Oberamagau Passion Play

John Haywood’s talk on his Oberammergau experience

Club member John, graciously supported by his wife Betty, gave the Club an illustrated talk last Wednesday.  The subject of his talk was the world renowned OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY staged in the village of Oberammergau in Bavaria.

Back in the late 60’s as an artillery officer in the Army, we understood he happened to be stationed in Oberammergau, during the period 1969 to 1971.  This included the year 1970, which being a year ending in a zero, was a lucky year for John, Betty and their young son.

We learned how the villagers, who thought they had been spared from the Bubonic plague in 1634, then spreading across Europe, vowed to stage a passion play in thanks.  However, it turned out that one villager returning for Christmas, unfortunately did bring back the plague.After the epidemic subsided and most of the villagers survived, they decided to go ahead with their vow anyway.

Thus with the exception of 1940, the play has been staged every ten years ever since.  Over 2000 actors, singers, musicians and supporting staff, all local residents, stage this massive event.

Thus from May to October in the decade year, the play is staged each day from 2-30 to 10-30 with a three hour supper break.  It takes place in a huge covered auditorium for the audience, but open to the elements for the actors.So popular is it that hotels will only accommodate visitors for no more than two nights.Needless to say, John and Betty discovered they had all sorts of friends they didn’t even know they had.

Oberammergau is also famous for its wood carvers and Betty brought along a couple of fine  examples of the villager’s craft, one of which was a carved plaque of the Artillery regiment badge.The village is also famed for its beautifully decorated houses. Among them are representations of Pilate’s house and Red Riding Hood’s house.

Altogether a fascinating talk, brought to life like many, through the personal experiences of our own members.   We thank John and Betty for an informative and entertaining evening.

Bryan Webster.