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The Oberammergau Passion Play: Old Traditions for a Modern Audience

The year was 1633, and Europe was ravaged by war and plague. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, the village of Oberammergau had already lost 80 lives to the epidemic when village elders gathered and made a vow — to present the Passion tragedy if the town were freed from the plague.

The devastating epidemic came to a standstill, and the villagers kept their promise. For nearly four centuries now — with only one exception during World War II — the residents of Oberammergau have faithfully fulfilled their vow, performing the Passion Play every 10 years.

Today, the play is still an integral part of life for the 5,300 residents of this charming village. It is performed exclusively by amateur actors who were born in Oberammergau or have lived there for at least 20 years. In the year 2000, nearly 2,200 villagers, including 550 children, participated, either as performers or backstage. The principal roles are much sought after, and men who are chosen to appear onstage are required to begin growing their beards 18 months before the first performance.

Centuries-Old Traditions for a Modern Audience

The Oberammergau Passion Play has always been presented in the open air, with the Bavarian Alps providing a dramatic backdrop to the simple stage sets. Today’s theater dates back to 1930, but extensive refurbishments have added modern theater-style seating, a roof to protect the audience from rain, a heated floor, and up-to-date facilities. With excellent acoustics and great sight-lines, more than 4,700 spectators can now enjoy in complete comfort the spectacle and majesty of each performance.
The millennium production in 2000 introduced the vision of director Christian Stückl, composer Markus Zwink, and dramatist Otto Huber, all Oberammergau natives. Updating a script originally written by a Benedictine monk and enriching the early 19th-century musical score, this talented team also designed new costumes and a dramatic staging. The result was hailed by church leaders, the community, and an international audience.

Stückl will again direct the Passion Play in 2010, and town residents are already anticipating the assignment of the principal speaking roles. Indeed, the 41st Oberammergau Passion Play promises a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience, a moving and dramatic musical presentation of the suffering and death of Jesus of Nazareth as a powerful story of hope and redemption.

Oberammergau — In the Heart of Europe

Oberammergau lies in the heart of central Europe, close to the continent’s most storied waterways, the Danube, Rhine, and Elbe Rivers. Combining the 2010 Passion Play with a river cruise offers a truly special, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sailing through some of Europe’s most picturesque regions, travelers can explore captivating cities like Prague, Vienna, Amsterdam, Budapest, and Strasbourg, as well as significant religious sites like the imposing Baroque Abbey of Melk, Cologne’s twin-spired Cathedral, and historic Wittenberg, where Martin Luther launched the Protestant Reformation. With fine dining, accommodations, and sightseeing all included in one price, and without the packing and unpacking of motorcoach tours, river cruising offers a leisurely vacation and superior value. Tickets for the 2010 Passion Play and space on these intimate river ships are limited, so it’s important to plan and book your trip far in advance.

General Tours World Traveler, a AAA Preferred Travel Partner, is offering four unique Oberammergau cruises and tours for 2010, including a springtime cruise that features Tulip Time in Holland and the opening performance of the Passion Play. Call your AAA Travel professional today for more information, and be sure to ask about General Tours’ exclusive AAA Member Benefits, including $300 per couple savings on these Oberammergau cruises and tours.

Photos: courtesy of General Tours