Sunday, March 09, 2008
Inspiring 'Passion'
Long-running play is annual local tradition
Now in its 93rd season, "The Passion Play" is set to open at the Park Performing Arts Center in Union City on March 15.
"It's the reason the Park Theater was built," said Park Performing Arts Center (PPAC) Executive Director John Lewis when asked about the significance of PPAC's most anticipated production, "The Passion Play."
Lewis added, "The play has become a tradition. It's a service to religion and the community. We've had one actor performing [annually] for 45 years."
PPAC performs an adapted version of the play that originated in Oberammergau, Germany during the 17th century, which documents the last days of Christ through his trial, suffering, and consequent crucifixion.
The tradition of performing the play in the village of Oberammergau began after the townspeople were devastated by the effects of the plague and pledged that they would perform Christ's passion every 10 years - a tradition that continues today.
Though the PPAC was erected in 1931 on 32nd Street, the play and its ties to Union City and the surrounding community date as far back as the early 20th century.
In 1915, in the midst of World War I, Pope Benedict XV issued a plea for world peace. It was during that year that Father Joseph N. Grieff, then pastor of Holy Family Church in Union Hill (presently Union City), answered the call.
Grieff envisioned a performance that would embrace the local community via a "living prayer" presentation. The performance chosen was "Passion," which had been performed in Germany since 1634.
The version that audiences can expect to see is a modern musical, which is suitable for the whole family. On opening night, PPAC plans to fill its 1,387 seats for the annual presentation of the play - just in time for Easter.
Not just any Passion
The PPAC prides itself on offering something attendees can't see everywhere else.
For example, in 1987, Passion featured an African-American Jesus, which "stimulated positive discussion all over the world," said producer at the time Father Kevin Ashe.
He added, as opposed to recent controversial films about the Passion, "Passion plays are open to interpretation. Ours isn't Oberammergau, nor is it intended to stir up bias."
Community Outreach Developer Yesenia Fernandez Selier said that this year's production will benefit from a "rejuvenated vision and [actor] execution."
She added, "Last year, the public noticed the [difficult] jobs of the actors and director. The community has a heightened level of awareness this year."
Last year's production was in English, yet they hope to entice more Spanish speaking people to the show, she said.
Previous productions have included a cast with as few as 27 to as many as 80. This year, approximately 27 actors will perform under the guidance of award-winning playwright and director Carl Gonzalez.
Gonzalez, who formerly taught at the Visual and Performing Arts Program in New Jersey City University, is also a member of the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA), which also supports the play by supplying actors.
In the past, the play has attracted audience members from as far away as Canada, in addition to its local tri-state fan base.
"As the community changed, we [started getting] a lot of outsiders coming to see it," said Lewis, adding, "There's less of a local presence and a more regional one."
Future plans
Though seemingly distant, Lewis and the Board of Directors have already begun brainstorming ideas for the 100-year anniversary, which is slated for 2015.
They have discussed televising the play, performing it in English and Spanish, and casting a Spanish celebrity for the role of Jesus or Judas, among other ideas.
This plan is part of an ongoing effort to attract more locals and residents to the theater.
Said Lewis, "I think over the years there's been a perception that the [center] hasn't been here for the community, and we want to change that. We are here, and we want people to come back as audiences, students, renters, and volunteers. We want to welcome the entire community to the space."
Now in its 93rd season, "The Passion Play" is set to open at the Park Performing Arts Center in Union City on March 15.
"It's the reason the Park Theater was built," said Park Performing Arts Center (PPAC) Executive Director John Lewis when asked about the significance of PPAC's most anticipated production, "The Passion Play."
Lewis added, "The play has become a tradition. It's a service to religion and the community. We've had one actor performing [annually] for 45 years."
PPAC performs an adapted version of the play that originated in Oberammergau, Germany during the 17th century, which documents the last days of Christ through his trial, suffering, and consequent crucifixion.
The tradition of performing the play in the village of Oberammergau began after the townspeople were devastated by the effects of the plague and pledged that they would perform Christ's passion every 10 years - a tradition that continues today.
Though the PPAC was erected in 1931 on 32nd Street, the play and its ties to Union City and the surrounding community date as far back as the early 20th century.
In 1915, in the midst of World War I, Pope Benedict XV issued a plea for world peace. It was during that year that Father Joseph N. Grieff, then pastor of Holy Family Church in Union Hill (presently Union City), answered the call.
Grieff envisioned a performance that would embrace the local community via a "living prayer" presentation. The performance chosen was "Passion," which had been performed in Germany since 1634.
The version that audiences can expect to see is a modern musical, which is suitable for the whole family. On opening night, PPAC plans to fill its 1,387 seats for the annual presentation of the play - just in time for Easter.
Not just any Passion
The PPAC prides itself on offering something attendees can't see everywhere else.
For example, in 1987, Passion featured an African-American Jesus, which "stimulated positive discussion all over the world," said producer at the time Father Kevin Ashe.
He added, as opposed to recent controversial films about the Passion, "Passion plays are open to interpretation. Ours isn't Oberammergau, nor is it intended to stir up bias."
Community Outreach Developer Yesenia Fernandez Selier said that this year's production will benefit from a "rejuvenated vision and [actor] execution."
She added, "Last year, the public noticed the [difficult] jobs of the actors and director. The community has a heightened level of awareness this year."
Last year's production was in English, yet they hope to entice more Spanish speaking people to the show, she said.
Previous productions have included a cast with as few as 27 to as many as 80. This year, approximately 27 actors will perform under the guidance of award-winning playwright and director Carl Gonzalez.
Gonzalez, who formerly taught at the Visual and Performing Arts Program in New Jersey City University, is also a member of the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA), which also supports the play by supplying actors.
In the past, the play has attracted audience members from as far away as Canada, in addition to its local tri-state fan base.
"As the community changed, we [started getting] a lot of outsiders coming to see it," said Lewis, adding, "There's less of a local presence and a more regional one."
Future plans
Though seemingly distant, Lewis and the Board of Directors have already begun brainstorming ideas for the 100-year anniversary, which is slated for 2015.
They have discussed televising the play, performing it in English and Spanish, and casting a Spanish celebrity for the role of Jesus or Judas, among other ideas.
This plan is part of an ongoing effort to attract more locals and residents to the theater.
Said Lewis, "I think over the years there's been a perception that the [center] hasn't been here for the community, and we want to change that. We are here, and we want people to come back as audiences, students, renters, and volunteers. We want to welcome the entire community to the space."
Comments:
Post a Comment
