Where exactly in southwest Michigan might you bump into llamas and palm fronds in the middle of April? Or, for that matter, get mistaken for Barabbas, arrested by Roman soldiers, and witness the triumphant Resurrection? If you answered Berrien Springs, chances are you’ve either participated in or observed Andrews University’s Easter Passion Play (Passion Play) a time or two since its debut in 2003. If not, then Passion Play 2006 will hopefully be your first experience. With fingers crossed for shower-free weather and enthusiastic crowds, an estimated 600-member team of dedicated Andrews students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community volunteers is gearing up for the fourth annual Passion Play scheduled for the weekend of April 15–16.

This year, Center for Youth Evangelism’s Brit Steele will direct the Passion Play. A firm believer in outreach, Brit is excited to help extend such a meaningful ministry to the community. Aside from revamping old standards like the marketplace scene and adding a new Bedouin tent site, Steele plans to boost the number of Spanish-language performances to accommodate an increasing Latino community.

Modeled after Oberammergau, Germany’s world-renowned Passion, Andrew’s Passion Play is held outdoors and emphasizes interaction between actors and audience members who really become participants rather than mere spectators. This signature element of audience involvement lends Passion Play performances an authenticity not present in movie productions or books, and makes for an intensely personal experience.

But beyond enjoying the authentic sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of the production, Passion Play attendees have the opportunity to walk through a poignant portrayal of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that Steele and this year’s volunteers hope will draw them closer to an even more personal Savior.

For more information on this year’s play, including how to reserve tickets, log on to passionplay.andrews.edu.

Elizabeth Lechleitner, University Relations student news writer