Oberammergau Passion Play 2030

The Story of The Passion

Every 10 years, the village of Oberammergau in Southern Germany host their famous Oberammergau Passion Play. The 43^rd Oberammergau Passion Play will be performed again in the summer of 2030.

In 1633, when the small Bavarian village of Oberammergau was in the grip of the plague, its inhabitants vowed that if they were spared, they would in future perform every ten years a Passion Play depicting Christ’s bitter suffering.

In 1634 the villagers fulfilled their solemn promise for the first time, and for hundreds of years since then, despite dangers and threats, they have loyally kept their vow. Pilgrims from all over the world are captivated by the Play, which is not only a testimony of religious faith but also an outstanding cultural event.

Although the text and music have been adapted many times over the years, the traditional concept has remained intact. With inner conviction the amateur actors, all local people, represent time and again the life and sufferings of Our Lord.

The last major changes to the text of the Passion Play were made between 1850 and 1860 by the parish priest of Oberammergau, Alois Daisenberger, building on the work of Father Othmar Weis. The structure of the Play, with its living pictures from the Old Testament and acted scenes from the New Testament, has been retained to this day.

The music for the Play was composed in the early 19th century by the Oberammergau school teacher, Rochus Dedler. Revised and extended in 1950 by Professor Eugen Papst, it employs a large choir and orchestra and frames the entire spectacle.

The Play shows the story of Christ’s Passion, beginning with the entry into Jerusalem and ending with the Resurrection and Transfiguration.