Durban Passion Play
Playhouse Drama: 25 March – 12 April
Renovating Rocks! Durban North resident, Jonathon Wardle, and his team of prop makers and scenic artists, have concluded a labour of love – refurbishing the decades-old Durban Passion Play set ahead of this year’s season in the Playhouse, opening on 25 March.
The effects of being stored for intervals of five years at a time, the ravages of wear and tear, and the voracious appetite of Durban’s tenacious wood borer has meant that the set was looking a tad tired and in need of some TLC. Jonathon and his team put up their hands to freshen up, repair and paint the set – a time consuming project which has taken many weeks.
The have repaired, recovered with cloth and painted piles of rocks; fixed the base structures on the dramatic row of pillars, repaired wooden stairs and doors, and replaced panels on the wooden stage revolve. The dramatic main cross has also had extensive work done on it.
“Items made of wood especially took a knock,” explained Wardle “and everything needed painting. It is all looking great now though. The guys have worked hard. It will be good for at least another five years!”
Jonathon and his family have been an instrumental part of the Durban Passion Play family of volunteers for decades.
The Durban Catholic Players’ Guild will present the 15th Durban Passion Play at the Playhouse Drama Theatre from 25 March until 12 April. The opening performance will be attended by the Mayor of Oberammergau – home of the original Passion Play.
An epic scale dramatic production depicting Jesus’ passion, The Durban Passion Play strives to restore the true meaning of Easter. It is performed by a large 130-member strong cast who volunteer their time and skills as part of their Lenten preparations.
The play is directed by Dawn Haynes and Derek Griffin, with two men sharing the role of the Christus: Dale Collings for the first time, and Rob Paul who played the Christus in the 2000 staging.
There are day-time and evening performances. Public booking is through Webtickets. Block bookings and entire performances can be purchased through Dominic Sandiah on 082 460 7677. There is a signed performance for the hearing impaired on the afternoon of 4 April.

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