In
1634 when the Black Death was ravaging all of Europe, the
picturesque village of Oberammergau remained unaffected, until
a homesick villager retuned and unknowingly brought the infection
with him. As nearly 100 of their neighbours died, the remaining
villagers vowed to God that they would re-enact the Crucifixion
of Christ every ten years, and from that moment on there were
no more casualties.
The villagers have kept their pledge, and in 2010 you will
again be able to watch the Passion Play, performed on an open-air
stage, amidst some of the most spectacular mountain scenery
anywhere in Europe. The 2000 actors are all from the village,
and by the beginning of the season they will have been rehearsing
for well over a year to give you a memorable spectacle, which,
together with a large choir and an orchestra performing music
especially composed for the play, all adds to a truly unique
experience. |