A GREAT FEATURE.

Franklin Times, Volume XXII, Issue 89, 1 August 1932, Page 4

A GREAT FEATURE.

PASSION PLAY OF OBERAMMERGAU.

PRESENTATION AT PUKEKOHE. On Thursday next at the Masonic hall, will be presented the great ‘Passion play of Oberammergau,’ which has been produced every 10 years since 1634. . . How this play came into existence is of interest. It was at the time of the Black Plague in 1633. The village of Oberammergau had maintained a strict quarantine and had escaped the plague until late in the season. Casper Schuler, a resident, when away over the mountains, was taken with an uncontrollable desire to see his family. 1-Ie evaded the quarantine, and came home on Saturday evening. On Monday morning he was dead from the plague, which he had contracted, outside tiie village and'-it rapidly spread till eighty-four persons died in thirtythree days. The villagers came together for a day of fasting and prayer, at tin' close of which they promised that, if the plague was stopped, in recognition of God’s mercy they would perform the scenes of Christ’s passion and death every ten years as long 'as Gberammergau remained a village. The plague was stopped, and they have kept their vow, although in the face of many difficulties. It is a remnant of the church plays from the tenth to the eighteenth centuries, and it is a reverent means of trying to impress upon the heart, by means of the eye the wonderful story of the Passion. It is the first time that the Passion Play of Oberammergau pictures have been allowed to be shown in New Zealand, and they are attracting more than usual interest. The season is limited, and there can be no extension. In view of the crowded houses in other

centres, the management advise booking seats, for which there is no extra charge. It is open to all denominations, and is not being run for profit. Any profits that are made are used to take the pictures to smaller towns that ordinarily would not return expenses.