Oberammergau Passion Play 2020
Rev Sharon is organising a trip to this (in conjunction with Tailored Travel) – 7 days from £1369 departing 3rd September 2020 on behalf of the Berkshire Surrey Borders Circuit.
What is the Oberammergau Passion Play?
The History: In 1633, in the middle of the Thirty Years War, Bavaria was being swept by a plague epidemic and more than 80 lives had been lost in Oberammergau alone. The local elders vowed that if the village were purged of the plague, they would ‘keep the Passion tragedy every 10 years’. The epidemic came to a standstill and in 1634 the villagers fulfilled their solemn promise for the first time. Ever since they have loyally kept their vow and in 2020 Oberammergau will, for the 42nd time, be staging the Passion Play telling the story of Christ’s Passion, from his entry into Jerusalem and ending with the Resurrection and Ascension.
The Play: The Play is performed exclusively by amateur actors, who were either born in Oberammergau or have lived there for the past 20 years. In 2010, over 2,000 of the 5,300 or so inhabitants were involved either on stage or backstage. A special feature of the Oberammergau Passion Play is its living tableaux: colourful scenes from the Old Testament, which are woven into the story of the Passion in the form of still life pictures.
The Stage: The roofed auditorium has seats for nearly 4,500 spectators. The terraces rising towards the back of the auditorium ensure a good view from every seat of the open air stage, where the play is performed whatever the weather.
The Music: The music, with choral and prologue performances, was composed between 1811 and 1820 by Oberammergau’s teacher and church musician Rochus Dedler. The music directors added their own compositions and some contemporary touches for the Passion Plays in 2000 and 2010.
Please contact Sharon if you’re interested, or see the leaflets in Church.