Passion Play - Oberammergau is looking for Passion Play director for 2030
Six years before the next Passion Play 2030, Oberammergau will find the play director for the first time through a written application process. The town council recently decided with a clear majority to call upon Oberammergau residents, those who have the play rights, have had them, or will have them in the future, to submit their documents in accordance with the town council's resolution - a novelty in the centuries-long history.
The current play director Christian Stückl has staged the world-renowned Passion four times - and a year ago announced that he is ready for a fifth time. Now he must apply. "It's not about no longer wanting him," emphasizes Mayor Andreas Rodl, looking at Stückl. "It's about creating more transparency and seeing if there are candidates we haven't considered before." At least one interested party has already raised their hand.
Stückl, an honorary citizen of the town and decorated for his work for the Passion Plays with the Federal Cross of Merit, among other things, is disappointed. The Intendant of the Munich Volkstheater has no shortage of work. But the Passion means more to him. "That's where my heart is." He could certainly also apply in writing, says Stückl. "That's quickly written down." It's not entirely clear what the application should contain - because the town council has made no specifications.
The last Passion 2022 under Stückl's direction was a huge success - financially as well. Nearly half a million people saw the "Play of the Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ," which earned 48 million Euros. The Passion Plays are a huge economic factor for the small town.
Stückl, who was the youngest play director in his first Passion in 1990, reformed and modernized the Passion Plays fundamentally. He strengthened the female figures - and freed the play from Christian anti-Judaism.
By the end of the year, applicants for the play direction - Oberammergau residents who have the play rights, have had them, or will have them in the future - are expected to submit their documents in accordance with the town council's resolution. The town council will make a pre-selection, and the remaining candidates will present their ideas and concepts at a citizens' meeting on March 31 next year. The councils aim to make their decision by May 31 on who will be the play director or play director of the Passion 2030.
- The written application process for the next Passion Play director in Oberammergau in 2030 is open to residents who currently have, have had, or will have the play rights in the future, following the town council's resolution.
- Christian Stückl, the honorary citizen of Oberammergau and four-time director of the world-famous Passion Play, must submit his application due to the town council's desire for increased transparency and the potential discovery of overlooked candidates.
- The people of Oberammergau and the rest of Bavaria along with international audiences are eagerly anticipating the selection of the director for the Passion Play 2030, as this traditional and culturally rich event plays a significant role in the town's economy.
- Although Christian Stückl, known for his modernized and reformed Passion Plays, has achieved considerable success and earned various awards, he remains open to the possibility of applying for the role once again, showing his unwavering passion for the cultural tradition.
