John - The Beloved Disciple

Right next to Jesus

Do you want to wash my feet? No worries.

St John the Apostle, also known in the Gospel of John as the "Beloved Disciple" or the "one whom Jesus loved" does not have any lines in the Re-enactment of Our Lord's Passion. Not one.
But he is in almost every scene with Jesus.
He enters Jerusalem with Jesus to the adoring crowds.
He is sent with St Peter to prepare the Last Supper.
When Jesus beckons St John to sit down and have his feet washed, he sits down obediently. He may not have understood at the time what Jesus was doing, but he knew Jesus had a good reason so he just says, "OK" and does what Jesus wants.
Then he is next to Jesus during the Last Supper taking everything in.
Jesus then includes St John as well as Sts Peter and James to support him in the Garden of Gethsemane.
He runs when Jesus is arrested, but is quickly back at the trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, letting Peter in to the courtyard with him.
From that point onwards he is beside Mary's side, supporting her during the rest of the Passion, witnessing the trial before Caiaphas and Pilate, the scourging and her encounter with Jesus during his Way of the Cross.

Pondering the power of the first consecration

He is with her when Jesus is crucified and steps up as Jesus gives Mary to him and he to Mary.
When Jesus is taken down and taken to the tomb, he is there.

For someone who does not have any specific lines in the play, his expressions and actions say plenty.

As has often been said, actions can speak louder than words and doing the re-enactment, John is effectively shouting for us to follow Jesus.

At the arrest

Watching the trial by the Sanhedrin

John supporting Mary as the follow Jesus

At the foot of the Cross

St James and Joseph of Aramathea

Jesus summons you

St James doing his thing

Should we use the swords now?

Sir, Can I have the Body of Jesus?

Our actor who played the role of Saint James the Apostle, and after the dispersal of the apostles changed his role to be Joseph of Aramathea.
We were meant to provide him with a change of costume, but in the rush that is the Re-enactment, that was overlooked. But no-one seemed to have noticed as there was a long time and a lot of action between the two scenes.
The actor joined us at the Dress rehearsal and it was his first time experiencing the lay. He did an excellent job.

As one of those close to Jesus, St James brought the Bling Beggar Bartimeus to Jesus to be healed, he had one of the swords Peter mentions to Jesus and as the guards approached to arrest Jesus, he asked if now was the time for the swords.
He then fled with the other disciples once Jesus told them he must be arrested.

At the end of the play, he now appeared as Joseph of Aramathea, one of the chief priests who was a follower of Jesus and had a tomb handy for the burial of Jesus.
He was the one who boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body.

Excellent work.

The Bad Guys

Meeting with Caiaphas and the Chief priests

This is for Israel. There is no other way.

The fellow who plays Judas and Barrabas has been in almost every play since the Re-enactments began at The Shrine of Our Lady or Mercy at Penrose Park over 25 years ago. Sometimes when the play was struggling for actors, he went the full bad guy trifecta, playing the bad thief too!
He is a great source of knowledge and experience in not just the roles he has made his own, but also in the mechanics of running the event. It was very helpful getting his advice. We listened to the lines he has actually been saying in the play over the years and they are now part of the script.

Is it I, Lord?

As we have attended most of the plays over the last 18 years, in our minds we see him as Judas and Barrabas.
The inter-play between Judas and the High Priests where he agrees to hand Jesus over to them for 30 pieces of silver is well done. Then  he rejoins Jesus and the disciples for the entry into Jerusalem as if nothing is amiss.
At the Last Supper, along with the rest of the disciples he asks "Is it I, Lord?" when Jesus mentions he will soon be betrayed.

Is it with a kiss you betray me?

Do you want Jesus ... or this Barrabas?

At the entry to the Garden of Gethsemane Judas tells the guards that the one he greets with a kiss will be Jesus. He tells them to "Hold him fast, and take him away under guard!"
His reaction when Jesus admonishes him with "Judas would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" is excellent.

Once he has run off, he quickly changes into his Barrabas prisoner outfit. When Pilate is ready for his crafty prisoner give-away, he is brought out to show to the crowd.
"Who would want Barrabas?" thought Pilate as he offered the choice between Jesus and the notorious murderer and criminal.
Out manoeuvred by Caiaphas, Pilate releases Barrabas who joins the crowd with a surprised expression, but the Jews quickly let him through and ignore him as they re-focus on their main prey.

Good Riddance by the Romans.

Pawel, thanks for helping out once again!

The Power of Rome

What does Jesus have to do with me?

Ha! This is Herod's problem.

