Large scale Passion Play is returning to Princes Street Gardens on Saturday April 8th
A team over 100 people are to put on a full-scale Passion Play, one of the biggest pieces of community theatre in Scotland.
This 18 th showing of the play, first staged in 2005, has been known to draw in large crowds of up to 3000 to watch the spectacle.
Ethos
The director, Susanne Lofthus, explained that the play isn’t as well-known as it used to be.
This 18 th showing of the play, first staged in 2005, has been known to draw in large crowds of up to 3000 to watch the spectacle.
Ethos
The director, Susanne Lofthus, explained that the play isn’t as well-known as it used to be.
“Increasingly people don’t know the story. This year, we are producing a large-scale Passion Play because we wanted to go back and tell the story with a really clear narrative.”
Describing the play as “one of the greatest in the world”, she emphasised its ongoing importance, saying “it has relevance whatever time we’re living in”
Production
“Creating a traditional Passion Play is a major undertaking, with a big cast and lots of costumes and props, but it’s also a real spectacle - it’s something people won’t forget.” The director explains. The production crew is made up of people from all backgrounds, churchgoers and nonbelievers. The script varies from year to year for freshness – this year’s was written by OBE appointee Peter Hutley, whose also produces the London version of the play held in Trafalgar Square each year. Susanne Lofthus is the director of Cutting Edge Theatre, Edinburgh and has been helping put on the Passion plays for nearly twenty years. This is in addition to her other work working with disadvantaged people, and her own personal scriptwriting, such as her play 2022 play ‘Downs with Love’. The role of Jesus is this year being played by ‘Outlander’ actor Calum Barbour, who is an award-winning actor with experience from other TV and short film roles.
Details
Anyone wanting to see the Easter Play on April 8 th can watch the free performance at Princes St Garden West, starting at 2pm. For more information, the play’s official website is at https://easterplay.org/
Production
“Creating a traditional Passion Play is a major undertaking, with a big cast and lots of costumes and props, but it’s also a real spectacle - it’s something people won’t forget.” The director explains. The production crew is made up of people from all backgrounds, churchgoers and nonbelievers. The script varies from year to year for freshness – this year’s was written by OBE appointee Peter Hutley, whose also produces the London version of the play held in Trafalgar Square each year. Susanne Lofthus is the director of Cutting Edge Theatre, Edinburgh and has been helping put on the Passion plays for nearly twenty years. This is in addition to her other work working with disadvantaged people, and her own personal scriptwriting, such as her play 2022 play ‘Downs with Love’. The role of Jesus is this year being played by ‘Outlander’ actor Calum Barbour, who is an award-winning actor with experience from other TV and short film roles.
Details
Anyone wanting to see the Easter Play on April 8 th can watch the free performance at Princes St Garden West, starting at 2pm. For more information, the play’s official website is at https://easterplay.org/
