And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last. – Luke 23:46
The dramatised version depicting the events which led to Jesus’ crucifixion and death on Mount Calvary, was this year, re-enacted by Perth’s Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community (DOJCC) at the Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School grounds on Good Friday, 2 April and in Fremantle public space in front of the Town Hall on Easter Vigil morning, 3 April.
This long-standing tradition which has been carried out for over 20 years at City Beach, was first initiated by a former drama student, Gabrielle Streat (nee Stone) whilst studying in Western Australia, and the format has remained largely the same over time.
More than 400 people were present this year, to journey along with Christ as He is “sentenced to death and walks His Way of the cross, culminating in his death and being anointed with oils and symbolically laid in the tomb,” a City Beach parishioner said.
“Monologues are recited by key characters, giving the various perspectives (of what might have transpired), giving those present in the crowd, powerful moments of reflection.”
This year the role of Jesus was played by Phil Cummins.
Passion Play Co-ordinator Janny Firth told The Record said preparations for the play begin from the start of Lent, for six weeks.
“Each year, we try to add in slightly different elements to the drama, singing, music, and this allows the involvement of new people.
“Although the play is technically a performance, but to us, this is about proclaim the true message of Easter, the Gospel message of Christ as disciples of Jesus, to everyone regardless of their faith belief.
“This is why the spiritual preparation is just as important – We do this by living the way of life through our community DOJCC, by reciting our daily prayers at home, attending our weekly prayer gatherings at our centres – then of course we dedicate one hour every week of Lent to practise the play,” she added.
Mrs Firth added that the enthusiasm and commitment of all involved, never fails to amaze her.
“One example is, the cross used for the play is transported on foot from City Beach to Fremantle, by 15 volunteer young members who take turns to carry the cross to Fremantle parish before the Fremantle ‘Flash-mob style re-enactment takes place at 11:30am on Holy Saturday.
Some of the scenes from the Passion Play re-enacted twice by the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community (DOJCC) at the Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School grounds on Good Friday, 2 April and in Fremantle public space in front of the Town Hall on Easter Vigil morning, 3 April. Photo: Lucy Harris.
“The boys are all volunteers and say this act is part of their Lent journey, and a way to strengthen their brotherhood.”
City Beach Parish Priest Father Emmanuel-tv Dimobi said the parishioners and wider public who gather yearly to witness the dramatic renditions of Christ’s passion were full of enthusiasm and anticipation for unparalleled spiritual nourishment and enrichment.
“The impression this experience makes in them can never be over emphasised as they endlessly learn from the suffering of Christ, the mystery of His incarnation and His obedience to the will of God, His Father,” Fr Dimobi said.
“Last Year, people were not able to gather for the Passion play because of Covid-19 restriction. It was traumatic for many people that the passion play they were used to each year on every Good Friday for many years, was not held.
“Due to the relaxation of the Covid-19 restriction, many people gathered this year for the Passion play with renewed gusto and enthusiasm. Indeed, the payoff was enormous,” he concluded.