The power of Rome in Jerusalem is in the hands of the governor, Pontius Pilate. He has already had to deal harshly with two previous uprisings of these very annoying Jews who don't realise they are defeated.
On this fateful day, the Jews bring him a man they want crucified. But Pontius Pilate knows he is innocent.
When the Jews call for Pilate to come out they are very rowdy and disrespectful. They do not want to be made impure by going into Pilate's palace. When Pilate appears, the crowd immediately fall silent, waiting for the dialogue between Caiaphas and Pilate.
Pilate's first attempt to avoid crucifying Jesus is when he hears Jesus is from Galilee. "Galilee? Then he is Herod's problem. Take him there."
But before long they return, once more calling for Pilate.
Pilate offers the customary Passover deal - he'll free a prisoner. He offers the crowd the horrible murderer Barrabas or the man they call their king, Jesus. To Pilate's horror, they choose Barrabas to be freed.

Do you want me to release Jesus - or this horrible criminal Barrabas?

A message from his wife, Claudia, handed to him by Claudia's handmaid

So, the first two attempts having failed, Pilate orders Jesus to be scourged but not killed, then he will let him go free.
His wife Claudia had dreams because of Jesus and warns Pilate to have nothing to do wth Jesus.
In the re-enactment, after the scourging, Claudia catches Pilate and remonstrates with him to do the right thing and not crucify an innocent man.
(Look at the photo as Pontius Pilate turns to go, with Claudia having the last word. Great work!)
Then Pilate washes his hands to dispense of the matter, but still orders Jesus to be crucified.

The Roman power team is led by Pontius Pilate. Ron has been playing Pilate for a number of years and his "gravitas" works very well. At one point when he was talking, the SPQR Eagle sign detached and fell. Pontius had a brief look of minor surprise and continued on unfazed. Someone in the crowd thought it was very effective, symbolising the downfall of Roman Power.
Claudia Procula, Pilate's wife, was played by a newcomer this year. She had not attended the play previously and was very nervous. But no-one could tell in the crowd. "Just imagine you are telling off your husband," we directed. Great work.

Pontius! You have the power to release an innocent man!

Ecco Homo! Behold the Man!

We also had another newcomer play Claudia's handmaid who was by Claudia's side the entire play.

I have nothing to do with this. Crucify him yourselves.

The two young Roman servants are veterans having been in most of the plays over their years. Their silent presence besides Pilate and in the balcony works very well. Good job lads!

Tale of a Seamless Garment

Nice and Clean - looking great

Bloodied and dirty

After being scourged, the scarlet robe is removed from Jesus and his own seamless gown is returned to him. He then begins the way of the cross.
After falls, ruthless encouragement and blood from his wounds, the gown is looking a lot worse for wear.
After he is crucified, his garments are made a prize for the soldiers who gamble with dice to see who gets the gown.
The soldier holds up his prize and onlookers wonder what the fuss is all about.
Now it has been cleaned and it is all beautiful again.
Ready for next year.

Won in a dice game, looking disgusting

All clean and new again. Ready for next year.

Simon of Cyrene and family

Simon with Alexander and Rufus (behind a pilgrim who is a bit too close)

You! Carry His cross!

This year we expanded the role of Simon of Cyrene, including his two sons mentioned in Scripture, Alexander and Rufus. The two lads who played Simon's sons did a great job. They stayed with Simon throughout the play and then witnessed close-up the forceful request by the Centurion for Simon to help Jesus carry the cross.
"But what about my sons?" Simon asked.
"Not my concern!" replied the Centurion.
(Look at the photo to the right. Simon is holding his sons hands tightly as the Centurion has him by his cloak. Great work!)

The boys then went with the Women of Jerusalem into the grotto where the thieves crosses were waiting.
When Jesus and Simon finally made it, the cross was dropped and the Centurion told Simon, "Go! Your boys are there!"
Simon ran to the boys who gave him a hug.
Simon told the boys, "Now watch Jesus. Watch the lamb!"

Simon meanwhile did a great job supporting the Cross. At various times Jesus struggled and was halted and fell the second and third times. Simon remained holding the cross on his own until Jesus was assisted up and got back under the weight of the cross.

This seemingly minor role performed a great part of the play, showing how even though we are sometimes given the cross without our consent, we can still do our job well and so earn our reward.

Job well done!

Assisting Jesus with the Cross

While Jesus falls, Simon holds the Cross

Sharing the load

What have the Romans done for us?

You Shall Not Pass

The Roman soldiers start appearing when the Jews need them to crucify Jesus. This clash of cultures is demonstrated very passionately by the Romans who have no concern for the Jews who keep annoying them.
Tough yet fair in their own way, the Romans do the bidding of Pontius Pilate and try to maintain the peace in a conquered city that hates them.
There is a story arc for the Romans as they encounter Jesus. The Centurion Longinus comes the furthest but we will discuss that later. The Romans begin the play ready and willing to take out their frustrations on the man handed over to them.

