‘Passion Play’ of Oberammergau:

10 February 2020

The Oberammergau ‘Passion Play’ is a famous play performed by the villagers of Oberammergau, Bavaria enacting the Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus. The play is performed every 10 years since 1634 in an open-air stage in the backdrop of the picturesque mountains of Oberammergau. This year will be the 42nd production of the play which will be held from May through October 2020. This is often undertaken by people as a pilgrimage. During the 1600’s when the Black Plague swept through Europe, their ancestors promised to God that they would enact the ‘Passion Play’ every 10 years if their village was spared. God heard their prayers and protected them. In gratitude for the favour received they began enacting the play since then. The tradition has been followed by subsequent generations till date without fail.

History and Legend:

Oberammergau is a town located in Bavaria approximately 60 miles from Munich, Germany. The town is now famous for its performance of the Passion of Christ once every decade. This tradition began in the year 1634 when the Black Plague swept through Europe wiping out a large majority of the population. The villagers of this small town vowed that if their town was spared from the plague, they would perform the Passion of Christ every 10 years. Their prayers were heard and in gratitude for the favour received all the subsequent generations have kept their vow by enacting the Passion of Christ every 10 years. This year will be the 42nd performance.

The ‘Passion Play’ begins with the enactment of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, His Passion, Death and Resurrection and His Ascension into Heaven. The play is performed in an open theatre in the backdrop of the mountains. Though the play is enacted in German language, people travel from all over the world to watch it. The play is usually held from May to late September or early October and is performed 5 days every week beginning at 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and after a dinner break resumes again at 8 p.m. and ends by 10.30 p.m.

There are some interesting facts about the team members of the play. All the people involved in it are either born in Oberammergau or have lived there for more than 20 years. Most of the roles are handed down from generation to generation. Over 2000 residents of the town are involved in acting, singing and overall support. Men grow their beards to appear authentic and all the costumes are handmade. There are 124 speaking roles, a 65 member orchestra, 48 person chorus and hundreds of others who are involved in the background arrangements, stage settings, attendants, seamstresses and support team.

This year the play will be begin in May 2020. Lakhs of people from all over the world are expected to come and see the play. Most of them undertake it as a pilgrimage.