, we shall prosper.
[puts around Joseph, then the crowd cheers]
Pharaoh: I am giving him power over all Egypt. Only Pharaoh will be greater. You shall call him "Tzafenat Paneah." God speaks, and he lives.
[the crowd cheers]
Crowd: Tzafenat Paneah!
[he walks to the door, looking at Asenath, petting a kitty, then putting a bowl down, then the cat gets off of Asenath]
Asenath: Hey. Kia, come back here. Hmm.
[he clears throat, then gasping]
Asenath: Tzafenat Paneah.
Joseph: Joseph.
[they both walk down, kissing, then they all cheer, then grabbing and dropping the dirt]
Joseph:: [singing] A single voice is joined by multitudes in song. With every verse, they're finding harmonies.
Men: Good morning.
Joseph: [continues singing] That rise to Heaven sure and strong.
Asenath: Hey. We've come to help.
Joseph: [continues singing] Richer and richer, the soil.
Joseph: Great!
Joseph: [continues singing] On which they thrive. Higher and higher a hymn of what it means to be alive. You've got to give a little more than you take. You've got to leave a little more than was here. You may be prideful of the strides you will make, but keep one thing clear. You're just a player in a much bigger plan, and still you have to give it all that you can. The very measure of your soul is at stake. You've got to give a little more than you take.
[the man cuts the grass]
Asenath: [singing] The seasons fly, a man stands where a boy once stood. His path unfolds, and unafraid he walks in service.
[the baby giggles]
Asenath: [continues singing] Of a grater good.
Both: [singing] Deeper and deeper, the lessons he has known. Over and over, the message he is surely being shown. You've got to give a little more than you take. You've got to leave a little mlre than was here. You may be prideful of the strides you will make, but keep one thing clear. You're just a player in a much bigger plan, and still you have to give it all that you can. The very measure of your soul is at stake, you've got to give a little more than you take. The very measure of your soul is at stake, you've got to give a little more than you take.
[the men all help make a building, then grabbing a baby, then waving, then blowing the wind, with the wind whistling, then picking a branch, with the wind blowing away, then the wind continues whistling, then they both bring a bucket out from the well, dumping from the ground, then the birds land on the skeleton, then they all close the door]
Potiphar: Next. How many in your family?
Woman: Five.
Potiphar: Fine.
Woman: Thank you, my lord.
[the man dumps the sand in the bag]
Potiphar: Next, please.
Woman: A long life for you, Excellency.
Joseph: And for you.
Potiphar: Ah, here's a responsible young man. How many in your family?
Menna: Four, my lord.
Potiphar: Very good.
[the man dumps the sand in the bag]
Joseph: Hi there. What's your name?
Menna: Menna. And this is my sister Nyla. I'm looking after her while my parents tend the sheep.
Pharaoh: Are you here for some grain too?
[she gasps, then taking it to Nyla, then laughing]
Menna: Thank you!
Nyla: Bye! [lets go of the girl, then taking to it while crying out]
Judah: Here you go. [gives it back to Nyla]
Potiphar: Who's next?
Judah: We are, my lord.
Potiphar: You are not Egyptian.
Judah: No, sir.
Joseph: My brothers and I have traveled far, from Canaan. [he pants]
Asenath: Joseph, what's wrong?
Joseph: Nothing.
Asenath: Look at you. You're shaking.
Joseph: It must be the sun. I'll be fine.
Judah: Please. Our wives and children are hungry.
Simeon: We don't ask for charity. We'll pay you with silver. [Joseph remeber the bag that Judah had.]
Potiphar: How many are you?
Judah: There are 12 of us. Ten of us here. At home, we have our father and youngest brother.
[he gasps]
Potiphar: Very well. Give them...
Joseph: Nothing! Ten foreingers asking for grain, no ties to Egypt. Are you thieves, hoping to see where we store our grain? Spies? I don't know what you are, but I don't believe your story.
Judah: Your Excellency, everything we say is true. I swear it.
Joseph: Then prove it! Produce this youngest brother.
Judah: But why?
Simeon: What would that prove?
Joseph: That you're not lying. If you're telling the truth, I'll let you buy all the grain you want. Till then, arrest this one! [pointing to Simeon]
[Asenath gasps]
Joseph: We'll hold him until you produce this youngest brother. Take him.
[they all grunt, then taking Simeon]
Judah: Stop!
Simeon: Judah, help me!
Guard: No!
Simeon: No! No! No!
Guard: Let's go.
[the door slams shut, with Judah sitting in the cave, with Joseph looking at it]
Asenath: Joseph, what are you doing? They're just trying to feed their families.
Joseph: They're thieves, here to steal our grain.
Asenath: [scoffs] They needed food, and they were prepared to pay for it. How can you say they're thieves? They've done nothing to you.
Joseph: [scoffs] Nothing? [sighs] They're my brothers.
Asenath: What?
Joseph: They sold me. They sold me into slavery. They took me away from my home. I never got to say good-bye to my mother. I never got to see my father grow old.
Asenath: Joseph, I... I didn't know. You're here now. You have a home, a wife who loves you, everything you could want.
Joseph: No. Not everything. [looking at Judah, with a door opening]
Asenath: I thought you learned something in that cell. Remember when I would bring food to you?
Joseph: Yes. [grabs Asenath's hand] It kept me going.
[they both give them a hug]
Simeon: Hey! You won't keep me here. My brothers will come for me. [echoing] My brother will come...
[he lets go of Asenath]
Asenath: Joseph.
