Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Passion play actors re-live last days of Christ on Earth
As the last dress rehearsal for the annual "Death of the Messiah" passion play wrapped up Sunday afternoon, cast members gathered together, reflecting on the true meaning of Jesus' last week on Earth.
The Companions of Jesus of New Mexico will once again bring the message to audiences during the holy season, hoping that young and old alike will remember and embrace what was sacrificed when Jesus was crucified. This is the eighth year that the group of non-denominational Christians has gathered together to put on the production.
Director Therese Hidalgo said that the play has not only inspired those who have attended it, but the cast as well. She said she has seen newfound hope and motivation in those who volunteer.
"This is a great group of people who work hard and are dedicated to this play," Hidalgo said. "They come back year after year wanting to do a good job and help people understand what Jesus did for us more than 2,000 years ago."
The play reenacts the week prior to Jesus' crucifixion on the cross and his resurrection three days later. The play tells the story of Judas's ultimate betrayal, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and Jesus' last supper with his disciples.
"What's even more amazing about this cast is that we've had people start from the bottom — people who were shy and felt intimidated — and now they have blossomed," Hidalgo said. "They have gotten so much confidence and have moved up to bigger roles, and they are really shining."
Ed Curtis, who shares the role of Jesus with Robert Kaneshiro, has been portraying the Savior since the play began eight years ago. He said being able to serve the Lord is what keeps him coming back year after year.
"There's been a lot of turn-over in the cast over the years, but we've gotten better," Curtis said. "We've gotten to the point where we feel comfortable in the play and we know what we're doing, but every audience is different, and it can get very emotional at times."
The message of the "Death of the Messiah" played out by the local actors gives the audience a visual reminder that can be very powerful, says Curtis. While there are many different scenes that are moving, he says there is one in particular that brings tears to his eyes every time he sees it.
"It's when the Roman centurion has a conversion at the cross," Curtis said. "That's the scene when most people cry because people can relate to what he's feeling."
Marilyn Sanchez Kaneshiro, who plays Pilate's wife, Claudia, and her entire family have also been a part of the passion play from its inception. She said that not only is it a chance to spread the work of God, it's an opportunity for her family to spend quality time together.
"We want to give people an understanding of the last week of Jesus' life," she said. "We just want to get the word out and let people know what he did for us and to be thankful. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it."
John Shipe, who portrays a high priest named Shechem who defends Jesus, began volunteering as a cast member several years ago after a friend invited him to see the show.
"It was all uphill from there," he said. "I saw that God was in it, and I wanted to be part of it. From then on, I've been here and I'll probably do it until the Lord comes for me."
The Companions of Jesus' "Death of the Messiah" will be performed several times throughout the season, including:
Saturday, March 17, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Albuquerque at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 24, at Grace Fellowship in Los Lunas at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, April 1, at Ilfeld Auditorium in Las Vegas, N.M., at 3 p.m.
Friday, April 6, at the Belen High School Auditorium at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Admission is free to all performances, but donations are welcome. For more information, call Therese Hidalgo at 864-1925 or 269-7659.
The Companions of Jesus of New Mexico will once again bring the message to audiences during the holy season, hoping that young and old alike will remember and embrace what was sacrificed when Jesus was crucified. This is the eighth year that the group of non-denominational Christians has gathered together to put on the production.
Director Therese Hidalgo said that the play has not only inspired those who have attended it, but the cast as well. She said she has seen newfound hope and motivation in those who volunteer.
"This is a great group of people who work hard and are dedicated to this play," Hidalgo said. "They come back year after year wanting to do a good job and help people understand what Jesus did for us more than 2,000 years ago."
The play reenacts the week prior to Jesus' crucifixion on the cross and his resurrection three days later. The play tells the story of Judas's ultimate betrayal, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and Jesus' last supper with his disciples.
"What's even more amazing about this cast is that we've had people start from the bottom — people who were shy and felt intimidated — and now they have blossomed," Hidalgo said. "They have gotten so much confidence and have moved up to bigger roles, and they are really shining."
Ed Curtis, who shares the role of Jesus with Robert Kaneshiro, has been portraying the Savior since the play began eight years ago. He said being able to serve the Lord is what keeps him coming back year after year.
"There's been a lot of turn-over in the cast over the years, but we've gotten better," Curtis said. "We've gotten to the point where we feel comfortable in the play and we know what we're doing, but every audience is different, and it can get very emotional at times."
The message of the "Death of the Messiah" played out by the local actors gives the audience a visual reminder that can be very powerful, says Curtis. While there are many different scenes that are moving, he says there is one in particular that brings tears to his eyes every time he sees it.
"It's when the Roman centurion has a conversion at the cross," Curtis said. "That's the scene when most people cry because people can relate to what he's feeling."
Marilyn Sanchez Kaneshiro, who plays Pilate's wife, Claudia, and her entire family have also been a part of the passion play from its inception. She said that not only is it a chance to spread the work of God, it's an opportunity for her family to spend quality time together.
"We want to give people an understanding of the last week of Jesus' life," she said. "We just want to get the word out and let people know what he did for us and to be thankful. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it."
John Shipe, who portrays a high priest named Shechem who defends Jesus, began volunteering as a cast member several years ago after a friend invited him to see the show.
"It was all uphill from there," he said. "I saw that God was in it, and I wanted to be part of it. From then on, I've been here and I'll probably do it until the Lord comes for me."
The Companions of Jesus' "Death of the Messiah" will be performed several times throughout the season, including:
Saturday, March 17, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Albuquerque at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 24, at Grace Fellowship in Los Lunas at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, April 1, at Ilfeld Auditorium in Las Vegas, N.M., at 3 p.m.
Friday, April 6, at the Belen High School Auditorium at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Admission is free to all performances, but donations are welcome. For more information, call Therese Hidalgo at 864-1925 or 269-7659.
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