The Oberammergau Passion Play

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 plague, the surviving population of the Bavarian village of Oberammergau in Southern Germany 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 extinction.

Passion plays were a common feature of Christian life in mediaeval and Renaissance Europe, often performed by travelling troupes of players or evangelists. At Pentecost in 1634 the villagers of Oberammergau 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. It has been played every decade since, with extra performances in the years ending in '34 and '84 each century to commemorate the centenaries and tercentenaries of the first performance.

In 2010 the village will perform the play for the 41st time, - four performances a week from mid May to early October - maintaining the continuity of this unique, world famous event. Over 2000 villagers 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.

For 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.

Tickets for the Oberammergau Passion Play are sold only in conjunction with accommodation in the village, in hotels, guest houses or family homes of the villagers. All performances in 2010 will commence in the afternoon with an intermission for the evening meal.

Prepare to be moved, inspired and challenged by this event.

The Great Trains of Europe Tours will give you the opportunity to experience this once-in-a-decade event in conjunction with a Christian Heritage Tour of Europe. There will be two departures in 2010, leaving Australia on May 31st and August 30th.

A very sizeable deposit is required as our Passion Play tickets and our Oberammergau accommodation must pre-paid.

Your Tour Leader organised and led tours to the Oberammergau Passion Play in 1990 and in 2000, and these sold out very quickly. Don't miss your opportunity to be part of this once-a-decade event. 2020 is a long way away!!