I am going to Oberamagau this week.

The Passion play has evoked much controversy,

It will be enlightening to see this year's production

Wow - can't wait to hear about it.

Oooh, yes, do tell us all about it when you get back.
Have a great time

Reporting Back
on Oberammargau


I found it memorable and spectacular in many respects.

The village setting in amongst the mountains is great.

I was hugely impressed by the fact that it is a "local production" with everyone drawn from the village. Outsiders are not considered for partiicipation. The village population is 5000+. Over 2400 are involved in the production. Even though it only comes round every 10 years it is still a major commitment by everyone.

The play was spread over two acts with a 3 hour interval! 2.30 - 5pm and 8pm - 10.30.

The huge aircraft-like theatre seats 4800 and the stage itself is virtually open air. Acoustics, without microphones, are perfect.

There is a Chorus and an Orchestra both numbering over 40 persons and both were very professional. A cause of wonderment to me at the talent latent in the village community.

The Play captured the Gospel story from the Entry into Jerusalem with a flashback to verses from the Sermon on the Mount to indicate the nature of why Jesus was so opposed.

I was disappointed that the disciples and also the Pharisees / Sadducees were virtual nonentities (except for Judas). I had a hard time identifying which disciple was which. And an even harder time with the High Priest's Council members. I reckon they got Judas' character right. Pilate was courageously portrayed ( in Bavaria!) as a Nazi character. He strutted and commanded and clearly had little time for the Jewish heirarchy.

The crucifixion scene was very well done. The Resurrection scene was very weak. But then again, how can you depict the Resurrection?

I was conscious of the controversy which has dogged this Passion Play. It used to be regarded as anti-Semitic in a big way and Hitler admired it. The anti-Semiticism has gone and the script which originally owed much to John's Gospel has been re-written. It seemed to me to follow Luke's emphases rather than John's.

I tried to follow its content along the lines of the Lent contribution I made to this site, tring to isolate each evangelist's emphasis but that didnt work. These different emphases were not brought out.

Following a translation of a German script whilst the language of the play was German didnt make life easy. Even when you know the story.

In retrospect I went not knowing what to expect. I don't do Passion Plays in the normal course of events and the one I am a great fan of is J.C. Superstar (resurrection scene excepted). This was different.

It was well worth going to see.