This is the oldest dramatised text in the Slovene language, with almost a 300-year tradition. In the last few months before the re-staging of the Passion Play, the anticipation of the upcoming event is fuelled by a series of exhibitions and meetings. Since the autumn, a Passion Office has been operating in the town, and a Passion Camp has been set up, where the actors undertake their preparations. The young people of Škofja Loka show great interest in the project, which is based on volunteerism, as it activates the whole town and indeed the wider area. This not only just another performance; it is much more than that. One aim is to inspire the spectators with the rich costumes and the very performance and at the same time reassure them with the biblical content.
In the reconstruction of the Passion Play, I wish to point out the artistic and spiritual tradition of the text while respecting its authentic form. I perceive the performance as a challenge and a calling. It touches me spiritually, so as a director I have undertaken it with all due respect. I met with the former director Borut Gartner, who gave me the cross and said, 'Now bear it!' Together with the actors, I’ve strived to adapt the level of the language to make it more understandable, so in this I work closely with the language editor. I also wish to bring out the acting expression to make the characters more vivid. I want to show that a Passion can be turned into a cultural experience shared by everyone, so I try to be most sincere in my work. I believe that the Passion Play has reached the phase of maturity. My motto is 'look at the man and see the man' – it’s all about the empathetic energy between the actor and the spectator.
Eight performances are being given over the Lent period, the first on Saturday, 21 March. The Passion Play is expected to attract some 32,000 spectators.
The Škofja Loka Passion Play was created in the manner of older Slovene Passion processions by Capuchin monk Lovrenc Marušič, or Father Romuald, in around 1721. The document is the oldest preserved Slovene dramatic text and is stored in the archives of the Capuchin Monastery in Škofja Loka. It contains biblical scenes centred on Christ’s suffering and death of the cross.
At the time of its creation, the Passion was repeatedly staged in the form of a procession through the streets of Škofja Loka. After more than 200 years, it was re-staged again in 1999, 2000 and 2009. The staging of the Škofja Loka Passion Play being a huge organisational and financial challenge, it has been decided that it will henceforth be undertaken only every six years. Thus, after this year's performances, the next will take place only in 2021, when the event will coincide with the 300th anniversary of the Passion’s creation and the organisers are even hoping that the Pope will be able to attend.
The Škofja Loka Passion Play, which was declared a live masterpiece of national importance in 2012, also competed to be entered on the UNESCO List of Intangible Heritage this year. A joint proposal for the nomination was prepared by the Municipality of Škofja Loka and the Ministry of Culture. However, it turned out that a few amendments would be necessary, so the proposal will be re-submitted later in the year. With its entry on the UNESCO List, the Škofja Loka Passion Play would become even better known, though it already attracts a large enough audience.
Essential for every performance of the Passion is the great devotion of the inhabitants of Škofja Loka region to the tradition, as they seek out new talent to play the various roles. Several roles may even be passed down from generation to generation in individual families.
A unique story and experience
The original story, the location and time of staging, the spirit of volunteerism and the accompanying range of services – all these are things that make the Škofja Loka Passion Play a memorable experience for every visitor. The story of the Passion starts in Paradise, where Adam and Eve fail to resist temptation and partake of the forbidden fruit. The scene also provides a good illustration of modern human aspirations, which are reflected in both business and daily life. The story continues with the arrival of Death and afterwards Hell, where Lucifer punishes sinners. The scenes that follow show the arrival of Jesus Christ all the way to his crucifixion. Inclusion of scenes from both Old and New Testaments makes the Škofja Loka Passion unique among Passion plays. The main message of the Passion is that each individual should think about their origins, their vulnerability and the short span of life one is granted to spend on Earth. A specific feature of the Škofja Loka Passion Play is its being staged in the form of procession, where 800 actors move through the streets and squares of the town.
The majority of other Passion performances take place in the summer, while the Škofja Loka Passion Play is timed for Lent and Easter, thus allowing Christians an even more profound experience of the Passion in this important period.
The staging of the Škofja Loka Passion Play is made possible by more than 1,000 volunteers, of these 800 actors and some 200 involved in the event organisation. Most of them come from Škofja Loka and the neighbouring Poljanska and Selška valleys: "It is very rewarding to see and feel the spirit of passion in working with the volunteers. Rare are the jobs where not only are people willing to participate as volunteers, but they’ll also offer you a coffee and something sweet when you visit them at home," says Matej Peternelj.
In the weeks during the Passion performance, a varied selection of souvenirs, Passion cuisine and a variety of events related to the Passion tradition will be available in Škofja Loka. Local artists have created different kinds of souvenirs originating in Passion and medieval traditions. During the event, restaurants in Škofja Loka will serve special Passion dishes that are not otherwise on the menu. The Passion Office has also prepared a variety of workshops, exhibitions, musical events and various social gatherings to make a visit to the Škofja Loka Passion Play a memorable and unique experience.
Vesna Žarkovič, SINFO
This is the oldest dramatised text in the Slovene language, with almost a 300-year tradition. In the last few months before the re-staging of the Passion Play, the anticipation of the upcoming event is fuelled by a series of exhibitions and meetings. Since the autumn, a Passion Office has been operating in the town, and a Passion Camp has been set up, where the actors undertake their preparations. The young people of Škofja Loka show great interest in the project, which is based on volunteerism, as it activates the whole town and indeed the wider area. This not only just another performance; it is much more than that. One aim is to inspire the spectators with the rich costumes and the very performance and at the same time reassure them with the biblical content.
In the reconstruction of the Passion Play, I wish to point out the artistic and spiritual tradition of the text while respecting its authentic form. I perceive the performance as a challenge and a calling. It touches me spiritually, so as a director I have undertaken it with all due respect. I met with the former director Borut Gartner, who gave me the cross and said, 'Now bear it!' Together with the actors, I’ve strived to adapt the level of the language to make it more understandable, so in this I work closely with the language editor. I also wish to bring out the acting expression to make the characters more vivid. I want to show that a Passion can be turned into a cultural experience shared by everyone, so I try to be most sincere in my work. I believe that the Passion Play has reached the phase of maturity. My motto is 'look at the man and see the man' – it’s all about the empathetic energy between the actor and the spectator.
