An original play based on the Book of Esther will be presented this month at the Union Street Brick Church. Esther is a story of political intrigue and attempted genocide after the people of Israel were conquered by the Babylonian Empire that in turn collapsed under the Persian war machine. The Persian kings allowed the refugees to return to Israel. The play is focused on those who remained in Persia under the reign of King Xerxes and an ambitious prime minister, who because of his hatred of one man, Mordecai, a Jew, plots to slaughter an entire race. Even as Mordecai warns Esther to hide her nationality, he begins to exert his own Jewish identity by refusing to bow to Haman, the important court official. When Esther is chosen the new queen by King Xerxes and Haman prepares a campaign to destroy his enemy Mordecai, a drama of courage and salvation unfolds in a time of internal strife and international threats. Kim Slininger wrote, designed and co-directed the production. Free performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 11, 17 and 18, and at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 12 and 19 at the Union Street Brick Church at the corner of Main and Union streets. Call 945-9798.