For a century, the St. Margarethen Passion Play has been bringing the story of Jesus to the stage - always in dialog with the present. Every era poses new questions to this ancient tale, every generation seeks its own answers. For its 100th anniversary in 2026, the Burgenland Passion Play dares a bold reinterpretation: for the first time, a woman is at the center of the action.
Under the title "Mirjam - Love is as strong as death", play director Pastor Dr. Richard Geier tells the Passion from the perspective of Mary Magdalene, who is called Mirjam in Hebrew. As the Gospels attest, she was not only a close confidante of Jesus, but also the first witness to his resurrection. Twenty years after the dramatic events of Bethany, Jerusalem and Golgotha, Miriam looks back on encounters, farewells, moments of hope and despair. In dialog with other biblical figures, a haunting, deeply human panorama of the Passion unfolds - supported by a new version of the text, modern music and a fresh directorial style.
"It was high time to make the female perspective on the Passion visible," explains Geier. "Mary Magdalene played an important role in the life of Jesus, but in the male-dominated history of the church, her voice often went unheard. This new production gives her the space she deserves - and at the same time creates points of contact for an audience that has often had little to do with traditional forms of proclaiming faith."
As always, the performances will take place in the imposing setting of the St. Margarethen quarry - a natural stage that creates a unique atmosphere with its vastness and roughness. Around 500 actors, actresses and helpers from the village spend their free time working on this extraordinary community project. Over 50 rehearsals are necessary to make the monumental production an unforgettable experience year after year.
St. Margarethen Passion Play 2022 © St. Margarethen Passion Play
But the games are more than just an artistic challenge. A large proportion of the proceeds are traditionally used for charitable purposes - a living sign that the message of love, compassion and community remains tangible not only on stage, but also in everyday life.
With "Mirjam - Love is Strong as Death", the St. Margarethen Passion Play combines tradition and renewal: it upholds the central message of the Passion - that love is stronger than death - and at the same time opens up new perspectives on a story that has been moving for 2000 years.
The anniversary season will take place from May 23 to July 12, 2026.
Tickets are available now at
www.passio.at
