3-028-594 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ober Ammergau, in Bavaria, where the miracle play is performed, 1870. 'The play...has taken place decennially since 1640, the year of its inauguration...In 1633 a pestilence afflicted the village, and a vow was made to perform the passion of Our Lord every ten years if the plague were stayed. It was stayed, accordingly, so says history, and the spectacle has from that time been religiously held at the stated period. This year it is represented on every Sunday until Sept 30. The village is a small one, situated on the verge of the Tyrol, between Munich and Innspruck, and the performers are, one and all, natives of the place. About 500 took part in the present exhibition, which was attended, on May 22, by at least 5000 people, mostly peasants, who had come in some cases many miles to see it. The chief scene is that of the Crucifixion. The performance commences at eight a.m., and this scene does not come on till four in the afternoon. In it, and indeed throughout the play the Scripture version of the entire story, and the traditional ideas with respect to the appearance and demeanour of its most prominent actors, are very strictly adhered to. This year's performance will probably attract a large number of stray tourists'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.