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Oberammergau

Oberammergau: Old traditions for a modern audience

Every 10 years, for nearly four centuries, the residents of Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps have performed their traditional Passion Play. The play will again be performed in 2010.

The performance dates back to 1633, when Europe was ravaged by plague.

The village elders of Oberammergau vowed to present a Passion Play if the town were spared. The villagers have kept their promise ever since, with only one exception during World War II.

Today, the play is still an integral part of life for the 5,300 residents of the village. It is performed exclusively by amateur actors who were born in Oberammergau or have lived there for at least 20 years. Men who are chosen to appear onstage are required to begin growing their beards 18 months before the first performance.

The Oberammergau Passion Play has always been presented in the open air, with the Bavarian Alps providing a dramatic backdrop to the simple stage sets. Today's theater dates back to 1930, but extensive refurbishments have added modern seating, a roof to protect the audience from rain, a heated floor and up-to-date facilities. With excellent acoustics and great sight-lines, more than 4,700 spectators can now enjoy each day-long performance.

The most recent production in 2000 introduced the vision of director Christian Stückl, composer Markus Zwink and dramatist Otto Huber, all Oberammergau natives. Updating a script originally written by a Benedictine monk and enriching the early 19th-century musical score, this talented team also designed new costumes and staging. Nearly 2,200 villagers, including 550 children, participated either as performers or backstage. Stückl will again direct the Passion Play in 2010.

Oberammergau lies in the heart of central Europe, close to the Danube, Rhine and Elbe Rivers, making it possible to combine the 2010 Passion Play with a river cruise through some of Europe's most picturesque regions. Cruises and packages are available that include Oberammergau as well as cities like Prague, Vienna, Amsterdam, Budapest and Strasbourg.

The Oberammergau Passion Play runs from May through September, 2010. It's important to plan far in advance for travel and tickets to this historic ten-yearly event. For more information, talk to a travel agent.