Edmond Rostand, the genius behind Cyrano de Bergerac, turns his attention to a tiny moment from the Gospel of John. He takes the story of the Samaritan woman who meets Jesus at a well and asks for a drink of 'living water.' That's it for the source material. Rostand builds an entire world from that spark.

The Story

The play is in three acts, or 'tableaux.' First, we see the immediate aftermath. The woman, Photina, runs back to her town of Sychar, bursting to tell everyone about the strange, insightful man she just met. The second part shows the ripple effect. The townspeople are skeptical, curious, and downright gossipy. They debate whether to go see this prophet for themselves. Finally, we see the outcome. A crowd returns from meeting Jesus, and Photina witnesses the real impact of her testimony.

Why You Should Read It

What I love is how Rostand makes this ancient figure feel so real. Photina isn't just a symbol; she's a woman who is excited, scared, and maybe a little unsure if she did the right thing by speaking up. The dialogue between the skeptical townsfolk is sharp and often funny—it feels like any small town reacting to big news. Rostand's verse is beautiful but clear, making big ideas about faith and transformation feel personal and immediate.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for fans of Rostand's other work who want to see a quieter side of his talent. It's also great for anyone interested in historical fiction that breathes life into minor biblical characters. You don't need to be religious to appreciate it; at its heart, it's a play about how a single moment of grace can unsettle a whole community and change one person's story. A thoughtful, quick, and surprisingly moving read.