'Seeing the Easter story brought to life is a dramatic and moving experience for everyone' 

Have you ever experienced the Easter story through live theatre? This article by the Passion Trust highlights the power of a Passion Play - and several are taking place around the UK this Easter

Seeing the Easter story brought to life is a dramatic and moving experience for everyone. People doing their shopping or taking a stroll in the local park have been surprised at the sight of people dressed in flowing robes and sandals, and stop to stare at Roman centurions with swords and spears.

Others have witnessed a scuffle on the high street that turned out to be actors in modern dress dramatising a scene from the Easter story. Whether you are familiar with the story or whether you have a different faith or none at all, live performances show us who Jesus was and what Easter is all about.

The Passion tells a real story of true events so it is no accident that it has all the elements of stories that are compelling and confronting: treachery, betrayal, injustice, sacrifice, redemption and a startling ending.

The Easter story never gets boring and each new Passion Play gives us rich new understanding and inspiration.

For people who already know a lot about Easter, the live experience of the people and events from the Easter story brings everything to life in a whole new way. From hearing the famous words of Christ in their context to seeing the reactions of individuals among the crowds that followed him, there is always something new to discover.

You might be familiar with Pontius Pilate washing his hands like Lady Macbeth or Judas who betrayed his friend for 30 pieces of silver, but how do they fit into the full story? Seeing it enacted in familiar spaces brings the Easter story to life and many people come back year after year.

For those who want to take part, it is an opportunity to experience community collaboration and creativity at its finest. Whether you want to take part in the volunteer cast or join the photography team or help with social media, there is something for everyone! Planning generally starts between October and December, so that is the best time to contact a play near you to get involved.

Whether you have had prior acting experience or always dreaded being on the stage, you can work with professional actors and directors to learn new skills, meet new people and overcome any fear of speaking in public!

The best thing about being involved in a Passion Play is that they are unique places for professional and amateur actors to work together. Professionals from many other backgrounds also share their expertise to give back to the local community or mentor younger people. Many people volunteer in a Passion Play and leave with more skills and experience for their CVs.

Local councils around the UK are very interested in having free events in town and city centres over the Easter weekend. The Passion Trust has lots of advice and event management documents to help with starting new Passion Plays and from experience, local councils are more than happy to help in the process.

Most Passion Plays are free of charge, with fundraisers working tirelessly to raise funds and secure sponsors. If you would like to raise money or give a donation for next year’s plays, contact the Passion Trust or use the online donation page.

Here's a sample of what people have said about Passion Plays:

“It was the first time I thought of Jesus as my friend.”

“I brought my brother who is usually quite critical of religious things but he said it was very impressive.”

“It was so moving. It just brings everything to you. It blew me away!”

Find a Passion Play near you this Easter and experience the Easter story for yourself. 

The Passion Trust is the only charity for Passion Plays in the UK: passiontrust.org

Thumbnail image | Passion Trust