The day was overcast with warnings of impending rain shower all throughout the afternoon. I thought few people would turn out for the 3 PM play and might get a good spot to position ourselves for the 90 minute production. I was very wrong.
I have watched films and shows portraying Biblical stories and characters to life. But none of this grand scale in an open-air theatre in the heart of London.
'Jesus Christ in London!' You rarely can use that line. The Wintershall cast, fully-clad in colourful costumes, even horses and a donkey, bring the most critical days in the life and death of Jesus Christ. Last Good Friday, we have witnessed The Passion of Jesus.
In attendance were hundreds, thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square all wanting to see the incredible scenes of crucifixion and resurrection. Despite the cold temperatures and intermittent rain showers, the cast and crew delivered a wonderful triumphant performance. Some of the audience members were even taken part of the crowd that chose between Jesus and Barabas.
It was a solid performance all throughout. The actor that played Jesus has a fantastic semblance to the actors that played him onscreen. I also commend the actors that played Judas and Pontius Pilate. They were really intense and you could feel their 'anti-hero' stance permeate through the crowd of all ages.
In fact the cast have received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for outstanding community service. Learn more about them -> here.
I have seen the movie 'Passion of Christ' especially the gruelling realistic scenes of torture and crucifixion. Albeit there were no real blood, but seeing the actual portrayal scenes of crucifixion in person is still hard-to-see even for the most devoted and passionate Christians.
I have watched films and shows portraying Biblical stories and characters to life. But none of this grand scale in an open-air theatre in the heart of London.
'Jesus Christ in London!' You rarely can use that line. The Wintershall cast, fully-clad in colourful costumes, even horses and a donkey, bring the most critical days in the life and death of Jesus Christ. Last Good Friday, we have witnessed The Passion of Jesus.
In attendance were hundreds, thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square all wanting to see the incredible scenes of crucifixion and resurrection. Despite the cold temperatures and intermittent rain showers, the cast and crew delivered a wonderful triumphant performance. Some of the audience members were even taken part of the crowd that chose between Jesus and Barabas.It was a solid performance all throughout. The actor that played Jesus has a fantastic semblance to the actors that played him onscreen. I also commend the actors that played Judas and Pontius Pilate. They were really intense and you could feel their 'anti-hero' stance permeate through the crowd of all ages.
In fact the cast have received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for outstanding community service. Learn more about them -> here.
I have seen the movie 'Passion of Christ' especially the gruelling realistic scenes of torture and crucifixion. Albeit there were no real blood, but seeing the actual portrayal scenes of crucifixion in person is still hard-to-see even for the most devoted and passionate Christians.
Here is a full version of the same production by the cast last year:
Initially I thought I would be able to make a lenten sacrifice by standing throughout the 90-minute play in cold temperatures and drizzling rain on top of jostling for position amongst the mammoth crowd. I was also technically and physically challenged to manage a good photo shot from hundreds of feet away from the make-shift stage. I thought the actors themselves had far more and great sacrifice for this yearly act of volunteer.
The crowd erupted to cheers, applause and shouts of 'Amen!' The play isn't over. The man that portrays Jesus walks between the centre aisle from atop the stairs of Trafalgar Square in front of the National Gallery. He's all robed in pure-white. It was the third day. I briefly saw wide smiles in the face of the children in the crowd. I could see few wet-eyed spectators and they were under their umbrellas.
Then I was reminded of the real 'Man' leading the best 'act' in the world. The act of love and forgiveness.
He is risen. Rejoice, and Happy Easter!
Buti may ganyan dyan noh? Iba talaga feeling kapag andun ka mismo sa event...
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