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Moseley Chimes
September 2008
The small Bavarian village of Oberammergau first put on the passion play in 1634. The village had been struck by the plague in 1633 and the villagers made a solemn vow that, if their lives were spared, they would enact a play depicting the story of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. The plague claimed no more lives in Oberammergau and so, the following year, the villagers put on their first play. They have continued to do so, at ten year intervals, ever since.
The next set of performances will take place between mid May and the beginning of October 2010, starting at 2:30 p.m. and finishing at 10:30 p.m. with a break for dinner between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The performers are all inhabitants of Oberammergau and its surrounding villages in order to maintain the tradition of the vow.
It is anticipated that in 2010 over 500,000 people from all over the world will attend the performances. As a result early booking is essential. The Benefice is intending to arrange a trip to Oberammergau during 2010 to see the play. There will be a meeting to discuss this proposal in more detail on Sunday 7 September 2008 at 5:00 p.m. in the Piggott Room at St Mary’s Church.
If you are interested please contact Jan Miller (0121) 449 0970 or Jill Adams (0121) 449 4763.