The Durban Passion Play

artSMart
04/11/2015 10:26:34

Keith Millar: Big spectacular production presented with passion and commitment by over 130 amateur actors.

The Durban Catholic Players Guild in association with the Playhouse Company is currently presenting the 14th edition of the Passion Play in the Playhouse Drama.

The Durban Passion Play was first performed in 1952 after permission was obtained from the Major and people of the town of Oberammergau in Bavaria for the Durban Catholic Players Guild to stage an abridged version of their world famous play. It has been staged every five years since then.

The Passion Play, which is dramatisation of Jesus Christ’s last days on earth, is undoubtedly an important event on the Durban’s religious and arts calendars. Far more than just a stage production, it is, in fact, an extraordinary community endeavour.

The cast consists of over 130 amateur actors from all religious denominations who volunteer their services and receive no remuneration at all. This includes a seven-month rehearsal period and 24 performances. The age of the performers ranges from pre-schoolers to the oldest performer who is the 89 year old Desmond Brock, who plays Barabbas. It is also a family event with several instances of more than one member of the same family taking part. Also of note is the number of times many of the

Article source: http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=37767