Richmond Photos

The Passion Play has been presented in Oberammergau every ten years since 1634. (Next presentation will be in the year 2010.) The Oberammergau Passion Play depicts the last five days in the life of Jesus Christ, portraying the scenes from His entry into Jerusalem until the Resurrection. (Passion Play 2000)

As a result of the Thirty Year's War, an epidemic of the black plague had spread even into the most remote alpine valleys by 1632. Guards were posted at the entrance to Oberammergau, to prevent infected people from entering. Legend has it that Kaspar Schisler, a day labourer who worked outside the town, managed to slip past the sentries while returning to be with his family as the town celebrated the anniversary of the consecration of its church. He inadvertently brought the plague with him and over the next year, many of the town's inhabitants fell victim to the disease. On October 27, 1633, town officials made a vow to depict the tragedy of the Passion Play every decade if the Lord would spare them from further casualties. From that time on there were no more victims of the 'Black Death' in Oberammergau.

The most recent performances of the play involved over 2000 citizens of Oberammergau in its production. All actors are amateurs and either must have been born in Oberammergau or have lived there for at least 20 years.