SENIOR students from Brisbane’s Iona College, Wynnum West, are reigniting the college’s involvement in The Iona Passion Play.
Since 1958 boys from the college and their families have joined the cast to form the Roman Army and many have continued on to become long-term cast members.
Involvement by the students has declined over recent years, and rector Oblate Father Mark Edwards is keen to reconnect the college with the play.
“The Iona Passion Play is a tradition that reaches back to the very beginning of the college. We are excited to be part of that continuing tradition,” Fr Edwards said.
“Roman captain” Grady Rodgers can be found after school drilling the college’s new “Roman Legion” in the lead-up to the 2012 performances of the play.
This year the play will be performed outdoors at Iona College, North Road, Wynnum West, at 7pm on March 31 and Good Friday, April 6.
The Iona Passion Play, a live two-hour re-enactment of the Passion of Christ in traditional European form was founded in 1958 at Iona College by the late Oblate Father Thomas Shortall.
It has been performed in every mainland capital city and countless provincial centres in Australia every year since, making it Australia’s longest-running touring Passion Play.
Iona Passion Play Inc. president Kerry Hitzke said: “The unique quality that sets the IPP apart is that it is not just a performance but a true collaboration with the community.
“We are injected each year with the enthusiasm and commitment that local people bring as part of our cast and crew.
“It is a privilege to share their Easter journey.”
The purpose of the Iona Passion Play has always been to bring together people from various Christian persuasions in an ecumenical gesture aimed at bringing before the minds of a community the true meaning of Easter.
The script has been adapted to suit a large cast, with parts for all ages, from retirees to little children.
The play is a family endeavour, with three generations of some families involved.
Often referred to as an act of public worship, all the cast are aware of the missionary role they play in portraying the Passion of Christ.
Tickets for the Iona Passion Play range from $12-$18 and children under 13 are admitted free of charge.
For more information visit the website www.passionplay.org.au or phone (07) 3333 1993.
