The bubonic plague devastated Bavaria during the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). According to local legend, the Oberammergau villagers vowed that if God spared them, they would perform a play every 10 years depicting the life and death of Jesus. No one died of plague after that vow and the villagers kept their word.

Lead by prominent German director Christian Stückl (Artistic Director of Münchner Volkstheater, recipient of German Council of Centers on Jewish-Christian Relations Buber-Rosenzweig-Medaille for service promoting Christian & Jewish inter-faith dialogue) since 1986, it is an incredible community effort. Over 2,500 performers, singers, musicians, and technicians – all nonprofessional residents of the village – perform in a 7hr spectacle on one of the worlds largest open-air stages. For a many, it’s an act of spiritual devotion.

Originating in traditions of the Latin Church, the Passionsspiele has evolved. Drawing from the past and informed by the present, it comprises spoken dramatic dialogue, contemporary and traditional music, choral accompaniment, and tableaux vivants (living pictures) and newly created text (this year including the story of “Kaspar Schisler“, who is believed to have brought the 1633 plague to Oberammergau). It has become one of Germany’s leading religious, cultural, and theatrical events.

Gallery