Passion of Christ returns to Trafalgar Square

Today the crowds of Trafalgar Square will once again this year find themselves enveloped by the events of Holy Week as Wintershall presents The Passion of Jesus.

Since its first performance in 2010, the awe-inspiring full-scale re-enactment of The Passion has quickly become a highly anticipated London Easter fixture, often drawing at least 20,000 people to the two performances.

The story commemorating the day Jesus was arrested, tried and crucified by the Romans, before miraculously rising from the dead on Easter Sunday, is brought to life by a cast of over a hundred, dressed in full costume, accompanied by horses, doves and even a donkey.

The most significant change in this year’s production will be seen in the absence of James Burke-Dunsmore, the actor who has played the role of Jesus in Wintershall’s production for over 20 years.

Having hung up his crown of thorns he will be replaced this year by his understudy, secondary school teacher and trained actor, Peter Bergin.

Speaking to Peter about the effect that taking up this role has had revealed the complexity and impact that is seemingly concurrent with performing a narrative such as The Passion, which is so integral to the faith of all Christians.

“From an actor’s perspective, I’m playing a role that’s had myriad interpretations, and there’s so much to draw from in terms of how other people have presented the role,” he said.

“But from a Christian perspective and spiritual standpoint, by really taking the time to delve into what was going through Jesus’ mind, during what we now know as Holy Week, I was able to get a feel for a figure that I’ve known throughout my whole life.

“Recognising his more human aspects has helped put perspective on the sacrifice. It’s all well and good telling us when we’re children that Jesus suffered and died on the cross, but that seems very abstract.

“When you’re rehearsing a crucifixion scene and having to think about the agony of going on the cross like that, it really puts that into perspective and shows you just how great that sacrifice was.

“This was an opportunity for me to grow in faith and grow closer to Jesus.”

Growing up in the area, Bergin as a young boy would often watch the productions of the Life of Christ and The Nativity, staged on the Wintershall Estate in Surrey. Having trained as an actor for three years, he now works as an English teacher at St. John Baptist School in Woking.

Despite the clear Christian orientation, both Peter and Charlotte de Klee, the producer, were very keen to stress the inclusivity of the event.

Peter said: “These plays are so important for reaching out to people from other faiths, or people without faith, to show them we’ve got something special. It’s not an opportunity to stand at a lectern and preach.

“It’s simply about showing a man who had a powerful message and that message was love. Having this opportunity to share that on such a big stage in the centre of London is an amazing opportunity.”

Charlotte echoed a similar sentiment. “We’re not telling people they have to believe it,” she said. “We’re not preaching. There’s no liturgy. We are just telling the Gospel story. The people we’re showing it to may never go into a church. We have mixed denominations and people of all faiths and none who come to watch.

“I think everyone just wants to know who Jesus is. There is a desperate need to know who this man is and what he did and why he’s still having such a big influence on our lives.”

Peter Hutley, Charlotte’s father, originally staged The Passion as a one-off in 1999. Since then it has grown in stature and popularity by the year and Peter, now aged 96, has passed the baton on to the next generation of the Hutley family, ensuring that the tradition stays alive.

Asked about the significance and legacy of religious narratives such as the Passion being performed in the public sphere, Charlotte said:  “I think it’s very important because with knowledge you lose fear. If you know about something, then you don’t have to fear it. With education, you learn that we’re all humans struggling to make our way through life.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “The Passion of Jesus has brought the Easter story to life in Trafalgar Square for the last 12 years and brings together thousands of people from all walks of life and backgrounds for an unforgettable Easter experience. This unique event allows everyone to celebrate our capital’s tolerance and diversity and inspires us to continue to work towards a fairer and better London for all.”

The ability of Wintershall and the Hutley family to be able to stage these productions in an area like Trafalgar Square is undoubtedly a testament to the open-mindedness that can be found in London. When push comes to shove, regardless of any differences you might find, we will all be united in our prayer for sunshine.

(Getty Images)

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