The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1910-08-01

search-the end of our journey-O ODER
ammergau-the upper valley of the
Ammer. "a small and unpretentious
town, made up of modest homes and
small business blocks; containing a
population of about 1000 souls.
The spell of the village is upon you
ere you locate within its hospitable
limits.
The calm and quiet of this mountain
retreat superinduces restfulness that
is good to feel, and the silent glail
of the sentinel mountains gives the
thought of security, which contributes
SO largely to the JOY of stay in this
lively place. But it is not the geo
graphical location nor yet the beauty
and attractiveness of the scenery
which makes this village of country
folks, the most talked about place in
the world just now and that will bring
over 100000 tourists up this valley
during the summer months of the pres
ent year.
The story may be briefly told In
1888 terrible and deadly plague visit
ed the place and In the brief space of
a few days eighty-four people died
under its fatal stroke.
1t looked like the whole community
would be wiped out. Then the people
prayed and registered vow that II
the plague were stayed and the people
saved-they and their children after
them would give, every ten years-the
Passion Play"-representing the clos
ing days, death and resurrection of The
Christ.
The plague was Immediately stayed
and not another death resulted there
from.
The descendants of those former
residents are keeping up, with relig
ious fairhfulness, the vow made nearly
800 years ago, and this year will wit
ness larger crowds and better stag
ing and s'laying than ever before.
The marvel about the whole thing,
to the thoughtful observer, is that
these simple-hearted, honest, plain,
country folks should be such consum.
mate artists on the stage They play
with skill that is truly marvellous
and rarely seen among professionals
and yet there is a simplicity and dig
nifty about the whole affair that is
positively irresistible. Perhaps it may
be said to be an added tribute to the
power and beauty of the simple life
/ 1t is conceded, l think, by all who
have witnessed the play this year
that the star performer is Johann
Twink, who plays the part of Judas
i mean of course, as judged purely
from the viewpoint of superb acting.
The self abandonment with which he
filings himself into his part is truly
marvellous. Indeed it is related by w
T. Stead that. at one time during the
performance Mr.. Twink so far forgot
himself that he actually hung himself
and had to be rescued by his fellow
players.
Anton Lang, who plays the part OF
| The Christ is a beautiful character
and fine man to meet personally.
had the pleasure of quite an extended
conversation with him, and greatly adj
Imire him. His behaviour is modest anc
extremely courteous and he shows BY
face and feature that he is a virtuous
and clean man, upright and true Ia
life.
Indeed no one can have part In
this great sacred drama unless their
life has been without blame In the
community.
So that, as the highest ambition Of
the Individual is to have place in the
play, and they cannot unless theil
lives be clean-it gives fine mora
tone to the entire valley.
/ do not disparage other players b.
the mention of these two, but it mus
be conceded that they play the leadin,
parts.
Miss Ottilie zwick daughter 0
Johann Zwicls) plays the part of Mary
the Virgin Mother. She has the mos
beautiful face among the players
there is sweetness and grace abou
her movement and expression that
wonderfully attractive and she act
ner part with admlFaDle Skill
z Indeed 1t can hardly be said, i
honesty. that there is single poo
or clumsy player in the long list G
1900 performers.
The play begins at 8 o'clock an
sharp and lasts until about 5 pm. wit
an inermission of one and half hour
for lunch at noon.
Surely it is no slight thing or mer
idle curiosity that brings great aud
ence of six thousand people from tn
four quarters of the globe and hold
them spell bound for eight hours, du
ing which time there is scarcely
sound heard, save the subdued G
open sob which ever and anon break
n from sympathetic hearts. Men and W.
men of every faith and of no fat
a