A yearly tradition since 1996, the Melbourne Passion Play began when Melbourne businessman, philanthropist and Senior of the Year 2009, Pat La Manna OAM, experienced an overwhelming desire to create an outdoor re-enactment of the story of Christ for the people of Melbourne.
Due to the pandemic, the play was not able to run in 2020 and organisers have this year moved the play online, offering a recorded version in a bid to continue this treasured Melbourne tradition.
‘The Melbourne Passion Play which had its beginnings 25 years ago had to be cancelled due to the Covid -19 pandemic restrictions midway through rehearsals back in 2019,’ explains the play’s publicity representative, Fred Martin. ‘This video was taken during one of the past performances and was directed by Mr John Lee,’ Fred says.
‘The Passion Play was performed each year, free of charge, for the people of Melbourne,’ he explains. ‘Each year all the actors and backstage volunteers freely give their time and talent to bring this epic production to life.’
‘Please take the opportunity to watch this at any time, especially during the Easter period, and relive the Passion of Jesus as it is enacted by a cast of local volunteers in a beautiful outdoor setting.’
It is expected that performances will re-commence in 2022 and those interested in volunteering their time for the production are encouraged to contact the organisers.
