Bringing the Easter story to life in every town and every city across the UK.
The Passion Trust is the only UK charity committed to the current resurgence of Passion Plays. Since 2010, there have been over 100 Passion Plays in key locations across the UK, drawing the largest audiences of outdoor theatre in any given year. Our vision is to transform the way Easter is experienced through embodied experiences of the Easter story, aiming ultimately to bring the story to life in free, live performances for every town and city.
COMMUNITY
Community theatre is a unique form of theatre, and Easter performances of Passion plays exemplify its value and relevance. The focus is on the process of rehearsing as much as the final product of performance. Large amateur casts receive training and mentorship during rehearsals. The rehearsal process involves marginalised or disadvantaged members of the local community.
BIBLICAL LITERACY
Passion Plays help address the lack of biblical literacy in the UK. They also bring to life the heritage that is often forgotten. According to a study undertaken by YouGov, 43% of children who took part had never seen, read or heard the story of the Crucifixion. Over 60% of children had not read, seen or heard the Feeding of the 5,000 (61%) or the Good Samaritan (61%).
HERITAGE
In the wake of contemporary York, Chester and Lincoln Mystery Plays, Passion Plays ensure the continued protection of heritage in more accessible and shortened performances. Rather than full Mystery Play cycle from Creation to Last Judgement, they focus on the main narrative that explains the Christian faith, namely, Christmas and Easter.
EDUCATION
Passion Play actors who travel the country and bring workshops and assemblies to students report an increased understanding of the Christian faith and tolerance for people of faith. A dramatic experience of the story gives much more and can help students access literary allusions and symbolism as they beginning to read more widely in English literature which is full of biblical allusions.
CULTURE
The majority of Passion Plays are free so everyone can have a culturally-enriching experience and contribute their skills to large cultural event in their local community. Passion Plays are a place to invest creativity and expertise whether in costume design, hospitality, music and singing or stage design. People report a life-changing experience as they grow in confidence and new skills.
COMMUNITY
The relevance of the Easter story is dramatized by and for local communities to speak to individuals and communities in new ways. People of all faiths or none can experience the story for themselves and find out more about the Christian faith. Dramatic experiences can prompt authentic encounters with the people and events portrayed in a way that bypasses layers of religious and cultural traditions
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
Passion Plays provide an opportunity for increased positive dialogue between different faiths in the community. They have a wonderful ability to promote dialogue and inspire new relationships between people of different faiths or none. The plays are a fascinating place for exploration, dialogue and mutual understanding.
CONNECTING CHURCHES
Passion Plays present the Christian faith in fresh ways relevant to local communities around the UK. They also give people a chance to participate in re-telling the story or to see it performed at no cost. They also help churches fulfil their mission to reach out to marginalised, isolated or vulnerable people in the community.
SHARING EXPERTISE
The Passion Trust runs training events and conferences to invest in people who are involved in Passion Plays in all aspects of outdoor and community theatre. The annual conference is the only time of the year actors, directors, producers, photographers, journalists, fundraisers, volunteers, script-writers, PR experts & event organisers, share their expertise.
More about the Passion Trust
The Passion Trust was established in 2010 to support performances of Passion Plays in the United Kingdom. The charity draws together people of all faiths and none to engage with the Easter story. Its trustees have been involved in Passion Plays around the UK and around the world, including in Louisiana’s infamous Angola Goal, Milan, Brazil, Cape Town, and Perth in Western Australia.
