3-078-181 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Passion Play at Ober-Ammergau, Bavaria: Christ before Pilate, 1890. 'In front of us is a large stage open to the sky, behind is a smaller stage, before which hangs a curtain. On the right is the house of Annas, the high-priest; on the left, the house of Pilate...Next to the stage is the orchestra, composed entirely of peasants...Half the theatre - that part nearest the stage - is roofless; and this is occupied by the holders of cheap tickets...those who wish to be disillusioned a little - those who would fain be sure that the hands of the Christos are not actually pierced by nails - will brave the discomforts of rain or sun, and select the exposed places near the orchestra...the booming once again of a cannon tells us that the play is about to begin. From the wings on either side a number of men and women, beautifully clothed in classic drapery, come forward and form a single file across the stage. The leader, or "choragus," exhorts to a devout contemplation of the scenes to follow, and a recognition of the salvation of the world through Christ's sacrifice. Then the chorus divides in the middle and falls back on either side, while the curtain rises on the first of the many beautiful tableaux'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.