Passion play

A Passion play is a dramatic presentation depicting the Passion of Christ, the suffering and death of Jesus. It is a traditional part of Lent in several Christian denominations, particularly in Roman Catholic tradition.

Related Topics:
Passion - Christ - Jesus - Lent - Christian - Roman Catholic

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Many different retellings of this story have been produced over the centuries. The most famous is that first performed in 1634 and now performed every ten years at Oberammergau in Germany. The villagers vowed that if God spared them from the effects of the bubonic plague then ravaging the region they would perform the story of Christ's Passion every ten years. The play is performed at the start of each decade, i.e. in years ending with a zero (see Oberammergau Passion Play). More than 2000 performers take part, and all are residents of the village.

Related Topics:
1634 - Oberammergau - Germany - Bubonic plague - Oberammergau Passion Play

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In Catalonia, Spain, it is common for villages to present different passion plays every Easter, like the one in Olesa de Montserrat, which was first documented in 1538. The 1996 production surpassed the world record for the most people acting onstage at the same time, with 726 persons.

Related Topics:
Catalonia - Spain - Easter - Olesa de Montserrat - 1538 - 1996

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In Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Great Passion Play is regularly performed and very popular. Another popular passion play is "The Promise" performed near Glen Rose, Texas.

Related Topics:
Eureka Springs - Arkansas - Glen Rose, Texas

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The 2004 film The Passion of the Christ was a film with a plot similar to that of Passion plays. The 1989 film Jésus de Montréal presents the staging of a very unorthodox version while the players' lives themselves mirror the Passion.

Related Topics:
2004 - The Passion of the Christ - 1989 - Jésus de Montréal

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