Thursday, July 1, 2010

We attended the Passion Play today, a six hour production, beginning at 2:30, breaking at 5:30 for dinner, then continuing from 8 - 11 pm. The play covers the last week of Jesus' life, from Palm Sunday through Easter, and includes many of the teachings from throughout the gospel of John and the Sermon on the Mount. By adding these parts to the story of the Passion, people unfamiliar with the gospels understand more of Jesus' teachings, in addition to learning about the events of Holy Week.

Pr. Andy is asking a variety of people to blog about their impressions and experiences of the Passion Play. Below are the first few.

Having just come back from the Passion Play, I have to say that it was VERY moving. The chorus that opened the play was a lineup of 48 singers that produced a sound that is difficult to describe. This was a world class production of an age old story of Jesus. The music alone will move you to tears. This was a once in my life time experience that I am grateful to have been able to experience with my friends at St. Andrews Lutheran Church. --Jan Paulsen

The Passion Play was overwhelming – much better than expected! The Passion Sunday scene with Jesus riding in on the donkey with the crowds shouting, “Hosanna!” and then later when an even larger crowd was shouting, “Crucify him!” were two very emotional scenes for me. When Jesus was praying to God in the Garden (before he was arrested) was also very moving. A lot of time was devoted to the torment that Judas went through and the acting brought out a lot of Kleenex time in the audience. The entire production with the choral singing, music and acting made the Passion very real – very spiritual. Try to attend the next one. I highly recommend it! --Darlene Elwin

The Oberammergau Passionsspiele 2010 certainly succeeded in transporting me back to a different place and time—the last few days of Jesus. “Living Images,” along the lines of the “Pageant of the Masters,” were placed throughout the play and provided contrast to the stirring drama of the various acts and scenes. The crowd scenes were particularly moving as were the portrayals of Thomas, Peter and especially Judas and Jesus. I also thought the part of Pilate was played masterfully, even if a bit frighteningly. The excellent orchestra, chorus and narrator helped make this play very compelling. --Scott Skinner

How amazing that this play has been going on for so long! Beginning as the village's plea for God to stop the plague which took so many lives. The performers have to been born in Oberamergau or been living there for 20 years. There were little babies who were part of the crowd and older folks who have probably lived there their whole lives. Can you imagine if the city of Santee tried to put something like this together? And there were about 4800 people from all over the world there! Wowzers! --Rachel Leeanne Line

The Passion play far exceeded my expectations. The production was AMAZING! The actors did a really good job. They made it seem like you were actually there witnessing everything. It was extremely emotional and very moving. I cried when Jesus was crucified. I think everyone needs to see it!!--Erica Alexander

I like Germany. Wow what an AMAZING experience!! The Passion Play was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced! I felt transported to that time. I was moved by the feeling of the people. I had never felt much sympathy for Judas but now I can understand how deceived he felt. My favorite line spoken by the narrator was "Voluntary as well, Jesus carires -
stumbling, falling - the burden of the cross,
that for us becomes a symbol of hope,
a promise of eternal life.
I have never been more happy for Easter morning than I was when the play ended.
--Stephanie Alexander

The following photos were taken from the sides of the ticket building...