Oberammergau: The Troubling Story of the World's Most Famous Passion Play (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780375708527)

The Bavarian village of Oberammergau has staged the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ nearly every decade since 1634. Each production of the Passion Play attracts hundreds of thousands, many drawn by the spiritual benefits it promises. Yet Hitler called it a convincing portrayal of the menace of Jewry, and in 1970 a group of international luminaries boycotted the play for its anti-Semitism. As the production for the year 2000 drew near, James Shapiro was there to document the newest wave of obstacles that faced the determined Bavarian villagers. Erudite and judicious, Oberammergau is a fascinating and important look at the unpredictable and sometimes tragic relationship between art and society, belief and tolerance, religion and politics.

Author: James Shapiro
ISBN-10: 0375708529
ISBN-13: 9780375708527
Publisher: Vintage
Language: English
Published: 06/12/2001
Pages: 272
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.20w x 0.60d

Review Citation(s):
New York Times 07/15/2001 pg. 28