IT’S a tale as old as time but the cast and organisers of the Moogerah Passion Play say each year presents an opportunity to tell the story of Jesus Christ anew.
“We are in our 30th year of presenting the Moogerah Passion Play to the public,” one of the event’s organisers Gwen Behrendorf said.
Ms Behrendorf has been a part of this production for as long as she can remember.
“My dad and grandfather were there at the beginning so it’s something I’ve been born into,” she said.
“It’s a legacy I don’t want to give up because it makes me feel closer to my grandfather, who has now passed.
“The story itself doesn’t change of course, but we like to add special elements each year to make the production unique and not exactly the same as year before.”
“The script changes from year to year, so it’s not the exact same play,” she said.
“We change it, adapt and add new scenes, and every year we have a different cast and crew.”
The anniversary also means added elements like a stall where people can purchase memorabilia commemorating three decades of showmanship dedicated to Jesus Christ.
“Because it’s our anniversary we are doing a few extra things as well.
“We are opening the gates at 3pm instead of 4pm because we will have our archives set up to showcase photographs and the history of previous Passion Plays.
“We have also gone behind the scenes a little bit and made a documentary that shows interviews with old cast members as well as current ones.
“That video will be shown during intermission.”
Set before the still waters of Lake Moogerah and with the early evening sky providing Oscar worthy sunsets as a backdrop, the Passion Play will delight outdoor theatre lovers of all ages.
“We have food options too so people can make it an occasion and enjoy dinner theatre at one of the Scenic Rim’s most beautiful locations,” she said.
“People can buy burgers, sandwiches and sausage sizzles from food stalls at the event.”                                                                                                                                                          The gates open at 3pm and the performance starts at 5pm.                                                                                                                                                                                            Performance dates are April 1, April 2, April 7 and April 8.