Every ten years since 1634, the Bavarian village of Oberammergau has performed the world's most famous Passion Play, recounting the last days of Jesus Christ. In 2010, presenting the play for the 41st time, the village broke with tradition to offer a new interpretation for a post-millennial, international audience. Drawing on interviews with villagers and international responses, this collection of new essays provides an analysis of the play by scholars who attended. Topics include changes in response to charges of anti-Semitism, how the play defines the village, how the performance changes the audience, and a comparison of Oberammergau 2010 with American Passion Plays, Indian pilgrimage drama and other German Passion Plays.

The Bavarian village of Oberammergau has staged the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ nearly every decade since 1634. Each production of the Passion Play attracts hundreds of thousands, many drawn by the spiritual benefits it promises. Yet Hitler called it a convincing portrayal of the menace of Jewry, and in 1970 a group of international luminaries boycotted the play for its anti-Semitism. As the production for the year 2000 drew near, James Shapiro was there to document the newest wave of obstacles that faced the determined Bavarian villagers. Erudite and judicious, Oberammergau is a fascinating and important look at the unpredictable and sometimes tragic relationship between art and society, belief and tolerance, religion and politics.

With few exceptions, the Oberammergau Passion Play has been presented by the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany every 10 years since 1634. The play is a staging of Jesus' Passion story, covering the final period of his life from his visit to Jerusalem to the journey to the cross.. In his new book and study, The Passion Play: Living the Story of Christ’s Last Days, author and pastor Rob Fuquay follows the biblical story of the Passion and how it has been experienced through the centuries against the backdrop of this amazing play. Perfect for Lent, this study takes you on a journey to the origins of the Passion Play and helps you understand how the play has been used both as a ritual of praise and later as a weapon through its anti-Semitic past. The book and study help readers and small groups feel a sense of connection to the play while recognizing their own place in the story of Jesus. Additional components for a six-week study include a DVD featuring Rob Fuquay filmed on location in Oberammergau, Germany and a comprehensive Leader Guide.

Since it was first performed in 1634, the passion play at Oberammergau has been an unforgettable experience for many millions of people. Concise, compact, colorful, and informative, this latest in the Pilgrim’s Guide series will enable the visitor to make the most of their stay and evoke many lasting memories. Illustrated in full color, there is insight into the traditions and staging of the play and a brief synopsis as it unfolds on stage. Practical details include how to see the play, a plan of the village, and a guide to the surrounding area. This is the fifth edition with enlarged content. Ray Goodburn has organized and led groups there on numerous occasions and is doing so again in 2010.

Dieses Werk ist Teil der Buchreihe TREDITION CLASSICS. Der Verlag tredition aus Hamburg veroffentlicht in der Buchreihe TREDITION CLASSICS Werke aus mehr als zwei Jahrtausenden. Diese waren zu einem Grossteil vergriffen oder nur noch antiquarisch erhaltlich. Mit der Buchreihe TREDITION CLASSICS verfolgt tredition das Ziel, tausende Klassiker der Weltliteratur verschiedener Sprachen wieder als gedruckte Bucher zu verlegen - und das weltweit! Die Buchreihe dient zur Bewahrung der Literatur und Forderung der Kultur. Sie tragt so dazu bei, dass viele tausend Werke nicht in Vergessenheit geraten