New Christus

Last fortnight was election week in Oberammergau, Germany. But not for a mayor, police chief or sheriff did the citizens vote. Pious and thoughtful, a committee representing all the citizens met to elect a new cast for their world-famed Passion Play in which the entire village takes part.*

Anton Lang, who has played Christus three times, was succeeded by his cousin, Alois Lang, chosen from three candidates. The part is exhausting. Anton is too old. So he was made the prolog reader. Alois Lang, now 38, was understudy to Anton Lang in the last performance (1922). He failed then of election to the Christus role by only a few votes and played the High Priest Nathaniel. Like his revered cousin, Alois Lang looks the part -- a gentle carver of wooden Christs who has been letting his hair and beard grow for years to be prepared.

Hansi Preisinger, daughter of Oberammergau's postmaster was a candidate for the supreme role of the Virgin Mary. Custom demands that not only must the girl chosen be a virgin but she must remain unmarried for one year afterward. Hansi, ablest virgin actress, is engaged to an engineer in the power plant. So the tactful electors awarded her the role of Mary Magdalene, less important, more nubile.

The theatre has been enlarged to seat 6,000 people. Tourists may come by plane; an airdrome will be ready for the solemn scenes in May.

*The Oberammergau Passion Play, first acted in 1634 in gratitude for the cessation of the Black Death, was to be given every ten years. In 1674 the date was changed to fall on decimal years. The World War postponed the 1920 production until 1922.