Passion Play Ministries International (PPMI) will present Passionext – He’s Alive, a dramatic representation of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, from Tuesday March 29 to Sunday April 3 at the Bellville Civic Theatre.
Evening performances from Tuesday to Saturday start at 7.30pm and the matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday start at 2.30pm.
PPMI is a non-profit volunteer organisation. Entry is free, but an offering will be taken.
The director of the show is Rugby resident Bronwyne Scott, a theatre veteran with 40 years’ of experience.
She works with volunteers ranging from babies to octogenarians, even if they have no experience of drama and singing. She has been directing this production annually since it started in Cape Town, 19 years ago.
The chairman of the Cape Town board is Melvyn Abrahams of Matroosfontein who also plays the role of Jesus. The disciple Peter is played by Alex Marais from Boston Estate; the role of John is portrayed by Nicky Luwengu from Durbanville alternating with Zakier de Grass from Mowbray.
Ricardo Johns from Northpine plays the role of Caiaphas the high priest; Jack Hine from Melkbosstrand plays the role of Annas the father-in-law of Caiaphas and Kevin Thyssen from Belhar plays the part of Pilate.
Nicodemus is played by Andrew Snyders of Parow Valley.
Mary the mother of Jesus is portrayed by Jacorien van Eyssen from Durbanville, alternating with Verni Johns of Northpine.
Mary Magdalene is portrayed by Jessica Hart who lives in Somerset West, alternating with Collette Faurie from Kraaifontein.
They will be supported by about 100 members from all denominations, age groups and suburbs in the Cape Peninsula – mothers, fathers, housewives, scholars, accountants and more who volunteer to rehearse their roles and appear in the play because of their belief.
A member of the audience last year commented that this play was different from all the many movies and plays on the life of Jesus she had seen before. “This play has touched me deeply,” she said.
Bronwyne agrees: “This drama touches lives. People simply come and watch and their lives are forever changed as they witness in drama the awesomeness of God’s love and forgiveness.”
* For details, call 084 769 7350.