The passion play begins with Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, pursues the Passion story, shows the last supper, leads over to crucifixion and finds his Climax in the resurrection. The piece consists of 12 sections. The first 6 sections will be presented in the afternoon. After a three-hour break, the last 6 sections begin in the evening.
At the beginning of each section, a choir performs and performs a “living picture” with actors reenacting scenes from the Bible. These scenes are contemplative interpretations supported by music and singing from the orchestra and choir, drawing connections to the Old Testament.
The drama shows the final moments of Jesus' life, but it places emphasis on the entire gospel, especially Jesus' teachings and his image of people. The focus is on his message of radical repentance and his devotion to every individual. He appeared in an Israel dominated by Rome, at a time of great social disparity, oppression and exploitation. Any form of resistance was quickly suppressed by Pilate. The people wanted liberation from Rome and expected the Messiah. During this time, Jesus preached universal love that included both the slave and the ruler. His message emphasized the need for radical change by leaving hatred and violence behind.
The piece emphasizes Jesus' strong ties to his Jewish roots. As a believing Jew, he addressed the priests. He recited the “Sh'ma Israel,” which says, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the only God!” and criticized the priests who focused more on religious rituals than on justice, mercy and faith. For us, Jesus represents a passionate young Jew who was crucified for his still-relevant message. We want to portray a Jesus who stands up for faith in his God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, with remarkable conviction.