THE PASSION PLAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21022, 10 May 1930, Page 13

THE PASSION PLAY

FINAL REHEARSAL HELD. AN IMPRESSIVE SIGHT. (United Press Association.) (By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright.) BERLIN, May 8. An Oberammergau report states that the villagers in this .tiny Bavarian town again showed the devotion with which they fulfil the solemn vow of their ancestors made 298 years ago when the plague was raging, to represent the Passion of Christ every decade. The final rehearsal at the new theatre, in preparation for Sunday’s official opening, was witnessed by the entire Bavarian Government, the Papal Nuncio, and celebrities from all parts of the world. The fluttering costumes of the players, and the crucified figure on the cross, made a most impressive sight amid drizzling rain and dark, scurrying clouds over the towering mountains. Every third inhabitant of the village participates in the performance. There were 550 people on the stage, in the choir or in the orchestra. There are 200 stage hands. Despite the financial complications involved in the presenting of the play under modern conditions —the new theatre alone cost £so,ooo—there is every evidence that the original religious intention is maintained in spirit as well as form. There are 5500 beds for strangers in the village of 2100 inhabitants. Thirtyfive performances will be given, LEADING PLAYER INTERVIEWED, BERLIN, Mayß. . A Journalist spoke to Alois Lang, who is Ohrlstus, a gentle, lovable -nan, who was tired after the long rehearsal. “It is anxious work,” he said sadly. “There are unpaid rehearsals all the winter evenings. In. the daytime I do wood carving. I now have a leading part, and hope to get a good price, for even a Christus must live. We will have 14 boarders tomorrow.” “ He gets po rest,” broke in his stout wife, who was accompanied by five dachshunds. Halfway down the village was the high Priest Gaiphas shoeing a horse. He is a big and handsome fellow, with p black beard. “No one loves - Caipbas,”’ he stated. “ I have played the part twice, but |ny son, he plays the Angel at the Tomb, which is better,” Across the street was the “Virgin Mary,” busy at house work In an overall, with'her long, fair hair tucked away. “You are young for the part,” said the journalist. “ Yes,” she replied, “ at the crucifixion the Virgin Mary was 50, while I am not yet 23, but only unmarried women under 30 can participate in the passion play. People say I will marry a rich American, but I never will; I will not leave Oberammergau. I played in the crowd when I was under four years of age. You’ll excuse me, as we are expecting 16 boarders to-morrow.”' At the end'of the.street was “Saint John,” busy with a paint brush. He said, “ I am glad the real play is coming; T am' tired of rehearsals.” ‘ Perhaps,” suggested the journalist, “ you will' some day go to America to enter the films,” “ Never I We have had big offers, but no one at Oberammergau would do such a thing. But I mustn’t stay gossiping as we have 20 boarders coming to-morrow.”