Remembering Good Fridays Re-Enactment of Our Lord's Passion

Walking to the starting line

As we contemplate a very different Good Friday to what we had planned, I wanted to share some photos from last year's Re-enactment of Our Lord's Passion.
All the preparation and planning, organising actors, support crew, costumes, props and sets, liaising with the Monastery and Police and more - missing.
The organised chaos that grows and develops into the moment when I stand at the front of the crowd and start, "Welcome to this year's Re-enactment of Our Lord's Passion!" - missing.
The last minute running around looking for a part of a costume or prop, my "volunteering" of a missing apostle or dragooning in of a new Woman of Jerusalem - missing.

Just a few spectators

The pre-play confession with one of the good fathers from the Monastery, ensuring we are all in the right frame - missing.
The laughter and nervousness as actors are preparing their lines and hoping they don't forget their cue. 'Don't worry," I say, "The crowd doesn't have a script, just move on!" - missing.
The surprise of all the new participants - actors and crew - when they see the crowd growing and growing and realise this is much bigger than they thought - missing.
The knowing smiles of actors and crew that have done this before as the adrenaline starts to grow and the starting time is about to arrive - missing.

"So, this is Judas?"

Microphone runners, walking

The application of costumes by our lovely costumers and then waiting around in our groups of Romans, Apostles, Jews and others. - missing.
The testing of microphones and making sure everyone gets the right microphone at the right time - missing.
The lovely coffee and cake provided by Snax on Tracks before we start - missing.
The full on rush everyone experiences as the play progresses despite any mis-steps - missing.
The exhilaration as the play ends with the final blessing from Father Damien - missing.

Accusers of Jesus

"Why do you bring him before me?"

Crowning of thorns. Ow.

But - what is not missing is the sacrifice of Jesus on Good Friday and our remembrance of its importance. When we listened to the readings on Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday, we could see the corresponding scenes from the play over the years.
We are doing a read through at home of the play today, with everyone in the family taking on multiple roles.
We want to wish you all a most holy and safe Easter 2020. Enjoy this time with your family and join your prayers with ours in thanksgiving for all the wonderful things Our Lord has given us.

"YOU! Carry his cross!"

You can get all the resources from this post.

"My son!"

The gang's all here.