The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play begins in 1633. During the Thirty Years´ War, after much suffering and also many deaths caused by the plaque, the surviving population of Oberammergau vowed that they would perform the „play of the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ” every ten years if they were spared from execution. At Whitsun in 1634 they kept their promise for the first time. As early as the middle of the 18th century spectators came to Oberammergau from all parts of Germany, attracted by the great power and mystique of the play. In 2010 the village will perform the play for the 41st time, maintaining the continuity passion005Over 2000 participants bring the story of Jesus of Nazareth to the ears and eyes of the audience in a five-hour presentation on the imposing open-air stage. Almost half of the inhabitants of Oberammergau enact with great devotion the story of Jesus, whose message gives billions of people hope and strength. The play covers the period of Jesus entering Jerusalem and continues up to his death on the Cross and his resurrection. The new production, under the direction of Christian Stückl and the artistic team of the Passion Play in 2000, the stage designer Stefan Hageneier and the music directors Markus Zwink and Michael Bocklet, reflects the tremendous community achievement. passion006For ten months the villagers playing the roles of Jesus, Mary, Pontius Pilate and the apostles, of the children, soldiers and priests will be rehearsing the newly revised text whilst the orchestra and the singers will be studying the exceptional music created for the performance by the composer Rochus Dedler. In 2010 the performance will, for the first time, begin in the afternoon and the second part will be performed in the evening hours. For 2010, the Oberammergau people will maintain the traditions that have kept the play valid 376 years, making it a brilliant cultural and religious event. The premiere takes place on Saturday, 15 May 2010. The Passion Play will be staged for a total of 102 days.
OBERAMMERGAU AND SURROUNDINGS passion008The Passion Play village of Oberammergau is situated in one of Bavaria´s most beautiful areas, nestling in the wonderful landscape of the Ammergau Alps. It is not only the beauty of the landscape but also cultural treasures that await the visitor. King Ludwig II succumbed to the magic of this district and built his favourite palace Linderhof in the mystical seclusion of Graswang Valley. Oberammergau is known not only for its Passion Play that takes place every ten years but also for its wood carvings and the so-called Lüftlmalerei, the paintings that decorate many of the walls of the old houses. In the nearby areas you will find some of Bavaria´s finest monasteries and churches. The Benedictine Ettal Monastery is a gem of Bavarian rococo, and wonderful frescos by the baroque painter Matthäus Günter adorn Oberammergau´s Parish Church.
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