Greenwich Celebrations Go Medieval in April

The eyes of the world may be focused on Greenwich, the south London suburb of London where the zero degree meridian runs through and time is measured from, as we enter a new century, but the local community is joining forces for a massive theatrical project to mark Easter. On Good Friday, April 21, a cast of over a thousand will perform The Greenwich Passion Play 2000 - a new version of the medieval mystery play cycles specially devised for Greenwich for the New Millennium.

The huge performance, presented to a promenading audience in Greenwich Park, will be co-ordinated and directed by John Doyle, a professional director who has previously staged the York and Coventry Mystery cycles. In the first half of the event, the cast will offer what is described as a noisy mystery tour of Christ's miracles; seven groups of actors will develop their own miracle plays, and each will be performed seven times, so the audience can visit each, at stations around the edge of the outdoor arena.

In the second half of the event, the entire cast will join together to tell the story of the last week of Christ's life on the arena's central stage. The role of Christ is shared by the seven Jesuses of the miracle plays, with actor Ben Thomas taking on the role of the final, crucified Christ.

Organisations taking part include schools, youth theatres, and music and community groups.

The performance is scheduled to run on April 21 from 12noon to 3pm.

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