After a 10-year hiatus, the Passion Play made its return to the campus of Andrews University on Saturday, April 4. Over 500 volunteers welcomed approximately 4,000 guests to see and experience the death and resurrection of Jesus, according to director Leo Aguilera. Despite the rain and cold, leaders dressed in Biblical era costumes guided 13 groups of 300-400 people through various stations around campus, where volunteers acted out scenes from the life of Jesus.
Each group, accompanied by actors portraying Jesus and other roles, began their walkthrough experience at the Howard Performing Arts Center with a short video summary of the early events of the Bible. Beginning with creation and the fall, the video described the events that led up to the life and death of Jesus and explained the reason for his sacrifice. As the video played, roughly a dozen volunteers added to the scenes by acting them out in front of the screen. At one point, the crowd became surprised when they were sprinkled with water from above, making the story of Jonah feel real.
The only outdoor scene was that of the marketplace, located on the lawn between the Seminary and Pioneer Memorial Church. Volunteers pretended to sell goods such as perfumes, teas, baskets, candles and more. The scene came to life as visitors interacted with the vendors, trying samples of foods including dried cranberries, lentil soup and pistachios, and getting the chance to pet the live sheep, goats and chickens.
Many students volunteered as merchants in the marketplace, including Arianna Torres (senior, social work). “It’s been really cool getting to interact with people from different churches and the surrounding area, especially with all ages involved, from kids to older adults,” she said. “It gives people a fun and engaging way to experience and be reminded of the story of Jesus.”
Similarly, community member Darlene Anderson, who oversaw the marketplace, expressed that the Passion Play “is a great way to bring everyone together and help people understand what Jesus has done.”
Due to the weather conditions that day, organizers implemented a rain plan, moving a majority of the locations indoors and combining scenes to make it all work in a timely fashion. Guests were ushered into PMC’s Youth Chapel, where they observed some traditional Jewish dancing before moving into the sanctuary to see the Last Supper and Gethsemane scenes take place.
After those emotional scenes, each group made their way to Johnson Gym for the final parts of the story: the Crucifixion and Resurrection. These scenes were intentionally graphic—Jesus, who was covered in a loincloth and hanging on the cross, was crying out in pain and had splashes of blood all over his body. Roman guards walked up and down the aisles, keeping a careful watch on both the audience and the three men on the crosses.
After Jesus was laid in the tomb and a figurative three days went by, the angels, dressed in white, danced around the tomb and fought against Satan. The Resurrection was an exciting moment for the audience, as the crowds cheered when Jesus arose from the dead and exited the tomb. The emotional scene was accompanied by Christian music played over the speakers, making for a powerful and memorable moment.
The play was not only impactful for those watching, but also for the actors. Roman Jordache (sophomore, architecture), one of the actors who played Jesus, stated, “Gethsemane and the Crucifixion were my favorite scenes, because I got to feel the suffering. It started to feel real by the end. Now, when I read those stories, it feels more real to me.” He added that his mother, who was in the audience, expressed how hard it was to watch her son be crucified, even if it was only a portrayal. She felt connected to Mary, who watched her son die in front of her very eyes.
The hospitality tent behind Johnson Gym served as a final gathering place for those who had just finished their walkthrough experience. Volunteers served donuts and apples to the crowds, and people were able to mingle and discuss their experiences from the day with one another.
Aguilera, reflecting on the day, said, “Passion Play was truly a blessing beyond anything we imagined…When this began, we never imagined it would grow to this scale, yet God continually opened doors and provided along the way.”
No announcements have been made regarding the continuation of the Passion Play for next year. However, Aguilera expressed, “We praise God for all that was accomplished and pray this is just the beginning of a lasting culture of unity, service, and sharing His love in our community.” More information and updates can be found at the Passion Play website.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.