Staff reports
LAKE COUNTY – People from across the land gathered to see Jesus Christ during his final moments of life as he took his journey bearing a cross on his back thousands of years ago. Last weekend, people from across the land gathered to watch its recreation during the Lake County Outdoor Passion Play.
Roughly 150 people participated as actors in the play, which took place Saturday and Sunday at Passion Play grounds, located at 7010 Westlake Road in Upper Lake, and hundreds more watched.
Actors play roles including shepherds and apostles, and Roman soldiers ride chariots pulled by Belgian horses to recreate one of the most famous Christian stories across the 1,000 foot stage.
They “dance for the lord,” gather for Jesus” last supper and feature
“The passion play has been a spiritual blessing for me,” said Kelli Brown who played Salome. “To perform with all my heart, and then to walk down after the play and see people experience the play for the first and see the tears in their eyes because of how moved they are is a very humbling experience.”
The play was first presented on Palm Sunday in 1981 as a joint effort between fathers Philip Ryan and Paul Moran and takes place annually the weekend after Mother”s Day free-of-charge.
For many participants, it is a family affair.
Brown, who has been a part of the production in various roles for 21 years, now has two daughters involved as well.
“I am honored to participate and dedicate my time every year to this wonderful production,” Brown said. “Seeing both my girls in the play brings tears to my eyes, as a mother and a true believer in Christ.”
