Passion play

Press, 1 April 1980, Page 14

Passion play

Until more was known about disease, people lived in fear of plagues that spread rapidly over wide areas.

[• When a particularly ! virulent plague was raging through Europe in 1663, the inhabitants of a German village called Oberammagau prayed to be spared from the terrible disease. It seemed that their prayers were answered, because not one person fell victim to the plague. When the grim ordeal was over the people of Oberammagau vowed that they would not forget the mercy they had received. For more than 300 years the pledge made in 1663 has been honoured by the desscendants of the people who made it; and witnessed by visitors from many countries, because the Omerammagau Passion Play, held every 10 years, is world famous. , It is to be produced this year in a theatre which holds 5000 people. The stage is in the open, but the audience ns under cover. The play continues in all weathers,; although rain is unusual in the months of late spring and summer.

Planning begins three . years before the event. The < cast of nearly 1000 is made I up of people who live in L the village. Men allow I their hair and beards to L grow; and children begin jh to live their parts for the-K play which fells .the story of the life and the death of Jesus. -Ei All available accom-.w modation in hotels and,® private homes is ' taken; SI over by the Passion Play M Committee. Visitors maylife stay for only two nights* K and the play is staged three fe times a week for months. i* ■ • The performance at 8.30 a.m. and,. with abreak for lunch, continues W; 1 until 5 pan. ' When the season -■' JsO finished, and all expenses have been paid, part .of profit is used for the upO* keep of the theatre costumes, the balance going to community welfare, fpWS old people and refugees inw the village.

In’ the past the Passion -S Play Committee has refused to sell the film rights .of this -unique play, be-/;l»* cause it has to be held in <£■ Oberammagau where theGhi pledge was made, . .