The Oberammergau Passion Play 2010
Oberammergau is found in a scenic river valley, surrounded by the Ammergau Alps, at the heart of Southern Bavaria. Here you will find lush meadows, the gentle River Ammer and the historic village with its ornately painted buildings, narrow streets and pretty shops, cafes, hotels and restaurants.
During the 17th century things were very different for the people of Oberammergau. Gripped by war, poverty and plague, in 1633 the villagers vowed to put on a Passion Play every 10 years if they were spared. They survived, performed the first Passion Play in 1634 and for four centuries their descendants have carried out that pledge. It is only Oberammergau villagers that are allowed to take part and in 2010 around 2,000 of them will come together to perform in the 41st Passion Play Season.
The play starts with Jesus entering Jerusalem, continues with His death on the cross and ends with the Resurrection. Performances take place 5 times weekly from May to October. They include glorious music with a full orchestra and choir. Performances commence at 2.30pm and, to include a 3 hour interval, end at 10.30pm.
2010 sees a new production directed by Christian Stueckl, director at Munich's Volkstheater. He is supported by the artistic team that along with him staged the 2000 Passion Play. The 19th century musical score adds to the powerful and emotive impact of the play.
Tickets to the Passion Play are sold as part of an official package or 'Arrangement'. Each of our packages includes 2 nights accommodation in Oberammergau or a nearby village, a reserved ticket to the Passion Play and 2 breakfasts, dinner on the night of arrival and both lunch and dinner in Oberammergau on the day of the Passion Play performance.
The demand for Passion Play tickets, coupled with the fact that it is only performed every 10 years, means that for many people attendance is a once in a lifetime experience. We strongly recommend early booking.