LAKE COUNTY ? The crowd is silent as Jesus begs forgiveness for his killers on the Hill of Skulls ? Golgotha. His mother, Mary, sits at his feet, and a 2-year old girl in the audience catches the emotion in one word: “sad.”
In its 29th year, The Lake County Passion Play drew more than 1,000 spectators Saturday and Sunday, according to organizer Rev. Philip Ryan”s estimate. Toting sunshades and water bottles, spectators watched the action on a hillside at the former Beltramo Ranch between North Lakeport and Upper Lake, now the Lake County Passion Play grounds.
“There was a really good spirit and participation from the community,” director Rob Haun said. “Yesterday (Saturday) was the first time I”ve ever been in the Passion Play when, right before the end of the play, the audience actually clapped for us. Usually they wait ”til we”re all introduced.”
Haun, who began by playing a horseman in 1997 and directed previously for three years, became involved slowly at first, like many others who now make it an annual tradition. Kelseyville resident Suzanne Blavet became involved in 1992 after watching the play for approximately six years.
“It really, really moved me. After being in it, I really feel this is holy ground,” Blavet said as the crowd mingled with the actors on the grounds after the final performance.
Blavet plays one of the women of Jerusalem who follows Mary, and later in the play, performs among the 11 liturgical dancers who form a V for “victory” in front of the three crosses on Golgotha, symbolizing Jesus” victory over death.
More than 150 performers, some in dual roles, participate in the re-enactment of Jesus” last days on earth. It includes Jesus” announcement of his own death to his apostles at the Last Supper, his impassioned prayer in the Garden at Gethsemane, his persecution and death, followed by his resurrection and ascension to heaven.
Ryan and the Rev. Paul Moran brought the concept to Lake County and organized the first production on Palm Sunday in 1981. Moran”s original soundtrack plays while approximately 150 performers play out the action wearing bright costumes to stand out against the spring-green hillside on which they perform.
“It”s hard to say ?death,” ?crucify him,” but it”s so necessary,” former director Mark Brown said.
Brown plays a member of the mob that calls for Pontius Pilate to crucify Jesus. Actor Cody Haynes plays one of the Roman guards who whips Jesus, played by the Rev. John Boettcher, with knotted ropes soaked in a caramel solution dyed to look like blood. Boettcher said the mock scourging feels like being punched.
“I felt bad when we were whipping him, but he said let him have it, so we don”t pull any punches,” Haynes said.
One of the play”s youngest actresses this year was Saichai Bills, 2, of Redwood Valley. She was a late substitute this year for the child who runs to Jesus when he appears to his followers after his resurrection.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com, or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
