When the 2012 Canadian Badlands Passion Play takes to the stage this summer there will be a familiar name in the cast.
While Timothy Berlando was not born in the valley, many remember his father Joe Berlando, who taught for years at the Wayne School. Timothy has decided to take up acting and has earned a part in this year’s production.
He is jumping feet first right into the play, in fact he has even never seen it. He knows a couple people from his church in Calgary, who have been involved with the production. They mentioned he ought to take a shot at auditioning.
“I went to the auditions and mentioned that I am not an actor, I am a part of a few choirs in the church and have always been a musical performer, and ended up getting a part,” said Berlando. “ I am really looking forward to it.”
His experience as a musician makes the stage a comfortable place for Tim.
“I quite enjoy it, and doing it at the church there is no better reason to do it,” said Berlando.
He has been given the role of Caiaphas, a high priest who was thought to have been an organizer of the plot to kill Jesus.
“He was one of the high priests that gave Christ away to the Romans to be crucified. He was the one that ultimately stands up to Pilate and says ‘crucify him,’” said Berlando. “It is a dark part and a challenging part because as a believer it is an antithesis of what I want.”
While he wasn’t brought up in Drumheller his roots trace way back. His mother was born in Carbon and her family settled in Nacmine. His father was born in Wayne and his grandfather ran the Star Mine thought the 40’s and up until it closed.
“In the summer times I remember spending sometimes up to a month in Nacmine. The whole area is not unfamiliar to me, it’s like home,” said Berlando.
Over the Victoria Day Long Weekend the Passion Play hosted its Welcome Weekend. This weekend, rehearsals begin. The play begins July 15.
