What Is the Passion Play
The Passion Play is an interactive indoor and outdoor walk-through experience for the entire family, depicting the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The play is made possible by student leaders, campus faculty and staff, and the community who have continued to portray Christ’s ultimate gift of love. By offering viewers a chance to be engaged with the story, we are reminded of Christ’s sacrifice.
We hope to see at this year’s Passion Play, as we experience the passion of Christ together.
What You’ll Experience
There are 8 scenes throughout the campus of Andrews University. You will get from one scene to another on foot, so bring some good walking/hiking shoes. Parents: although the play is generally child-friendly, we highly recommend reviewing the story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection with your kids prior to coming to the play.
Opening Scene
Marketplace and Triumphal Entry
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, passing through the city streets and marketplaces as crowds gather around him.
Last Supper
Jesus shares a final Passover meal with his disciples offering a final lesson about loving one another, as he had loved them. He also foretells his betrayal.
Gethsemane
Jesus prays in deep anguish on the night before his crucifixion while his disciples sleep nearby. Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Roman authorities.
Pilate
Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, where he is where he was accused by religious leaders and condemned to crucifixion on the cross.
Crucifixion
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha. During his crucifixion, he prays for forgiveness for his executioners and gives up his spirit, fulfilling the Scriptures.
Resurrection
Experience an immersive depiction of the battle between good and evil, culminating in Jesus’ rising from the tomb and ascending to heaven! *
Hospitality
Join our team of volunteers for an opportunity to respond to your experience at the Passion Play.
*Safety Warning
The final (Resurrection) scene contains intense bright lights and loud, sudden sound effects that may be overwhelming or triggering for some viewers, particularly those sensitive to flashing imagery or high-volume audio. Viewer discretion is advised.
Play History
In 2003, the first Passion Play was held at Andrews University. The introduction of this play was through the vision and dedication of Pastor Ron Whitehead. Pastor Whitehead spent his childhood attending passion plays around the world with his family, including the world-famous play in Oberammergau, Germany. In 2002, he did some research and found that there were no other interactive outdoor passion plays in a two-hour radius. After sharing this research with University leaders, he received unanimous support. Pastor Whitehead saw this information as God’s sign to move ahead and start the planning process. In the fall of 2002 a great team of supportive students, campus leaders and community members came together and started to undertake this project. In 2003 their hard work paid off and the first Passion Play on the campus of Andrews University was produced.