The weather may have hindered a few outdoor events this summer, but there was one show it spared, and this was the 2010 Canadian Badlands Passion Play.
In fact, the play received a record attendance this year.
“We had record attendance with 12,200 people attending,” artistic director Randall Wiebe told inSide Drumheller. “We would probably have had even more if it hadn’t been a bit rainy beforehand but in terms of the play itself, the weather was absolutely wonderful.”
The show, which has run for 18 years now, saw quite a few changes this year, such as some major revisions to some of the scenes, a large change in the costumes, and the addition of the Baptismal pool.
“I think the play looks more beautiful than ever,” said Wiebe, “and in terms of the play itself, it was clear, the transitions were faster, cleaner and the play, as far as I am concerned, transitioned extremely well from scene to scene and the story itself was clear.”
Wiebe is so content with this particular production that when asked if there was anything he was particularly pleased with this year, his answer was “Everything! That was my response many times over… There’s always room for improvement, but I was extremely pleased.”
As well as the set, costumes and production, the play comes alive thanks to hundreds of actors and volunteers. “We had the most excellent team of staff and volunteers - they worked together in harmony, they were just amazing volunteers,” said Wiebe.
Now that the 2010 production is over, minds are already thinking about the future.
“Next year, it may in fact be a whole new play, we are contemplating that, but it is too early to speak about it,” said Wiebe.
