The Roman Soldiers have a busy role too. Besides providing a very imposing force projecting the might of Rome, they also have to deal with the unruly crowd and the wily Caiaphus and his minions.
This year we had a number of new Roman Soldiers. Two of them volunteered on the day of the play! I am sure they never imagined when they left home on Friday morning to watch the play that they would have not only have front row positions, but would be inside the action. That's what we call an immersive experience.
All the soldiers took part in the introductory safety briefings. As you have seen, there is a lot of action happening with lots of pushing and shoving and equipment interactions.
Our actor playing the Optio Marcus has his own excellent historical costume. His back story is he is newly sent from Rome and still has his full gear. The soldiers who have been here longer have gear that has been tested in many battles and general day to day work among a hostile, subdued populace.
Their initial role is guarding Pilate's palace, keeping the locals at a distance from the governor of the conquered territories of Judea.
They are responsible for administering Roman justice, in this case the scourging. Despite being instructed to scourge Jesus, but not kill him, they go a bit overboard and exceed instructions, including the mocking and crowning with thorns.
The Centurion was not happy to see the results, especially after being reprimanded by Pontius Pilate.
The Way of the Cross is both a long way and a quick time. They are pressed on all sides by the road and heckled by the Temple Guards and High Priests. We do try to explain the impact of thousands of people actively pressing to get a better view, but experiencing this is quite confronting.
The Way of the Cross is both a long way and a quick time. They are pressed on all sides by the road and heckled by the Temple Guards and High Priests. We do try to explain the impact of thousands of people actively pressing to get a better view, but experiencing this is quite confronting.
Our new Roman Soldiers did an excellent job! They all maintained their composure and fell int their roles really well. Each one showed different personalities and responses.
The initial briefings and practices helped when push came to shove. Lots of pushing and shoving!
The metal bosses on the shields clashed with lovely loud bangs and clangs. The soldiers and guards gents and shouts added to the atmosphere.
The relative quiet as Jesus is placed on the cross provided a strange interlude, a short time for reflection as to what was happening.
All the soldiers were required to lift the cross. Many soldiers already had splashes of blood on their faces and hands (specially made by a local).
All the soldiers were required to lift the cross. Many soldiers already had splashes of blood on their faces and hands (specially made by a local).
The sign on the Cross read "Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews" in Latin, Greek and Hebrew. This was made as a little project of a priest and brother of the Pauline Fathers.
The soldiers' final duty was carrying the body of Jesus to the tomb, past the crowd of silent onlookers.
I am always impressed how each actor quickly acclimatises to their role. We have a script which covers the speaking lines and main action. But we also have a lot of room for customisation and personalisation by the actors to make the role their own.
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