The Passionstheater in Oberammergau, where the legendary play is hosted each decade
The Passionstheater in Oberammergau, where the legendary play is hosted each decade

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Meet actor Frederik Mayet, who'll play Jesus in the 2020 Oberammergau Passion Play

If you're looking for a real bucket-list experience to have next year, we've got just the thing. 2020 is your next chance to witness the legendary Oberammergau Passion Play, which, if you miss, you'll be waiting another decade to see. 

The Passion Play began in 1633 after villagers in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau were struck by the plague. Once the disease took hold of the area, the local people made an eternal promise to God that if he spared the village of its deadly grasp, they would honour and thank Him by acting out his life, suffering, death, and resurrection every ten years.

Incredibly, the promise has been kept all these years and next year will mark the Passion Play’s 42nd performance since its debut in 1634. It truly is a transcendent experience and one that will stay with you long after you return home. We spoke to actor and villager Frederik Mayet (pictured below), who will playing the role of Jesus in the 2020 production about what the play's legacy means to him.  

Frederik Mayet:

“I was in the play for the first time in the year 2000, when I played John the Apostle. I was invited by the director, Christian Stückl, to attend some castings and after turning up several times I was surprised – and more than happy – when he suggested that I played the role of John. Cast members show a real dedication to being part of the Passion Play. We start with the beard and hair-growing around one year ahead of the premiere. The first half of this year is spent rehearsing, while the other half is filled with performances. Almost half of our whole village is involved, and our aim is to bring a great Passion Play to the stage for our visitors.”

“It’s not often that you find such a famous and long-standing tradition in a small village, like Oberammergau – it truly is so special to be part of the play. I remember back in 1990, when I was 10-years-old, I sat in the audience and watched the Passion Play with my great-grandmother. For me, this is one of the best places to live.”

When asked if there's anything particular about the charming village he would recommend to unfamiliar visitors, Frederik added: "I would go to the Romanshöhe. That is a small restaurant on the hills of Oberammergau. You have to walk there for 35 minutes. But they have the Kaiserschmarrn (cut-up and sugared pancake with raisins) in town. That is typical dish in our region."

If you're interested in attending this once-per-decade event, we can take you there. Our Oberammergau tours start from just £995pp. Search "Oberammergau" on our website to view our tours now. 

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