We have to go back to 1633 to discover the origins of the Oberammergau Passion Play. It is all about life and death, hope and promise... reflecting the situation in Europe, Bavaria and villages such as Oberammergau in the early 17th century.

In Central Europe, the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) was one of the most destructive in history, resulting in widespread poverty and disease. Most frightening of all was the plague that killed thousands. Some 80 died in tiny Oberammergau alone. After months of suffering, the Oberammergauers pledged to perform the ‘Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ' every ten years. The disease halted and at Whitsun in 1634, the villagers fulfilled their promise. The first-ever performance took place on a stage set up in the cemetery above the graves of recent plague victims.

The villagers have kept their vow ever since. Over the centuries, their faith and commitment have been recognised and admired around the world - and the world has come to join the villagers. In 2010, the community is putting on over 100 performances between May and October.

This is the 41st season of the world's most famous Passion Play - the Oberammergau Passion Play.