J.B. by Archibald MacLeish

Esther Mok as Nickles

Esther Mok performing as Nickles in J.B. by Archibald MacLeish. This was an ICS production performed in November 2011 at the Lu Kao Hwa Theater, Hong Kong. J.B. is a modern retelling of the story of Job, a biblical figure presented as a devout and prosperous family man who was beset with horrendous disasters that took away his offspring, health and property. In MacLeish's play, Nickles, one of the main characters, is a popcorn vendor in the circus who assumes the role Satan. 

Mr Zuss and Nickles conversing

Nickles the popcorn vendor

Evil you call it! Look at those lips. They've tasted something bitter as a broth of blood and spat the sup out.

I heard upon his dry dung-heap that man cry out who cannot sleep

'Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.'

'Behold! I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him'

  

Nickles gives up and leaves angrily

Photo credits: Chris Meyer and Paul Wilson

Click here for the production's prelude dance video.