This is Roman Territory

But as the Passion continues this becomes less appealing and by the end they have a mixture of begrudging respect for Jesus and an understanding that not all Jews are like the hated Caiaphas and his priests through to a weariness after a very challenging day.
The costumes are coming together nicely with new red under-tunics and brown pants. The red stands out and conveys the might of Rome rather well.
The teamwork of the Roman soldiers worked really well too. They worked and fought as a team and looked like a group that had bonded - a band of brothers.

Move Back!

Escorting Jesus to Pontius Pilate

The role is very physical with both the pushing matches with the Jewish Guards, the scourging and escorting of Jesus, lifting the cross and carrying Jesus to the tomb, this is another role for strong lads. How often do you see young men working hard for such a good reason as the re-enactment of our Lord's passion? They also helped with props and setting up and dismantling the stages too.

So what have the Romans done for us? Quite a lot actually.

Mix of concern and "encouragement"

Nearing the end - battle hardened gaze of the Roman soldier

The Jewish Guards

We happy few. Us band of brothers.

The Jewish Guards are in action from the first scene guarding the meeting between Judas and the Priests to the very end standing with the priests at the Crucifixion.
Their job is to stand between Caiaphas with the chief priests and the unclean Romans as well as do the business of the Sanhedrin - the council of Jewish priests.
We have four guards, enough to arrest Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane and escort him to the House of Caiaphas, led by Malchus. Then the young guard Aaron is left guarding the entrance to the courtyard, letting in Mary and Mary Magdalene as well as Saints John and Peter.

"Whose side are you on?"

This year we had the additional scene where Mary Magdalene tells off the guard Aaron for the illegal trial to let the crowd hear that this is not a proper trial under Jewish law.
The guards hold Jesus as he is questioned by Caiaphas and torment and beat Jesus for alleged insolence. Once Jesus is found guilty of blasphemy they restart the beatings with encouragement and assistance of the chief priests. They then escort Jesus to the Roman Praetorium, where they not-so-gently call for the attention of Pontius Pilate.

Defending Caiaphas the High Priest

As Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate play their game for control of the situation,  the guards tussle with the Romans, ably demonstrating that there is no love lost between them.
Once the Crucifixion has been announced, they follow along behind the procession of Jesus and the Romans shouting encouragement for the process and various lovely insults back and forth.
There is an occasional scuffle allowing the entrance of Veronica as well as requiring the Centurion Longinus to call a halt to sort out the disturbance.

Pilate! Pilate! Come out!

Finally they arrive at the crucifixion and join in the taunting of Jesus on the cross.
All in all, the guards play an important role and is definitely a part for active and strong young lads. They provide a very colourful and energetic position in a play that is very passionate.

Escorting Jesus. He loved them still.

A Jewish Guard and loving it.

Women of Jerusalem and Servants

The servants ready to cast false accusations of Jesus

The Women of Jerusalem are a  versatile lot. They are at the start waving palm branches and cheering the triumphant Jesus and his disciples with loud and jubilant Hosannas. Then we gather a few to help as servants at the Last Supper while others join the front of the crowd to provide great colour and atmosphere.
They then skip the arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane to get ready at the Trial of Jesus before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. Some have speaking parts accusing Jesus of lots of terrible deeds such as healing on the Sabbath and claiming to forgive sins. Outrageous! But even their testimony was inconsistent.

Don't weep for me Women of Jerusalem

Once Jesus has been found guilty of blasphemy, the scene moves to Peter being spotted by servants and denying Jesus 3 times.
The Women then follow Caiaphas and the Chief priests and Jewish guards to the home of Pontius Pilate. Here they get to witness everything.
One of our Women of Jerusalem who had not been before witnessed the scourging and had tears come to her eyes. The leader of the women held her shoulders and said, "Don't cry yet. We still have to call out for his crucifixion." Such compassion and sisterly support.

Even the Alms collectors weep

They then follow along and quickly jump ahead, ready for when Jesus gets to meet the Women of Jerusalem and tell them not to cry for him, but for their children. Now they can cry.
Lastly they are witnesses to the crucifixion and burial.

Watching the trial of Jesus by the Sanhedrin

As with all the roles, the Women of Jerusalem form an important backbone to the action that happens around them. They form the historical back drop and atmosphere behind which the main action occurs.
I can't imagine the play without their vital presence.

It's a pretty powerful re-enactment

Witnessing the Crucifixion