(ZENIT News / London, 05.04.2024).- The moving outdoor production of “The Passion of Jesus” returned to the heart of London this year, with a performance that moved thousands of spectators in Trafalgar Square. This work, which commemorates the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, is an annual event that people look forward to, of all beliefs and traditions.
Presented for the first time in 2010 by the Wintershall company, this theatrical production includes a cast of more than 100 people, including actors, volunteers and stage crew from London and its surroundings. The Passion of Jesus, interpreted by Peter Bergin, was directed by Ashley Herman and was held under the shadow of the National Gallery.
“We are delighted to bring the story of Jesus again to the city this year,” said Charlotte de Klee. “This work is not only directed to those of the Christian faith, but to people of all beliefs and traditions, as well as those that don’t have any,” she added.
The Wintershall company, made up of volunteer actors, is part of the Wintershall Estate in Surrey, where Peter Hutley and his wife Ann transformed their impressive estate into the home of epic outdoor performances on the life of Jesus. Peter Hutley, a devout Catholic, wrote “The Life of Christ,” an adaptation of the Bible, as a unique production in 1999, to commemorate the Millennium. Since then, these performances have become a tradition, [and the latest] in honour of Peter Hutley’s memory, who died in 2023.
“The Passion of Jesus,” which has the support of the office of the Mayor of London, attracts regularly over 20,000 people to its two annual performances in Trafalgar Square. This year the performances were broadcast live on Facebook and Wintershall’s YouTube channel.
In addition to the Passion of Jesus, the Wintershall cast presents “The Life of Christ” in the Surrey Estate every June and the “Nativity Journey” at Wintershall every Christmas, thus continuing with the tradition and ensuring that Jesus’ story remains alive in the heart of the community (for more details go to: https://www.wintershall.org.uk/).
“This event demonstrates the tolerance and diversity found in London, taking place as it does in one of the most emblematic areas of the capital,” highlighted de Klee, stressing the positive impact and relevance of this work in the local community and beyond.
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