Passion Play Theatre [Oberammergau]
Theatre building in Obergammergau, Germany
theater in Oberammergau
Passion Play Theatre
The tradition of the Oberammergau passion play goes back to 1634 when the townspeople first fulfilled a vow they had made during a plague epidemy to perform the Passion of Christ every ten years. Until 1820, the passion play was performed on a temporary stage at the local cemetery. - The first stage at the current location was opened in 1830. 1899-1900 new theatre building with an auditorium roof by Max Schmucker. 1930 stage rebuilding. Variuos rebuildings and renovations over the years. 1997-1999 major renovation and modernization. Ca. 2010 addition of a foldable stage roof. Ca. 4500 seats. In other years, the theatre is used for a summer season of concerts, theatre and opera performances. Used every ten years (and additionally in some jubilee years) for numerous performances of the Passion Play, performed by local amateur actors and musicians. The last performances of the passion were shown in 1890, 1900, 1910, 1922, 1930, 1934, 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1984, 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2022.