What's the story with the little village of Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps? For nearly 400
years the people who live here have performed the Passion of Christ every ten years. All
together. Grandparents parents children and grandchildren all join each other on stage. They
are fulfilling a vow once made by their ancestors to stave off the plague. This book sets out
to discover why the villagers' enthusiasm for theatre has endured to this day. It takes a look
behind the scenes and accompanies the creation of the 2022 Passion Play with its 2 400
participants. In a series of conversations the author explores their motivations special
rituals such as the Hair and Beard Decree and theatre life in times of the coronavirus
pandemic. And why giving up is not an option.
