INSPIRATION
PASSION PLAY PLANNING: OBERAMMERGAU 2020
FTA members know the ins, outs of the world-famous production
The tiny town of Oberammergau might seem an unlikely tourist
attraction at first glance. With a population of just over 5,300 and
tucked in Germany’s Bavarian Alps 356 miles from Berlin and 44 miles
from Munich, this quaint village offers a church, a fairytale castle and
many buildings with religious-themed facades.
But what draws thousands of people from around the world to
Oberammergau is its production of the Passion Play, an infrequent
event that holds great significance for many faith travelers and others.
Many want to experience firsthand the once-in-a-decade opportunity
of witnessing the town’s famed production that depicts the events
leading up to the death of Jesus Christ.
The history of this production dates back to 1633 during the height
of the Bubonic Plague spreading across Europe. As Oberammergau
was fairly isolated in the Alps, the villagers tried to seal off their
town from visitors to keep the plague out. Unfortunately, one man
was able to sneak back into town, bringing the plaque with him.
When 84 villagers died in just three weeks, the town council met
and made a solemn vow with God. If their town could be spared
from further plague deaths, they promised to perform the Passion
Play every 10 years forever more. Indeed the villagers were spared,
and Oberammergau’s famed Passion Play began in 1634. With one
exception in 1940 (due to World War II), local villagers have performed
the play without fail every decade since they began so long ago.
The play depicts the trial, suffering and death of Jesus and is
performed by more than 2,000 local citizens. Preparations begin the
November prior to the first production in May; performances continue
through October. These preparations include a Hair Decree, which
requires everyone to grow their hair and men to grow beards. In
addition, participants make their own costumes, many of which are
colorful and lavish. Combined with orchestra music, a choir and Living
Tableaus (depictions of Old Testament scenes to help connect the Old
and New Testaments), the five-hour production is definitely a must-
see event. Although the entire production is performed in German, an
English translation of the script is provided to audience members, and
the acting and music hel