Premiere of the passion games in Erl: Emotions and music combined!

Premiere of the passion games in Erl: Emotions and music combined!

The premiere of the new passion count "The way, the truth and life" by Martin Leutgeb took place on May 25, 2025 in Erl, Tyrol. This staging has been captivating visitors since then and follows the deep and emotional issues about the life and history of Jesus. Directed by Martin Leutgeb, a native of Staaner, who became known for his acting training and diverse commitment to renowned theaters, including the Tyrolean Landestheater Innsbruck and the Stuttgart State Theater. With his passion for the music theater and his experience as a director and author, Leutgeben brings fresh wind into the traditional passion games that have been performed in Erl for over 400 years.

In total, more than 600 people, including children, working people and pensioners, are involved in the staging of the passion games. The strong stage presence and the cinematic music of Christian Kolonovits contribute to the emotional power of the performance. The stage design, designed by Hartmut Schörghofer, symbolizes a fragmented world with a white staircase and a fragmented mountain, which underlines the inner conflicts and questions that are treated in the staging.

emotional experience in focus

The narrative is based on the Gospel of John and addresses central stations in the life of Jesus, including the move in Jerusalem, the Lord's Supper, the Kölberg, the crucifixion, the burial and finally resurrection. The resurrection is presented as a silent, symbolic moment in which a child opens the grave and Jesus meets himself as a twelve -year -old. With this approach, Leutgeb wants to put the emotional experience of the viewers in the foreground and also addresses different faiths and the connection between people.

The direction and the concept help that the widespread doubts and questions about the resurrection are not neglected. Leutgeb emphasizes the symbolic meaning of the resurrection and the hope that she conveys. A central element of the performance is Leo, the donkey, who plays an important role both when escaping to Egypt and when moving into Jerusalem. Leo is looked after by Reinhard Schwaiger as an experienced stage professional.

reactions and outlook

After the almost four -hour performance, the audience reacted with a standing applause. The evening traditionally ended with the singing of "Great God, we praise you", which underlines the community loyalty between the actors and the audience. Further ideas of the Passion Games Erl, which take place by October 2025, are already planned. The experiences and the use of everyone involved create a remarkable experience that focuses on both religious teaching and human emotions.

Martin Leutgeb, who has been teaching at the State Music School Schwaz since 2023, shows this staging his extensive talent not only as an actor, but also as a director and author. The passion games Erl are thus attracting a general public and offering a deep insight into the history of faith, which is more important today than ever.