The Passion - Easter 2008
This Easter, there are two mainstream events that focus on the Passion, which we, our friends, neighbours and colleagues may be engaging with.
BBC Passion
The first is a major drama series on the last days of Jesus, which will be broadcast across Holy Week on BBC 1. The Passion is told from the point of view of Caiaphas, Pilate and the disciples.
Inspire Magazine featured a discussion with Andrew Graystone, Director of the Churches’ Media Council, who is encouraging the Christian community to welcome the BBC’s Passion unreservedly. He has discussed the project extensively with the producer Nigel Stafford-Clark (Bleak House), and has seen extracts from the series.
"This is a straightforward account of the last few days of the life of Jesus, told with honesty and passion. Obviously it is a work of drama not theology. It wasn’t conceived as an exercise in evangelism. But it springs directly from the story of the Gospels."
"It promises to be the most honest and challenging account of Jesus seen on TV in many years. It will prompt believers and unbelievers alike to think about Jesus. We want to encourage and contribute to those discussions."
"This Easter the whole country will be talking about Jesus. Let’s take a break from discussing the state of the Church or the finer points of theology!" said Andrew Graystone. "Instead let’s take our cue from this series and focus our discussions on the person of Jesus."
The Passion, written by Emmy Award-winner Frank Deasy (Prime Suspect 7), stars Joseph Mawle (Soundproof), James Nesbitt (Murphy's Law), Paul Nicholls (Clapham Junction), along with Ben Daniels, Laura Fraser, Denis Lawson and David Oyelowo.
The series, which was filmed in Morocco, will be shown across Easter week on BBC 1, with the final episode on Easter Sunday.
Have a look at the Churches Media Council Website or their press release. You can download a poster to publicise the series to those outside the church. It is also worth having a look at the rejesus website, which is intended as an evangelistic resource.
The second event we can engage with in Southampton is the Winchester Passion, a truly amazing re-enactment of the death and resurrection of Jesus on the streets of Winchester, with a cast of hundreds. The production will mix modern and classic styles and will include some spectacular effects.
Taking place from 6pm on Good Friday (21st March), some of the city's most famous locations will host scenes from the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Writer Phillip Glassborow explained the thinking behind the play: "We're trying to hit the streets of Winchester with the passion story in a way that makes it relevant and understandable for people today - especially those who don't know the story." The play will involve hundreds of people from all walks of life in the city - community groups, the Army, Winchester Community Choir, youth and student groups and also draw on professional and talented local amateur actors and dancers.
BBC Deputy Director General Mark Byford is Patron of the project: "My hope ... is that it connects with people, it makes people think and that they see a faith that is alive in 2008. But even if they have no faith themselves, they feel connected in some way and are able to reflect on their own lives." The idea of re-enacting the story of the crucifixion and resurrection goes back to medieval times - when townspeople would present scenes from the passion play called 'Mystery Plays'. The organisers are also hoping to make use of Winchester's historic locations such as the Great Hall, the Law Courts, the Westgate, the Buttercross and of course, the Cathedral.
However the Winchester Passion is set to stage the play with a more modern feel with the characters wearing contemporary clothes rather than traditional costumes. For Phillip, conveying the Easter story is at the heart of the project: "We all hope that it will touch people - we really don't want to preach at them. It'll be stronger and more moving if we just tell the story."
The event is free, and should be an amzing experience for all ages. For more information, you can contact the Passion Office on 01962 878948.