La Passió
Dear. Prey. Forgiveness. Hope. Director Mel Gibson shocked viewers with brutal images in his 2004 film The Leiden of Christ. Less brutal – almost sentimental – the passion story “La Passió” in Sant Climent Sescebes represented by the villagers. For more than 30 years, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, betrayal, condemnation, crucifixion and resurrection has been staged at Easter. The stage for the spectacle “L’Horta d’en Cusí” is just behind the village in the direction of Figueres. In the middle of the lush, Mediterranean nature, the backdrops made of field stones are set and, together with olive trees and cork oaks, form the framework for the suffering of Christ. Anyone who knows the biblical story a little can easily follow the plot without any knowledge of Catalan.
The acting begins with a few minutes of delay. Music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Andrew Lloyd Webber echoes from the loudspeakers. 100 actors on stage and 60 technicians in the background ensure a fascinating evening. Like historical paintings, the scenes from the New Testament are lined up in living pictures – accompanied by music from monumental sounds.
A constant change of image and action. On the stage, people discuss, love, sob, cry, dine, shout and argue. The rabble moans, Judas practices betrayal, Jesus shares bread and wine with his disciples, Roman soldiers marching, the high priest judges, Mary kneels in the dust. A storm breaks out when Jesus’ fate is fulfilled. It flashes and thunders. Luckily only on stage. The Romans are fleeing, Pontius Pilate frightened, the temple trembles. God’s Son rises from his grave. It’s done! Jesus freed mankind from their sins and filled the spectators with new hope. It will be light and we celebrate Easter.
Easter Spectacle
The Easter Spectacle of Sant Climent Sescebes In contrast to the film, it does not require any fake blood and sophisticated effects. Here is emotionally remembered why we are actually celebrating Easter today. An entire village contributes to the success of the spectacle. With loud applause, the audience would like to thank all the amateur actors, small and large, who acted professionally on stage for more than 1.5 hours.
On Sunday you can experience the colorful hustle and bustle of a Jewish market all day in the alleys of Sant Climent Sescebes. There is plenty of food and drink, and a large selection of Artesania products is also brought to men and women.
Happy Easter!
Tip: Think of the blanket and seat cushion when you visit the open-air scene. The nights in April can still be sensitively cold.
