On Saturday I heard there were actors from the Abingdon Passion Play in town and went out with my camera, but couldn’t find Jesus. So I was very pleased to be sent some pictures – taken at last weekend’s rehearsal.
The main performance will be this coming Sunday from 1pm – for soaking up the atmosphere, and 2pm for the main performance in the Abbey Gardens. Children and adults can even be part of the experience by dressing as a biblical character and bringing a ‘palm leaf’ to wave.
More details about it all at www.abingdonpassionplay.org.uk.
I stood on the spot in the church in Jeruselem where Jesus was said to have been put on the cross and died. My thoughts were, ‘things have not changed a lot since he died’. I appreciate the sacrifice he made but it made very little difference to the world today. What a shame that thousands were slain during the reformation and protestants and catholics have killed each other in the name of Christianity. I am not sure what Jesus would have made of the gross commercialisation of Rome in the name of religion.
The cross is not made from the wood of that big tree that has been cut down by McDonalds has it !
There’s a lot of truth in what Janet says, but this is not the point of a passion or mystery play such as they do at York. It is away of going back to retell the original story, to look again at the New Testament and what Jesus stood for, and the way the apostles were willing to risk their own lives to tell the story to the world!
Jesus probably won’t have such a big grin on his face in the actual play.
And, what John E said. This play is a way of communicating the original meaning of the gospel to a modern audience. The power of some of the scenes has brought tears to my eyes, and that’s just the rehearsals. The real thing is going to be fantastic. Take a Centurion’s word for it.
…and the weather forecast for Sunday is a bit chilly but no rain. Fingers crossed for you – although I know you have an indoor alternative..
Regrettably, I would say, the forecast temperature indicates it must be indoors ie at St. Helen’s Church.
Well another reason for the Christians to indoctrinate children into believing a made-up story about a man that “died for their sins” rather than teaching them something useful like the theory of evolution or perhaps, sex education…
i take it you won’t be there, then, Aloysius?
I don’t know any Christians who have a problem with teaching either the theory of evolution or sex education, Aloysius. I’m sorry if you’ve met some who do.
Give over, Aloysius! Ben is right!
Don’t be put off by the cold. This a fantastic production, expertly directed and with some very good acting, particularlyy from the lad playing Jesus.
Although the action will start and end in the Abbey grounds, much of it will now take place in the Guildhall