Among the many characters who bring the Verges Procession to life, one figure often goes unnoticed but is crucial to the plot: Malchus. Although he lacks the authority of the Sanhedrin, he serves as the right-hand man of Caiaphas and stars in one of the most emotional moments on Maundy Thursday night.
The Role of Malchus: Between Hierarchy and Street Action
Malchus is known primarily as the trusted servant of the High Priest Caiaphas.
His character acts as a bridge between the high religious authorities and the direct action on the street, as he is tasked with leading the troops to arrest Jesus.
Furthermore, his costume and staging in Verges reflect this status as a servant with authority, always positioning him near the Sanhedrin.
Malchus in the Verges Procession: The Miracle of the Ear
The climatic moment for Malchus takes place during the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane. According to the script, during the arrest, the apostle Peter strikes Malchus, cutting off his ear.
Then, an extraordinary event occurs: Jesus, with “very great love,” touches the wound and miraculously heals him in front of everyone.
Despite receiving this divine favour, Malchus’s reaction is one of the most dramatic moments in the Verges text. The script specifies that once healed, Malchus “treacherously repays the favour” by saying:
Oh Rabbi, such a great favour from your heart I cannot ignore. But with that… consider yourself under arrest!
For this reason, Malchus perfectly embodies the figure of the grateful traitor. He becomes the one to tie Jesus’s hands immediately after being healed by him.
Symbolism and Presence Throughout the Town
Malchus’s presence is not limited to the main square’s stage; it extends throughout the entire procession route around the town.
By accompanying The Jews and the Manages, Malchus reinforces the sense of siege and control over the condemned Jesus.
In essence, he is a character whose small act of betrayal reminds us of human complexity and the harshness of the Passion story that the people of Verges preserve with such dedication.
