Passion Play Oberammergau: For the last time after Golgotha

Created: 09/27/2022, 17:37

By: Tanja Brinkmann

During the cleansing of the temple, Jesus actor Rochus Rückel smashes a clay jug one last time during the derniere.

Before appearing on stage, he will go over the text again.

©Andreas Mayr

"It was nice" - a conclusion that is often made at the final press conference of the 42nd Passion Play in Oberammergau.

Everything was fine.

Above all, the numbers, which were higher than calculated at 91.25 percent occupancy.

The derniere will take place this Sunday, for which all the participants will come onto the stage again.

Oberammergau – It will be a turning point.

How deep?

The talks that Christian Stückl announces a few days before the last performance should show that.

"There are many unanswered questions," says the director of the Oberammergau Passion.

“We have to reorient ourselves.” He and his team have now set up the vow game four times.

It always renewed.

Adapted to the times.

And at the same time intensively sought dialogue with the representatives of the Jewish organizations.

With success.

This is evidenced by awards such as the most recent Isaiah Award from the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

The director received it because he and his team have managed over the past four decades to eliminate anti-Semitism, which used to be shown partly between the lines and partly openly on the Passionsbühne.

One has now announced his departure.

Zwink will no longer be available for this responsible position in 2030.

"Young people have to do it," he says.

He wanted to announce his decision in time to set the course again.

To look for a suitable successor who "does not necessarily have to compose, conduct and organize".

He has mastered all of this in personal union.

Mayor Andreas Rödl (CSU) certifies him as "an amazing achievement", revealing at the end of the press conference that the municipal council recently decided to give Zwink honorary citizenship.

"Now we have to regroup," says Stückl.

"Perhaps a common line would be quite good." This could "force something new to come".

The awakening, the desire to bring vows into the modern age, was what prompted him, Zwink and Hageneier to pursue their first passion in 1990.

"A happy meeting," emphasizes the 60-year-old.

For the time being, however, he does not allow himself to speculate as to how the vow game will continue.

After four seasons it's over: musical director Markus Zwink (left) announces his departure, which is why director Christian Stückl is now announcing talks.

©Andreas Mayr

Rather, Stückl enjoys the last few days of the game.

Scheduled one more rehearsal to rehearse the big performance on Sunday, October 2nd.

The gates open ten minutes before the end.

At the end, all participants, including the children, stand together on the stage and strike up a song.

The game master is still pondering which one.

"Maybe the 'Sch'ma Israel'." What is certain, however, is that he will be on stage at the derniere with short hair.

“Solidarity has come to an end,” he says and laughs.

Like most, he is very happy to get rid of the long hair and beard.

These are special Passion Plays that are now coming to an end.

Rödl speaks of a “roller coaster ride” in advance and reminds of all the uncertainties caused by the corona.

But Stückl in particular has always kept a cool head – “and kept saying we have to play”.

With a delay of two years, what many did not believe in for a long time has been achieved.

There will be 110 performances this Sunday, and the intended cast was not always on the stage.

Again and again it was necessary to replace actors, singers or musicians at short notice.

"Almost everyone has had Corona at some point," recalls Stückl, who, to his astonishment, has so far been spared.

He, Rödl and the main actors present emphasize the good atmosphere and team spirit.

"It was a shame." There was agreement on that.

Also about the fact that it was possible

to do without the prologue and to integrate the chorus more into the game.

“It worked,” emphasizes Zwink.

What the municipality had planned also worked out.

A capacity utilization of 85 percent was aimed for in advance.

"We actually reached 91.25 percent," says Walter Rutz, Managing Director of Passionsspiele Oberammergau Vertriebs GmbH and head of the in-house culture department.

Over 412,000 visitors experienced the 42nd Passion Play.

The postponement had one advantage: "There were still tickets after the premiere." With the positive result from his point of view that the German-speaking area could be served better.

Stückl identified another advantage.

"The weather was much better than in the noughties." The roof rarely had to be closed, but in 2010 it was 70 times.

"Maybe we should always play two years later now," he said.

Of course they don't.

According to Rödl, what happens in 2030 will occupy the municipality from 2024.

Now everyone is enjoying the last Passion Days and allowing the melancholy "that this really beautiful time is ending".

Johannes actor Christoph Stöger sums it up.

And he too can only say: "It was a shame."