KEEPING ANCESTORS' VOW

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1930, Page 9

KEEPING ANCESTORS' VOW

ECHO OF ANCIENT PLAGUE

CUSTOM OF OBER-AMMERGAU

GATHERING IN BAVARIA

By Teiegrapn—l’resß Assn.— Copyright. Berlin, May 9.

An Ober-Ammergau report states that t_e villagers of this tiny Bavarian town again showed the devotion with which they fulfil the solemn vow- of their ancestors 299 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, amid drizzling rain and dark, scurrying clouds over the towering mountains, was a most effective sight. Every third inhabitant of the village participated in the performance. There were 550 on the stage and in the choir or orchestra, and 200 as stage hands. Despite the financial complications involved in presenting the play in modern conditions —the new theatre, alone, cost £50,000 —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. Thirty-five performances will be given. A journalist spoke to Alois Lang; who plays as Christus. The gentle, lovable man was tired after the long rehearsal. “It is anxious work,” he said, sadly. “There are these unpaid rehearsals all the winter e,yenings. In the daytime I do wood carving. I now have a leading part, and hope to get good prices, for even a Christus must live. We have 14 boarders to-morrow.”

“He gets no rest,” broke in his stout wife, who was accompanied by live dachshunds.

Half-way down the village was the High Priest Caiaphas, shoeing a horse. He° is a big, handsome fellow with a black beard. “No one loves Caiaphas,” he stated. “I’ve played the part twice, but my son plays the Angel at the Tomb, wffiich is better.”

Across the street was the “Virgin Mary,” busy tft housework in overalls, her long, fair hair tucked away. “You are young for the part,” said t'he journalist. “Yes,” she replied. “At the Crucifixion the Virgin was 50; I’m not yet 23, but only unmarried women under 30 can participate in the Passion Play. People say I will marry a rich Ameriinan, but I never will; I will not leave Ober-Ammergau. I played i.i the crowd when under four years of age. You’ll excuse me; 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; I am tired of rehearsals.” “Perhaps,” suggested the journalist, “you will some day go to America to enter the films.”

“Never,” he’replied. “We have had big offers, but no one at Ober-Ammergau worth! do such a thing. But I must’nt stay gossiping; we have 20 boarders coming to-morrow.”