Jeff Langley began working back stage with the Zion Passion Play as a 10-year-old; later he portrayed a Roman soldier and then, when he was 14, John, the disciple.
Now as an adult with a degree in theater and English, Langley who grew up in Zion, is directing the play, which has come to be known as one of the best in the nation, he said.
“It’s incredible to be part of a tradition like this,” said Langley, who also teaches theater at Christian Life School in Kenosha, where students are preparing the musical, “Godspell.”
For the Zion Passion Play, Langley is guiding a cast of about 100, complete with costumes and professional staging to portray a spiritual drama of the ministry, trial, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
“This story is meaningful, and I want to let people experience it, with the hope that they’ll find something there,” Langley said. “But I don’t want the play to be preachy or evangelistic.”
Rather, he is working with actors to portray a story filled with human emotions including betrayal, spirituality, suffering and hope.
The Zion Passion Play, shown every other year, opens April 7 for five performances.
The tradition dates to 1935 when the Rev. Jabez Taylor, a minister with Christ Community Church in Zion was asked to create an Easter pageant. Three performances were scheduled, but so many people wanted to see it, that it ran for 27 performances, according to Christ Community Church historical accounts.
Over the years, the wooden building in which it was produced was destroyed by a fire. A new building was erected, another fire occurred in the auditorium where the show was produced. Members visited passion plays in Europe to learn more, and eventually the Christian Arts Auditorium, which seats 522, was built to stage the play as well as other performances by a local youth theater group. The performances typically are sold out, Langley said.
Over the years, the play has evolved to include text written in modern-day versus King James Bible-era English, and John the disciple’s part now includes serving as narrator.
“It helps to give some of the scope of the larger Biblical story,” Langley said. “He connects stories that lead up to Jesus’ crucifixion.”
As director, Langley said he reminds actors that they are portraying people with thoughts and emotions.
“When folks approach the Bible, they think of it as sacred,” he said.
“Sometimes they forget this is about real people. I want them to own the words.”
The fact that Jesus was both human and divine “is one of the great mysteries of our faith. We can’t know what it’s like to be divine, so we focus on the human element,” Langley said.
“I want to highlight the loneliness that Jesus felt. During the crucifixion, the stage is set up with stark lighting, and Jesus is utterly alone. There’s a sound of wind blowing to convey a desolate place.
“I hope everyone can sense viscerally this is why people like and responded to Jesus and this is why others rejected him. He healed people. He also ticked a lot of people off.”
The cast rehearses about eight hours a week for at least 10 weeks, and Langley said he admires the commitment of the actors, many of whom belong to the church.
“It’s humbling and exciting to be at the helm of this production. It’s so much bigger than myself. So many people come and participate. It’s a good way to ground ourselves.”
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Zion Passion Play
When: 7 p.m. April 7, 8, 14, 15; 2 p.m. April 9
Where: Christian Arts Auditorium, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion
Tickets: $12.50
Information: 847-746-1411; www.zionpassionplay.com
