.jpg)
The Manitoba Passion Play returns for its 25th season, offering audiences a moving retelling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—staged in the heart of the Pembina Valley at the Oak Valley Outdoor Theatre near La Rivière.
Bringing scripture to life
“The Passion Play is the story of Jesus Christ's life right from before he was born till he rose from the grave,” said Larry Cox, who, along with wife Linda have been involved in the production for a number of years. “Our Passion Play has been going since the year 2000. We missed one year for COVID. So this is our 25th anniversary.”
According to Cox, the play’s purpose remains deeply rooted in its spiritual message. “Every year we hear of people who are so touched by this story that they believe. So we continue to be involved.”
A unique outdoor experience
“It’s a beautiful setting,” Cox said, describing the outdoor amphitheater nestled into the natural hills of La Rivière. “The land was all donated for Oak Valley Productions, which is the company that hosts the play.”
One of the most striking aspects of the production is the closeness to the stage. “You can get almost 20 feet from the stage. You're very close to the action,” said Cox, contrasting the intimacy of this play with other Passion productions in Drumheller and the U.S.
Cox added, “When you first pull off Highway 3, there is a big grassy field where you park and then at the gate there are "people movers"... you can bring your lawn chair, your blanket, your umbrella, your picnic lunch... or you can also buy refreshments right at near the stage.”
Longtime cast and commitment
Having portrayed various roles over the years, Cox currently appears as “a shepherd and a priest, and I'm also an old man who rides the donkey, trying to get to the Sermon on the Mount.”
He credits his involvement with keeping his faith alive. “It just keeps reinforcing this story of how powerful it was and what He did, and the people that he touched, the people that he healed.”
Music that moves
Linda Cox, who plays a key role in the orchestra, emphasized how music enhances the experience. “The music, originally written by Mike Janzen, was developed specifically for the Passion Play... It’s like watching a movie.”
She added, “This year in our orchestra we have three people on percussion, two violinists, two people playing the flute... a cello, a viola, and I have a small keyboard part myself.”
“It’s just a great experience for people to come and see the play, no matter how familiar you are with the life of Christ. It is really family-oriented.” - Larry Cox, long-time actor in the Manitoba Passion Play.
Dramatic moments — On and off stage
The realism of the performance has occasionally been heightened by natural elements. “There was Thunder which actually happened when Christ was crucified (in the play)… it happened at the exact time. It was very, very meaningful,” recalled Larry.
While weather has sometimes paused performances, the cast’s dedication remains. “We had rain and had to stop the performance... then we started exactly where we left off and finished the play.”
New voices and testimonies
Among the cast is Aiden Bridgeman of Miami, playing the disciple Thaddeus. “Last year I was making the decision to start my conversion to Catholicism,” said Bridgeman. “I figured it would be an excellent way to use some of my high school acting skills to put on the production of our Lord’s life.”
He was baptized this past Easter. “This year I decided to come back because I had a great time last year... I did very well last year. I played James, brother of John.”
As for his current role, Bridgeman noted, “Thaddeus only has two lines. So there's a lot of detail work... you're reacting to what other people are saying... the expression, the tone, your body language.”
He also had a chance to rehearse other roles, including Peter and Caiaphas. “When I play Caiaphas, I like having a bit more of a wrathful side. He's angry that [Jesus] is coming in and proclaiming such things.”
For believers and curious spectators alike
“If you're not of the Christian faith but want to come see a play... you should just come for the actual detail of it,” said Bridgeman. “There's never a dry moment... there’s detail on people's faces... excellent lighting, sound. Even if you have no clue about Christ’s life, I would still come.”
Cox echoed the sentiment. “It’s just a great experience for people to come and see the play, no matter how familiar you are with the life of Christ. It is really family-oriented.”
Scripture-based storytelling
Linda Cox confirmed that the script remains faithful to the Bible. “It was originally commissioned to Sarah Seel, who was a teacher at Providence College. In 2011, Belita Sanders, who's our director, decided to make a few changes and incorporate all of the four gospels into the message. The accounts of the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are all in there,” she added.
For those interested in Manitoba’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions, the Passion Play in La Rivière offers a powerful, immersive, and scenic experience unlike any other. Get your tickets today, at: www.passionplay.ca