[Joseph walks off]
Asenath: [singing] How long must there be anger here before we can rejoice. Embracing love instead of fear is but a simple choice. It's hard for me to see you fall, so bitter and so blind. When the truest nature of us all invites us to be kind. Bloom, bloom may you know. The wisdom only time breeds. There's room, bloom and you'll grow to follow where your heart leads. Bloom and may you live the way your life was meant to be. There's room, bloom and forgive.
Potiphar: Tzafenat Paneah! The family of Canaanites... They've returned.
Asenath: [continues singing] Let sweet compassion set you free.
Joseph: Thank you.
Asenath: Maybe they've suffered these last 20 years, as well. Maybe they've changed.
Joseph: No. I don't think so.
[they hear a door closing, then opening a curtain while murmuring]
Judah: Don't speak unless you're spoken to.
levi: Hmm. Don't worry. It'll be all right.
[Joseph opens the curtain, then the men bow down]
Joseph: Welcome.
[the men get up]
Joseph: You've done what I've asked?
Judah: Our brother, Benjamin.
[he walks to Benjamin]
Joseph: You kept your word. Bring out the other brother. So, Benjamin, tell me of your mother and father.
Benjamin: My mother is no longer alive.
Joseph: Oh. I-I'm sorry. And your father?
Benjamin: He's worried I'm here.
Joseph: Why is that?
Benjamin: I'm a long way from home.
Joseph: Oh? Doesn't he trust your brothers to protect you?
Benjamin: He likes me to stay close by.
Joseph: Really? Why is that?
Benjamin: A long time ago, he... he lost his youngest son.
Joseph: Well, I'm sorry to hear that. How did that happen?
Benjamin: He was killed.
Joseph: Killed? How?
Benjamin: By wolves.
Joseph: Wolves?
Benjamin: Yes. It broke my father's heart.
Joseph: Well, it must have been very hard on your brothers too.
Benjamin: They never speak of it.
Joseph: Don't they?
Simeon: Benjamin!
Brothers: Simeon!
Benjamin: [hugs him]
Simeon: I was beginning to worry.
[they all murmur]
Joseph: [claps his hands] You must be hungry after your journey. Come. You'll be my guests.
[the traditonal music begins playing with the women bringing some food to the guests, then pouring in the cups, then giving the cup to Joseph, then the music stops]
Joseph: A toast to brothers.
All: To brothers!
[the traditional music continues playing, by sharing the food, then sitting down, looking at a cup, then taking the food, then looking at a cup, then they all chatter]
Judah: Stop this. You have no right. We've done nothing wrong.
[he walks down the staris to Asenath]
Asenath: What's going on? Why have they been arrested? Joseph, what are you doing?
Joseph: You'll see.
Man: Get back in place. Get back in...
Joseph: I give you food. I take you into my home. And this is how you repay me, by stealing?
Reuben: We wouldn't steal from you. We'd never do such a thing.
Joseph: And now you insult me by lying.
Judah: What?
Joseph: [takes a sword] One of you has stolen from me. [tears all of the bags with the sand out] Benjamin. [opens the top from the bag, then tearing it down, with the golden cup falling down and rolling] The favored one.
Benjamin: I didn't take it!
Joseph: Arrest him. For what have you done, you will be punished.
Benjamin: Someone put it in there. Ow!
Judah: Stop! Take me instead.
Simeon: I beg you.
Issachar: Take me.
All: Take me! Take me!
Judah: Take any of us, your grace, but, please, let the boy go.
Joseph: You would sacrifice yourselves for a half brother who's spoiled by your father?
Judah: Yes.
Joseph: Why? Why should you care if I take him, beat him, make him a slave?
Judah: Because I will not make my father suffer again.
Joseph: [lets gof of Benjamin] Again? What do you mean, "again"?
Judah: Our brother was not killed by wolves. We were blinded by jealousy and sold him into slavery. For 20 years, we have lived with that guilt.
[puts the sword on the ground]
Judah: We can't go back without the boy. My father could not bear it a second time. And neither could be. If anyone is to be punished, it should be us. [he grabs the bottom on the clothes, then sighing, then taking the hat off]
Joseph: I will not harm any of you or our father. I am your brother Joseph.
Judah: Joseph?
Issachar: It's Joseph.
brother: I can't believe you're here.
Simeon: How can it be?
Benjamin: Joseph?
Joseph: I have some much to tell you, so many questions to ask.
Judah: [gives him a hug] Oh, Joseph, can you ever forgive us?
Joseph: I already have. Can you forgive me for thinking I was some miracle from God?
Judah: But you are a miracle. God sent you to save our family and all of Egypt. And you did.
Joseph: Asenath? Please. I'd like you to meet my brothers.
All: Welcome. Pleasure to meet you.
[he hugs Asenath]
Joseph: You will join me here, all of you, with your families.
Manasseh: Look!
[they all look at the men, walking up]
Judah: I see him! There he is!
Benjamin: It's him! There he is!
Jacob: Joseph!
Joseph: Father. Father! Father! [he runs down, then they both put the sacks down, then taking the hat off] Father!
[last lines]
Jacob: Joseph. [hugs Joseph, letting go of the stick] My boy. My boy. Your mather prayed this day would come, that we'd all be together again as a family. It's a miracle.
Joseph: Yes, Father. It is a miracle.
[ ephraim touches the clothing of Jacob, then jacob picking him up]
Joseph: [singing] Oh, you know better than I! You know the way! I've let go the need to know why! I'll take what answers you supply, you know better than I.