The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1911-12-06
PASSION
PLAY in Three Parts and
Hand CoIors in the Star
Theater.

Star theater tomorrow.
The first Passion Play OF which
there is any record was In the fourth
century, "A. D., among the Greeks,
and was called .1Christos Paschon."
All through the middle ages d ffer-
ent dramas OF this nature we're por-
trayed, chiefly by religious orders.
During the Crusades many similar
plays were given for the purpose Of
stimulating the people to activity
in the saving OF the Holy CITY from
the hands OF the Saracens.
In 1893 the village of oberam-
mergau, in Bavaria, was visited by a
terrible plague. On its cessation
the entire population made a VOW
to perform the Passion FIay Of our
Saviour every tenth year, out OF
gratitude, and as means OF re-
Hgious instruction vow which
has ever since been. faithfully OBJ
served The inhabitants OF this Sc
cluded village have a. rare union of
artistic ability and cultivation. with
perfect simplicity. Their familiarity
with religious subjects is even be-
yond what is usual In the Alpine
parts OF Germany, and the spec
tac1e is looked upon with the same
feeling with which it orig mated
devout and edifying. The imperson-
ator of Christ considers his part an
act OF worship. He and all the rest
who are to participate in the enact
ment are selected for Their holy life,
and are consecrated to their work
with prayer and fasting. In fact, it
is the ambition OF every child in the
village to act part in this great
event, and in order to do so they
must show by their daily life that
they are worthSlsof such an honor.
Every village girl has an ambition
to portray the part of Mary, the
Mother of Christi IN order to at
tain this they must not, even in
thought, do anything contrary to
the vlrtuous and pure character OF
the Mother Of our Saviour. Not to
be considered fit to take part. how
ever small, in this grand play IS, in
Oberammergau, considered great
disgrace. To take part away from
an actor is a shame that can hardly
be borne
When properly equipped and pre-
sented there is not an attraction be-
fore the world today in the way Of
an entertainment, so impressive, so
pleasing. soul-stirring. heart-reach-
ing, and uplifting as is this wonder
full creation in moving picture form.
That it Is doing the world great
good no one can deny. How grand
is the opportunity to witness these
clear, beautiful life-motion pictures
passing by before US, unfolding in
the most convincing and pleasing
manner these scenes and incidents
in the Christ life heretofore pictured
in words only, and not understood
by all.
It is the intention to give as near
an exact reproduction OF the origi-
nal Oberammergau play as possible.
The highest point is reached in the
art of life-motion photography.
Those who see it will be interested
and instructed.
There is nothing in the produce
ton that can he considered sacrs-
ligious. irreverent or offensive to-
any Christian OF any denomination.
Every man, woman and child will
not only enjoy 1T. but will be held
spellbound- at the sight of the fasci-
mating and sublime lIfe-sIze movins
pictures.
Every parent and Sunday school,
teacher should take advantage or
this opportunity to vividly impress
upon The children these scenes in
Chr!st's Neutrality-suspicious. that never
can be effaced while the lamp of
this life holds out to burn.
In no other way, short of a per-
sonal visit to the village of Obaram-
mergau, in Bavaria. at the time OF
this stupendous enactment, can So
lasting a realization of the crucbhx-
ion Of Christ be made. 1t fixes the
mind upon its great subject-the
Christ. Clearly and distinctly does
1t unfold the scenes and incidents OF
His life; portraying it 50 plainly, so
shall know and understand the beau
shall know and understan the beau