The Canadian Badlands Passion Play has been performed every summer since 1994 in Drumheller, Alberta. The outdoor setting in a natural amphitheatre, similar to the Israeli countryside, boasts superb natural acoustics (plus a 3-dimensional surround sound system). The Passion Play follows the life of Jesus as found in the gospels, told through drama and music. This year the Passion Play has a new script based on the gospel of Luke. With more than 250 people in the cast and crew, volunteers are the backbone of the production. Every year the play draws an audience from across Canada and around the world, with seating for up to 2,500 people at each performance.
The Canadian Badlands Passion Play is a breathtaking portrayal of the “greatest story ever told”. Nestled in the midst of Drumheller’s winding dunes and sandy valleys is a little glimpse of Israel. Actors transport the audience back in time to the story of Jesus – our Creator and King, manifested for us in the form of a young man.
People of all ages gathered with us in the audience to watch an assorted team of volunteers (which included a handful of little children, a donkey, a horse and several sheep) masterfully portray the book of Luke. From the genealogies to the ascension, the powerful message was brought to life in open air.
Summarizing the Passion Play and what it has to teach us in a few words is an insurmountable task. Nevertheless we have penned a few notable points that we came home with – about the gospel of Luke, and the Passion Play itself:
1. Share the truth. The book of Luke is dedicated to Theophilus. Luke writes out the longest gospel in order to encourage the faith of his friend. The Passion Play is a refreshingly unguarded sharing of the gospel story in a world that is increasingly shying away from it.
2. Address everyone with respect. Luke addresses his friend as “the most excellent Theophilus.” (Luke 1: 3) It may seem like an over-the-top greeting but it shows us the importance of respect. At the end of the Passion Play, we had the chance to greet the actors (some of whom had driven as many as six hours to volunteer their time for 11 weekends of rehearsals). They shook our hands and passionately thanked us for attending as if WE were the stars.
3. Do your research. Luke tells us that he “carefully investigated everything from the beginning.” (Luke 1: 3) We can be certain his account was thoroughly researched because of the various sources of corroboration including eyewitness accounts, studies and words from ministers. The costumes, elaborate set and evocative music show the painstaking research that the creators of the Passion Play also took to portray the story of Jesus. There was no watering down the gospel story with modern appeal, and as a result they told the most relevant story we will ever know.
4. Acknowledge others in your field. Luke begins by acknowledging the many accounts written by others about the life of Jesus. This latest version of the Passion Play stands on the shoulders of many years of productions and five other scripts that the play has gone through. The creators of the Passion Play were not shy to acknowledge their history, and the camaraderie of the team adds so much to the atmosphere and the production.
5. Don’t be afraid to let your personality and God–given qualities shine. It’s not hard to see Luke’s perspective as a physician shining through his words. His gospel accounts depicts the most healing miracles of any of the gospels, and the most detailed account of Jesus’ birth, crucifixion, death and ascension. Plus, Luke’s intensity is infectious. The Passion Play is unashamedly unlike any other theatre production you will ever see or experience.
6. Stay unique. The book of Luke is unique in so many ways. It is the only gospel that describes the birth of John the Baptist or Jesus’ appearance on the road to Emmaus. It is also the longest and has the most detail. The unique setting of the Passion Play is reason alone to go see it. Billowing rain clouds, a pigeon circling the stage, angels appearing on the distant hills, or the glorious blue sky could never be recreated in a theatre.
7. Be careful how you treat strangers that cross your path. In the last chapter of Luke, Jesus appears to two men on the road to Emmaus. They have no idea who he is until after he disappears, and yet they treat the stranger with hospitality and reverence. The Passion Play dwells on this little story with great attention – and you see this same hospitality demonstrated by all the volunteers. The parking lot attendants seemed just as excited to be part of the production as the actors on stage! We hope they know how important a part they play in making it all possible.
8. See the Canadian Badlands Passion Play. You won’t regret it!
All photos courtesy of the Canadian Badlands Passion Play.
2016 performances run July 8 to 24, with evening performances at 6 p.m. on July 8, 10, 15, 22 and 23; afternoon performances at 4 p.m. on July 9, 16, 17 and 24.
Visit www.canadianpassionplay.com for more information.
