My family is planning a trip to see the Oberammergau Passion Play next June. The play is done in German (of course), and we do not speak the German language. Can anybody help us with what translation options are available to help us enjoy the play. Hopefully this does not mean keeping our noses buried in a book with the translations.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32732 posts
I looked on the official page of the production. https://www.passionsspiele-oberammergau.de/en/visit/info-service
It reads:
IS THE PASSION PLAY AVAILABLE IN OTHER LANGUAGES?
The shows will be exclusively in German.
You can buy text books in various languages with a translation of the
text on the day of the performance.
I hope that helps.
That website has an absolutely huge amount of information, spread out on many pages. Perhaps by studying the content you could be sufficiently prepared to enjoy the performance and not try to follow along, or only from time to time to be sure where you are.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4840 posts
If you know the story, a simultaneous translator should not be necessary (and no, they aren't provided). The actions and singing should suffice in knowing what is happening, without understanding every word. (A little like attending an opera sung in a different language than your own). Otherwise, read your Bible in advance and/or buy the book with the English translation.
Posted by
7658 posts
We saw the play almost 30 years ago and it didn't matter it was in German. It was wonderful.
Posted by
Tyler, TX, USA
162 posts
I have seen the play twice, in 2000 and 2010, and will be attending again in 2020 as I lead a group there. With the price of your ticket comes a translation book in the language of your choice so that you can read along as the German text is being spoken. As others have said, the story is so familiar to many that they do not need to read all of the translation but they can observe the actors and hear the music and have a wonderful experience. In the middle of the play is an intermission with lunch/dinner provided also as part of your admission.