New interpretation of the passion games: Music awakens Erl to life!

New interpretation of the passion games: Music awakens Erl to life!

Erl, Österreich - The passion games in Erl, which are considered the oldest passion in German -speaking countries, take place in a new staging in 2025. Under the artistic direction of Martin Leutgeb, production with Christian Kolonovits's music is composed filmically. This form of preparation is intended to introduce the audience closer to the biblical topics and at the same time intensify the emotions.

The passion games have their origin in a vow from the plague and have been performed every six years since their first performance in 1613. Around 600 people will be involved in the current production, including working people, students, pensioners and families from the community. About a third of the villagers are volunteering in the performances.

music as a central element

Christian Kolonovits has created a wide range of music for new staging, which integrates folklore and dance music, but does not use twelve -tone music. "I did Christian root research and questioned my own roots," explains Kolonovits. Influences of Hebrew folk music and allusions to biblical films from the 1970s were also included. The goal is to build a musical bridge that facilitates access to the biblical idea and passion.

The music remains close to the text of the staging, which Leutgeb also praises. It describes the musical implementation as "incredible" and emphasizes the cinematic composition, which is intended to support the narrative flow. Hartmut Schörghofer is responsible for the stage design and technology in terms of the visual implementation of the complex scene design.

The role of Martin Leutgeb

Martin Leutgeb, who was born in Stans near Schwaz and became known to the theaters in Innsbruck and Salzburg, among other things, not only directs, but also wrote the new text for this staging. In addition to his work as a director, Leutgeb has a long career in acting and was seen in numerous TV productions. Since 2023 he has also been teaching at the State Music School Schwaz.

Passion games in Erl will be listed on a total of 32 match days from May to October. Leutgeb and Kolonovits have been working together since 2025 to further develop the games and thus also offer a modern perspective on the traditional narrative of the life and death of Jesus Christ.

With a mixture of traditional and contemporary music and a well thought -out staging that both the actors and the audience includes, the coming season in Erl will not only be an important cultural event, but also an important social cohesion for the community.

Further information on the passion games and the current state of preparation can be found on the websites of Tiroler Festival and Culture Tirol .