The Oberammergau Passion Play

The Passion Play, a theatrical depiction of Christ’s suffering and death, has a history that goes way back to the Middle Ages. During Lent they take place around the world, but the most famous is undoubtedly the one that takes place every ten years in the German town of Oberammergau. Its history begins in the year 1633, during the Thirty Years’ War. The people of the town, subject to war and plagues, vowed to perform a “play of the suffering, death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” every ten years if they were spared. The first play occurred in 1634. Spectators from all over the world some to see the Oberammergau play, which is performed every ten years. It involves over two thousand performers, musicians, and stage technicians, all locals. Its running time is about seven hours, with a meal served during intermission. Today the number of visitors range from 420,000 to 530,000. The next performance will be 2010. (Seen here are actors from the 1900 play.)