The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play begins in 1633. During the Thirty Years' War, after much suffering and also many deaths caused by the bubonic plague, the surviving population of Oberammergau vowed that they would perform the "play of the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ" every ten years if they were spared from extinction. At Whitsun in 1634 they kept their promise for the first time. As early as the middle of the 18th century spectators came to Oberammergau from all parts of Germany, attracted by the great power and mystique of the play. In 2010 the village will perform the play for the 41st time, maintaining the continuity of this unique world famous event.

Over 2000 participants bring the story of Jesus of Nazareth to the ears and eyes of the audience in a five-hour presentation on the imposing open-air stage. Almost half of the inhabitants of Oberammergau enact with great devotion the story of Jesus whose message gives billions  of people hope and strength. The play covers the period of  Jesus entering Jerusalem and continues up to his death on the Cross and his resurrection.

The new production, under the direction of Christian Stückl and the artistic team of the Passion Play in 2000, the stage designer Stefan Hageneier and the music directors Markus Zwink and Michael Bocklet, reflects the  tremendous community achievement. For ten months the villagers (actors)  playing the roles of Jesus, Mary, Pontius Pilate and the apostles, of the children, soldiers and priests will be rehearsing the newly revised text whilst  the orchestra and the singers will be studying the exceptional music created for the performance by the composer Rochus Dedler.

In 2010 the performance will, for the first time, begin in the afternoon and the second part will be performed in the evening hours. For 2010, the Oberammergau people will maintain the traditions  that  have kept the play valid for 376 years, making it a brilliant cultural and religious event.

The premiere takes place on Saturday, 15 May 2010. The Passion Play will be staged for a total  of 102 days.