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Mark your calendars now for summer 2010, when the Oberammergau Passion Play will be performed for the first time since 2000.
The five-hour play, which begins with Jesus entering Jerusalem and follows the story through his death and resurrection, involves more than 2,000 actors and singers, many of them locals from this Bavarian town about 60 miles southwest of Munich. Performed for 102 days every 10 years, the show attracts viewers from around the world—nearly 500,000 of them each time.
Oberammergau has been hosting this spectacle every decade since 1634. Why the devotion? Back in the 1600s, the bubonic plague was wiping out villages left and right; the Oberammergau townspeople made a pledge to God that they'd perform the Passion Play every 10 years, in return for his mercy. As they say, the rest is history.
The first performance isn't until May 2010, but tickets go on sale this month and sell-out quickly. Consider letting a tour operator complete the experience for you—Trafalgar Tours has already announced 15 itineraries with tickets to the play included (the cheap seats, purchased separately, start at $65). It sounds like a beautiful experience—two acts, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, of nonstop action, in an impressive open-air theater with hillside views. The whole play is in German (with English translations on paper), but with material this dramatic, it's sure to make an impression regardless.
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Couldn't help but remember our visit in 2000. It is a fantastic show! Hint- be sure to pick up the program with an english translation. Even though you know the "story" it is helpful. Rent a blanket like we did, and needed it! My spouse will be returning with his priest brother for 2010. Enjoy
Posted By "Mike" on April 10, 2009, 11:26 AM
I went many years ago when I lived in Germany. It was an incredible performance. I wanted to leave and go to church instead of scrambling for the local buses taking all of us back to the bus parking lot outside of town. You definitely need something for ht ehard seats. The actors on stage are open to the elements while the audience is undercover. They do a wonderful job for non professionals. If you know the Bible it is easy to follow with the English script and the change of speakers.
It is worth the money and buy from a reputable tour company.
Lynne
Posted By Lynne Palmer on April 13, 2009, 12:52 PM
My wife and I visited Oberammergau in 2000 as part of a tour, which focused on seeing the Passion Play. The entire experience was very moving and educational. The town and surrounding countryside are beautiful. We overnighted in a nearby town and experienced good German hospitality in a small inn. Our tour also included several days in Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, and we made a side trip to Mauthausen to experience one of the Nazi "work camps". So I definitely agree with the recommendation to use a tour company and to make the trip into a life changing experience.
Posted By Gary on April 13, 2009, 5:08 PM
I absolutely agree with Gary. I think the best way to travel to such an event as The Passion Play is to experience it with either your church group, a random group of strangers with similar interests, or going as a single or couple and joining an existing group. There is nothing like seeing the visualization of the last days of Christ, how he sacrificed his life for our sins, then rose again to the astonishment of all who saw him perish. It is indeed moving and an opportunity that no one who is able to go should miss.
Posted By Passion Play 2010 on May 20, 2009, 6:07 PM
I was truly blessed by seeing it in 2000. My recommendation to all is to see it if you can. I have been hoping to witness this again, but unfortunately, going in 2010 may not be financially possible. I'll be trying though!
Posted By Carolyn on July 11, 2009, 5:41 PM
There are so many more choices this time around than in 2000. Travellers can go with short trips of 3 or 4 nights, escorted tours, river cruises or a Princess cruise combined with the Passion Play. As the article mentions, tickets sell out quickly. May and September dates are sold out with some companies already. Those interested in going should book before the end of 2009.
Posted By Sue B on September 22, 2009, 12:33 PM
In what month did you see the play and have to rent a blanket? We're going beginning of June, so I'm curious if you need a blanket during that time of the year. Thanks!
Posted By Sue Ellen on December 10, 2009, 1:44 PM