PASSION PLAY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18759, 16 July 1935, Page 14

PASSION PLAY

IN FRONT OF CATHEDRAL PARIS, June 14. A passion play of the life of Christ will unfold before 20,000 spectators in front of the majestic old facade of Notre Dame Cathedral to-night to the peals of the famous organ and chants of a choir of “Angel” voices. The play, entitled “The Real Mystery of the Passion,” written in the middle ages by a one-time organist of the cathedral, will be presented out of doors for the first time since 1540 as one of the most glamorous opening pageants ol the Paris season of grandes fetes. The presentation of scenes from the first century of Christianity will be enhanced by many modern devices of the twentieth century. Hundreds of electrical floodlights will illuminate tiie great facade of the cathedral from which the sculptured figure of Christ and the Apostles look down. Loud speakers will amplify the actors’ voices to the audience.

Romauld Joube, a French actor, will play the part of Christ, Juliette Verncuil that of the Virgin Mary, Clarifond will represent Satan and Andre Varenne is to portray Pontius Pilate. Besides Cardinal Yerdier, Archbishop of Paris, and a large group of officials, a great throng from all ranks of life will gather in the square to witness the historic spectacle, which will be repeated Saturday and Sunday nights.