The small village of
Oberammergau, in Bavaria – Germany, is home to the world-famous Passion Play.
For over four (4) centuries, the people of this special town have upheld the
tradition to put on the play every ten (10) years.
The tradition began in 1633, after the villagers vowed that
if God spared them from the bubonic plague raving Europe - they would host a
play depicting the life of Jesus every ten (10) years from then on after. In
keeping with their vow, the first production took place in 1634 and has
continued every ten (10) years since, with a few exceptions.
The play follows Jesus’ final moments, from the last Supper
to His Crucifixion. The play was written by Othmar Weis, J.S. Daisenberger,
Otto Huber, Christian Stuckl, Eugen Papst, Marcus Zwink, Ingird H Shafer,
various villagers, and Rochus Dedler, who also wrote the music, and has gone
through various revisions over the years to become more accepted by both the
Catholic church, and people of all nations. In 1922, the Catholic church gave
the play a Missio Canonica designation, recognizing the beliefs of the
Catholic Church are being taught.
The whole production is made up of over 2,000 people
including, 500 children, a 70-piece orchestra, a 120-member chorus, technicians,
artists, seamstresses, and more - all of whom are Oberammergau residents. In
order to take part in the Play, you must either be born and raised there, or
have spent at least 20 years of your life there. As preparations are well
underway for 2020, the 2010 performance saw 102 performances take place between
May and October, with attendance of more than a half a million people. The
open-air theatre has gone through many renovations and can now accommodate an
audience of over 4,700 people. The village expects 450,000 people to witness
the 42nd production in 2020.
Records show that in 1930, the Play ran for seven (7) hours
- from 8am to 5pm! More recently, the play has taken place in the afternoon and
evening, with a meal break during an extended intermission. The 2020 production
will run from May 16th to October 4th, with play times
changing to align with the daylight.
- From May 16th
to August 16th: Part I will run from 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM, Intermission,
and Part II running from 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM.
- From August 17th
– October 4th: Part I will run from 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Intermission,
and Part II running from 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
Experience the “Passion” like you never had before by
visiting this magnificent and historical village on one of 206 Tours many Pilgrimages
stopping in Oberammergau in 2020. Space is filling up very quickly, with many
dates already Sold Out!