There is always excitement in the springtime at the Badlands Passion Play site. There is a flurry of activity as preparations are made for the short but successful run in July.
If it is possible, there is a little more bounce in the step of general manager Vance Neudorf as he climbs the stairway to the top of the set and onto the balcony, his finger darting from corner to corner, pointing to where changes and improvements have taken place and are being planned.His excitement is contagious.
He describes this season as a convergence of time where a number of conditions have intersected, and the result is a giant step forward, the likes of which has not been seen in years. This convergence has set the creativity flowing at a feverish pace.
One of these conditions is the renovation of the Jerusalem Wall, which began last season. The space has been transformed to allow the creativity to flow. There is rehearsal space, room for the costume department to run rampant, and even an armoury.
Another condition that was set into motion prior to this season was the writing of a new script. Royal Sproule has been crafting the new script based on the Gospel of John. To fit the new story, technical aspects of the production are changing. Major modifications to the set are taking place to facilitate the retelling of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Those who have been to the play will immediately notice the changes.
Another exciting change is the sound system. For the history of the Passion Play, the natural amplifying effect of the amphitheatre has made the Passion Play unique. While this quality remains, the new audio work will enhance the production value of the performance.
Neudorf explains all parts of the sprawling stage will be amplified, and the sound will be carried through a series of speakers throughout the set. The sound will be dynamic and directional. Rather than just a wall of sound, it will move with the characters and the action.
While the high quality audio improvements are not cheap, advances in technology are allowing the Passion Play to do something that couldn’t have been possible even a few short years ago, and are doing it for significantly less cost than expected.
The sound system has also driven creativity. As the possibilities of the system were revealed, the creative department is designing the production to take full advantage.
“We are ramping up to be a world class production,” said Neudorf.
Another Passion Play spring tradition is the annual Golf Tournament, and it is just around the corner. The tournament will be played out on Thursday, June 23 at Dinosaur Trail Golf and Country Club.
The biggest change to the event this year is that the new tournament facility at the Golf Club has allowed the tournament and banquet to stay right at the club.
Tournament coordinator Bryce Nimmo said most of the sponsors are in place for the 18-hole scramble, followed by dinner as well as a live and silent auction. The tournament is directed at raising funds for the new sound system.
There is still time for local businesses and residents to get involved in the tournament or to support the live and silent auction.
For more information, contact the Canadian Badlands Passion Play Office at 403-823-2001.
