Author Description
In 1633 the villagers of Oberammergau vowed that, should God deliver them from the ravages of the plague, they would perform a passion play every ten years thereafter in remembrance and celebration. Three hundred and fifty years later, their past chequered by war and religious opposition, they are honoring their vow for the thirty-seventh time. Undertaken in obscurity, the Oberammergau Passion Play is now world famous. The last week of Christ's life on earth. 1984 more than 1 million visitors saw it.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the historical origins, cultural evolution, and enduring significance of the Oberammergau Passion Play. James Bentley examines the 1633 vow made by villagers to perform the play in gratitude for deliverance from the plague. He analyzes how this local religious observance transformed over three and a half centuries into a globally recognized theatrical event despite facing significant political and religious opposition.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Historical documentation of the 1633 plague vow.
- Analysis of the play's evolution through three hundred and fifty years of performance.
- Contextualization of the play within the broader history of Bavarian culture and religious tradition.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a comprehensive theological critique of the play's script.
- It does not offer a detailed technical manual for modern theatrical production.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this work as a useful historical overview for those interested in the intersection of local tradition and international tourism. Readers frequently note that the text provides a clear, accessible entry point into the complex history of the Oberammergau village and its famous performance.
Page Count:
112
Publication Date:
1984-01-05
Publisher:
Penguin Books Ltd
ISBN-10:
0140070338
ISBN-13:
9780140070330
Religion
History
Travel
Germany
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