Passion Play at Illinois State University - Center for the Performing Arts

Authors

• Peter Nichols

Inspired by the historic festivals where everyday citizens came together to elevate their communities by staging the death and resurrection of Christ, Ruhl's wildly ambitious triptych spins a funny and lusty tale of community spirit, individual morality and global politics. The three-part saga follows three acting troupes as they stage a classical passion play at different moments in history, transporting audiences first to 16th century England, where Queen Elizabeth threatens to shut down a small town's production; then to Nazi Germany, where Adolf Hitler's arrival at the famous Oberammergau Passion Play influences the lives of its cast; and finally to Spearfish, South Dakota in 1984, as a local production becomes a campaign stop for a famous actor-turned-President running for re-election. In each act, town members gather to commemorate the martyrdom of Christ, and the proceedings reflect Ruhl's trademark blending of philosophical query and light-spirited wit.