Charles and Jean Carlisle

Erskine Alumni and Friends Travel "Alpine Europe"

ARP Moderator and former Erskine College administrator Dr. Charles Carlisle led an "Alpine Tour" of Austria, Germany and Switzerland this month, highlighted by a trip to Oberammergau, Germany, to attend the final 2000 performance of the famous Passion Play there.

The 43 members of the group included a number of Erskine alumni and friends. Among these were Erskine Presdent Emeritus Dr. James Strobel and his wife Donna who supplied the photos on this page.

"In 1990 Charles and I attended the Passion Play at Oberammergau," said Carlisle's wife, Jean, an Erskine Alumna. "At that time he originated the idea of returning in 2000 to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. The Passion Play is only performed every 10 years."

The Passion Play at Obergammergau was an all-day event for the group. The play was divided into two performances with several hours intermission between the two. The audience of about 5,000 sat in a covered area, though the stage itself was open to the elements.

"It was very elaborate," said Erskine professor emeritus Dr. Lowry Ware. "I guess the floor of the stage must have been fireproof, because they had real fires on the stage."

There are 130 speaking roles in the production, in addition to a large chorus, and music plays an important part in the play. This year, 1,600 adults and 550 children, more than ever before, were involved in the Passion Play.

The Passion Play 2000 Oberammergau , a book edited by the community of Oberammergau, tells the story of the play's origins. According to the book, in 1633, devastated by the plague, the people of Oberammergau pledged to perform the Passion Play as a sign of their repentance and remorse over the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

The book said, "To many of us, the oath of our forefathers represents the beginning of a great theatrical tradition. To others it is a legacy, a solemn duty. In either case a vow taken in the year 1633 is no longer binding on anyone. Many old traditions–indeed many old passion play traditions–have disappeared. Yet Oberammergau still carries on."

The first Passion Play at Oberammergau was staged in 1634, and in 1680 the performance was moved to the first year of each decade. Two interruptions in the staging of the play have occurred: once in 1770, when the church and state prohibited the staging of passion plays in any form, and again in 1940 during the turmoil of World War II. The 2000 production marks the 40th season.

The Carlisles noted some changes from the 1990 production they viewed. "Since 1990, a revision of the text sought to remove anti-Semitic elements," Jean Carlisle said.

"It gives a strong evangelical message. Especially striking is the emphasis upon the unity of the Bible. The tableaux at the beginning of each act were drawn from Old Testament characters and events that prefigured the life and work of Christ.

"We felt that the play was more moving and a better production than in 1990. The orchestra and chorus of 75 with several soloists was excellent."

She added, "Especially realistic was the depiction of the crucifixion and the via dolorosa."

The group's itinerary included Lake Lucerne, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle (model for the castles at Disney theme parks), and Oberammergau.

"A serendipity for us was being able to attend a concert in the Salzburg Cathedral of the Mozart Coronation Mass," said Jean Carlisle. "In that setting, with wonderful baroque interior and great acoustics, there were two organs, instrumentalists, a large chorus and several soloists. It was a memorable experience."

The weather for the trip was a mix of rain, sunshine, and even light snow, the Carlisles reported. "We were fortunate to have sunshine for walking tours at Heidelburg, Innsbruck, Vienna and Rothenburg."

The practical aspects of the trip flowed smoothly, and Dr. Carlisle is planning to host a Presbyterian heritage tour of England and Scotland in May 2001.

The Passion Play at Oberammergau, Germany