On 2012, March 30th I sat in the middle of crowd some minutes to 7.00 pm as I had previously called for preservation for my seat. The church was full beyond the capacity leaving other audience standing. The hall had a well staging and set design with two limelights, one lime light on the right side lighting the right entrance and the other on the left side lighting the left entrance. All was about watching yearly play depicting the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
With more than 80 actors the magnificent production of Cookeville Passion play had three acting Act one commences with God making the earth and heavens without form and void. Saw goodness of light there bye separating light and darkness. Created great seas and everything that moves according to its kind and creating man on the last day to have dominion over other creatures. Jesus is depicted as Jewish teacher from Galilee born by Virgin Mary in Nazareth .He starts his ministry by performing miracles.
He cured the blind regaining eye sight. Dramatically Jesus is seen raising the dead leaving the grieved in joy, happiness and disbelief .Act two shows how people liked Jesus due to the miracles he had been performing .Jesus is portrayed as charismatic healer, the leader of apocalyptic movement, messiah and social reformist proclaiming the kingdom of God.
Act three was a gorgeous performance as producer blended artistic sense and love of art ability to describe the last life of Jesus Christ. The interpolation of church hymns and the play raised the emotion of the audience and it was as fresh as it was the first time it was being narrated. There is triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem encountering various people and Jewish elders .Jesus is portrayed chairing the last supper meeting. There is dramatic and dynamic announcement made by Jesus about his impending betrayal, the traditions of Eucharist and his farewell to his disciples in preparation for his departure. Jesus is depicted being crucified on the cross in Jerusalem under the order of artistic roman prefect. The hall became emotional to watch dramatic resurrection of Jesus.
Cookeville Passion Play was a spectacular presentation with exceptional musical and artistic depiction of Jesus life, his death and resurrection. It was a powerful life changing Christian drama flash backing two thousand years ago to life of Jesus Christ. He was portrayed as a miracle performer .The audience was left believing that Jesus Christ is the only redeemer and can still do to day what he did for all who believe. It was emotional to watch the agony of his mocking, beatings, and his brutal crucifixion but rejoiceful to watch him defeat death and grave through his resurrection in the play.
The play ended at 9.00pm with a prayer from the priest. The priest took the opportunity to urge the audience the importance of upholding Sunday schooling as it was of spiritual nourishment. Told the audience not to forget their religion, maintain their basic humane instinct living in the world free from sins and chaos. The actors really coordinated the play as they were perfectly devoted and professional holding over the audience .The story was fresh in the minds and it was as if it had never been to the public gallery. Actors had good voice clarity and it was a good surprise to see kids singing marvelously. I intended to have fun with the actors taking photos but people were with the same intention so I had to leave.
