Archive for December, 2009

Passion Play 2010 Tours – On Location 7 of 10

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm  
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Oberammergau

 The part of Jesus, as well as the other main characters such as Mary, Mary Magdalene, Peter, Judas, John, etc… are split between two actors. Imagine the time and dedication necessary for these actors from May until October!! Fortunately, these main characters have their own private dressing rooms.

In the picture to the left, you see the Crown of Thorns as well as the nails used during the crucifixion scene. The theatrical process of nailing Christ to the cross requires great care and attention to detail. Once the character of Jesus is lifted onto the cross, his only support is the small curve of the foot and hand nails which provide the illusion of nails piercing his hands and feet, but actually are very precarious and uncomfortable ‘pins’ on which for him to balance.

Passion Play Tour Information – On Location 6 of 10

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm  
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Oberammergau

 As part of my visit to the Passion Play theater, I toured backstage to view the dressing rooms and costume displays. Germans are stereotypically well-organized and thorough. This generalization was surely proven correct as I toured backstage. Each actor, costume, and prop has their place, and the dressing rooms are well accommodated to ensure proper attention to detail for all the participating actors and actresses.  I was struck by the beautifully vibrant colors, the painstaking details, and the care which was obviously given to each costume and stage prop, You can see what I am talking about in the picture to the left of beautifully crafted coats of feathers.

Oberammergau Passion Play Tours – On Location 5 of 10

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm  
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Oberammergau

 Local or regional history in the U.S. dating older than 300 years is difficult to come by and yet the tradition of the Passion Play in the communities of the Ammergau Alps region and specifically Oberammergau, is older than 450 years!

Many people assume that the inhabitants of Oberammergau are all devoutly religious and it is for this reason that the Passion Play tradition continues.  However, this is quite contrary to the truth.  Europe has gone through a major decline in church attendance in the past 50 years and many Europeans, as do many Americans, question their faith. With this said, one might ask why they continue the Passion Play tradition.  Surely it’s not because they believe that the Black Plague will return as punishment for the discontinued 1633 pledge of their forefathers!

I think many would agree that the tradition of the Passion Play continues because of the tradition itself. But, perhaps more profoundly, there is something in all of us that finds comfort and peace in the story of a man from Nazareth named Jesus Christ.

Passion Play Travel – On Location 4 of 10

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm  
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Oberammergau

 From the vantage point of the stage you can see again that there isn’t a bad or obstructed view in the theatre. The floor is also well sloped to avoid straining over heads in front of you!Center stage is quite deep, but this functions as storage for the sets and props necessary for such a large production. Oberammergau also hosts other theatrical events in the years it is not preparing for the Passion Play. You can see from the previous entry’s photo that the stage is also very wide and provides for many entrance and exit points for the hundreds of actors who participate in the Passion Play – thus allowing for quick scene changes and a seamless theatrical flow.

Passion Play 2010 – On Location 3 of 10

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm  
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Oberammergau Inside the Passion Play Theatre, I took a tour guided by Martin Weber, who doubles as a local woodcarver and who has participated in several Passion plays during his life in Oberammergau. I was very impressed with the simple yet well thought out structure of the theatre. I honestly believe there isn’t a bad seat in the place. As you can see, the stage is exposed but the seating remains covered. I suppose those in the first rows of seats may be susceptible to the elements, but I would advise all spectators to dress comfortably and with layers in order to keep comfortable during the almost 6 hour long production!

Passion Play Tours – On Location 2 of 10

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm  
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Oberammergau Oberammergau is a small village, easily walkable, and pedestrian friendly. From the location in the photo, essentially the center of the village, the Passion Play theatre is about 2 blocks away. If you look to the bottom left of the photo you will see one of the many storefronts of the local woodcarvers. Many of them also use their store as their ’studio’ so you can watch them carve as you shop! The history of woodcarving in Oberammergau and the Ammergau region can be traced as far back as the Middle Ages, with records indicating monks returned from the area with wood art and small wood furniture. During your visit you will be able to see that the artisans still practice the traditional methods of the art form. Of course, many of these woodcarvers are also actors in the Passion Play since all participants must also be residents of Oberammergau.

Passion Play – On Location 1 of 10

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm  
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Hello!  My name is Rachel Najar and I am the European Operations Manager for Image Tours, Inc.

In preparation for Passion Play 2010 in Oberammergau, Germany, I recently traveled to the beautiful countryside of southern Bavaria in Germany and the region of Tyrol, Austria in order to meet with the service providers, see some of the hotels, and discuss the  2010 Passion play with the Tourist office and locals of Oberammergau.

Over the next months I will continue to share my experiences, as well as my photos from this inspection trip to give you a taste of all the preparations and excitement that surround the Passion Play, performed every 10 years in the village of Oberammergau, Germany.

See the Passion Play and Save $500 on June, July and August Departures

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm  
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI – August 8, 2009 – Image Tours’ escorted Europe tours including the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play are currently available with a 0 per person discount if you book a June, July or August departure before October 30, 2009. These panoramic tours of Western Europe range from nine to 22 days including a 2-night Oberammergau Passion Play arrangement.

Prices for the June, July or August departures range from 40 – 40 per person land only which reflects the current discount. Air pricing is available from over 200 domestic departure airports in the United States. The escorted tours include all land transportation in Europe, hotel accommodations, tour manager in Europe, and most meals.

Travelers can choose from the 15-Day HEART OF EUROPE® Tour, 22-Day HEART OF EUROPE® Grand Tour, 14-Day Germany-Austria-Switzerland Tour, 13-Day Treasures of Italy Tour, or the 9-Day Scenic Alpine Tour.

According to Monique Kasmauskis, Image Tours Inc General Manager, “Clients interested in the Oberammergau Passion Play have already purchased most of our space for Spring and Fall departures, The 0 per person discount gives travelers a limited-time opportunity to book the high season departures of June, July and August for about the same land and air inclusive price as the Spring and Fall departures. Due to the demand, we expect many of the summer departures will sell out before October 30 and therefore we recommend making reservations for these Passion Play tours as soon as possible.”

Image Tours was founded in 1939 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. It began U.S. operations in 1960 on the belief that everyone, at least once in their lifetime, should experience the rich beauty, culture, and history of Europe. The company designs, markets, and operates escorted tours of Europe.