The world-famous Passion Play in Oberammergau, traditionally held every ten years, is due to be performed again throughout the summer of 2010.

In 1633, Bavaria was being swept by a plague epidemic, and more than 80 lives had been lost in Oberammergau alone. The local elders vowed that if the village were purged of the plague, they would "keep the Passion tragedy every 10 years". The epidemic came to a standstill, and in 1634 the villagers fulfilled this solemn promise for the first time. Ever since, despite dangers and threats, they have loyally kept their vow.

Pilgrims from all over the world are captivated by the Play, which is not only a testimony of religious faith but also an outstanding cultural event.

Although the text and music have been adapted many times over the years, the traditional concept has remained intact. With inner conviction the amateur actors, all local people, represent time and again the life, sufferings and resurrection of Our Lord.

The basis for the present day script originally came from Othmar Weis, a Benedictine monk. It was revised between 1850 and 1868 by the village priest of that time, Joseph Alois Daisenberger, and in 2000 the director Christian StueckI introduced a new production. However, the structure of the play with its living pictures from the Old Testament - an element since Baroque times - and acted scenes from the New Testament, is still retained.

The music for the Play was composed in the early 19th century by the Oberammergau school teacher, Rochus Dedler. Revised and extended in 1950 by Professor Eugen Papst, and again by Markus Zwink in 2000, it employs a large choir and orchestra and frames the entire spectacle.

The Play shows the story of Christ's Passion, beginning with the entry into Jerusalem and ending with the Resurrection and Transfiguration.