Gripped by war, poverty and plague, the villagers of Oberammergau, in Bavaria, southern Germany vowed to put on a 'passion play' every ten years…
That was back in 1633. They survived, and performed the first Oberammergau Passion Play in 1634. Ever since, their descendants have carried out that pledge.
For the past four centuries the tradition has continued, every ten years. Only villagers have been allowed to take part. And that is what will happen yet again in 2010, from 15th May until 3rd October.
They devote a year of their lives to re-enacting the life, death and resurrection of Christ.
All performers are laymen and pursue their usual careers as wood carvers, house wives and so forth...
In real life for instance Jesus is a psychologist and Mary Magdalene works as a flight attendant.
Like everyone else in the village, 'Jesus' and 'Mary' are ordinary people. By taking on these roles, they are fulfilling the promise to God made by their ancestors, celebrating their faith and sharing it with the world...
...as Oberammergauers have for some 375 years.
About half the inhabitants of Oberammergau take part in the once-a-decade Passion Play.
In 2010, this means that over 2,000 villagers will bring the story of Jesus of Nazareth to life for audiences that flock in from around the world. Using the impressive open-air stage, the play lasts five hours. (There is also a three-hour intermission for dinner).
The play starts with Jesus entering Jerusalem, continues up to his death on the cross and finishes with his resurrection. As ever, this is an extraordinary community effort. 2010 sees a new production, directed by Christian Stückl - a local, who is also manager of Munich's outstanding Volkstheater. He is supported by the artistic team that staged the Passion Play in 2000: Deputy director and dramatic adviser Otto Huber, set and costume designer Stefan Hageneier and music directors Markus Zwink and Michael Bocklet. Again, all are from Oberammergau.
Rehearsals last ten months. Already working on the revised text are the villagers selected to play Jesus and Mary, Pontius Pilate and the apostles, the priests, soldiers and children. The orchestra and the choir are studying the memorable score, composed in the 19th century by Rochus Dedler, again a resident of Oberammergau.
When they come together, their devotion and talent retells the story of Jesus, with a message that gives hope and strength to millions.
