A GREAT FEATURE.

Franklin Times, Volume XXII, Issue 90, 3 August 1932, Page 5

A GREAT FEATURE.

PASSION PLAY OF OBERAMMERGAU -TO-MORROW NIGHT. . " ~ The Passion Play 5 of Oberammergau made world famous by the simple and devout people of that small Bavarian village, will be shown in the Masonic haTl, Pukekohe, on Thursday. The people of Oberammergau who in 1633 made a vow that they would produce the play once every decade, if their village, of some 2,000 inhabitants was freed from the Black Plague, have demonstrated their religious sincerity by refusing many tempting offers from wealthy American film companies for the film rights of the production. It was only after very tactful negotiations that those in charge of the present pictures were able to gain permission to show the world the marvel of faith as displayed by the Bavarian peasants in their thankfulness at deliverance from the plague. So famous has the passion play become that during presentation the population of Oberammergau grows some 2,000 to 6,000, necessitating the building of a theatre to accommodate 5200 persons. The play was last enacted in 1930, at which presentation the part of the Ghristus was taken by Alois Lajng, who in common with the rest of the characters, was a respected inhabitant and manual worker of the village. The pictures give the impression of absolute sincerity on the part of all the players, who in their religious zeal almost live the parts they perform in this mighty drama of Christ's life from the cradle to the Cross. The closing scenes of the Gross and the resurrection are so faithfully portrayed that their soul-stirring message is effectively brought to the audience. The presentation in New Zealand is not being run for profit, but so that the world may learn more of the power and love of Christ manifested in the Cross and offering its protection to every human heart.