Half-time of the Erl Passion Play

Updated on 16.07.2025

A special milestone will be reached in Erl next weekend: the Erl 2025 Passion Play celebrates its half-time. Time for a brief pause - and a media interjection full of gratitude, pride and anticipation. Together with director Martin Leutgeb and the Chairman of the Passion Play Association Karl Anker, we look back - and forward to the upcoming performances. The play will be performed on numerous weekends until 4 October. The booking situation for September is very good - if you want to experience the Passion, you should secure your tickets now.

Director Martin Leutgeb poses the central question of the Passion story anew: Who was this Jesus - a rebel, a bearer of hope, a healer? The production follows the biblical events from the entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper and the condemnation to the crucifixion and resurrection. However, Leutgeb succeeds in giving this well-known story a new urgency. With strong dialogue, nuanced emotions and impressively drawn characters, he creates a stage on which faith, doubt and humanity find a place. The Erler Passion tells a story that has been moving for centuries - and is more relevant today than ever.

Powerful images.The artistic realisation focuses on clear symbolism and great expressiveness.Hartmut Schörghofer's stage set - an oversized white staircase flanked by a moving mountain - symbolises Jesus' journey between ascent and abyss. The reduced scenery leaves room for deep emotions and intense moments, and the play is supported by a 25-piece orchestra under the direction of Toni Pfister and an impressive choir. Christian Kolonovits' music is more than just an accompaniment - it deepens and intensifies the emotional narrative. Sometimes quiet and haunting, sometimes powerful and stirring: a tapestry of sound that draws the audience into the action.community as the centrepieceWhatmakes the Passion Play Erl special is the togetherness. Over 600 performers are on stage - all amateurs who dedicate their free time to the play. Whether young or old, in the choir, on stage or behind the scenes - everyone is united by the common desire to create something that goes beyond themselves.

"The team spirit here in Erl is something special, and this togetherness underpins the entire production - both on and off stage. "Karl Anker

"What the 600 participants achieve is truly extraordinary," emphasises Karl Anker, Chairman of the Passion Play Association. "You can feel this passion and commitment in every performance." Director Martin Leutgeb is also full of respect: "The great thing is that the Erler:innen have not only performed at a high level - they have developed further. Some scenes touch me anew every time because they are played so intensely and honestly. "Appreciation from the outsideThefeedback from the press and audience so far confirms this impression. The production is perceived as strong, touching and surprisingly contemporary - without gimmickry and characterised by genuine commitment. Karl Anker says: "We are delighted with the positive feedback from visitors and the media. It shows that our work is having an impact."

"I have achieved what I wanted: That the Erler:innen play is seen, that it is talked about - and that people are enthusiastic about it. "Martin Leutgeb

Martin Leutgeb was particularly moved by the reaction of a priest: "He said to me: 'You're not a theologian, you're not a professor - but you achieve more with your performance than some people do with a sermon Our passion encouraged him in his work."

A broadcast experienceThe Passion will alsoremain present in the media: at the end of August, ORF will make a complete recording. This could result in a special TV event in 2026 - and the Erler Passion could have an impact throughout Austria. Numerous performances are still on the programme until 4 October. A total of 32 performances will be shown, each in the historic Passion Play Theatre with around 1,500 seats. Demand is particularly high in September - it pays to book early.

Tickets & information:www.passionsspiele.at+43 5373 8139info@passionsspiele.at

Media contact: Andrea Maria Hölbl andrea.h@ok-k.at