It’s a tradition that dates over twenty-five years. The sixth grade class at DuBois Central Catholic School celebrates Holy Week with a Passion Play, re-enacting the last hours of the life and death of Jesus Christ. Under the leadership of theology educators and performance co-directors Mr. Mike Micknis and Mrs. Nicole Snyder, this year’s class presented four live showings of the Passion Play, including a visit to Christ the King Manor to perform on-site for the residents.
Passion plays date back to medieval times. During the Lenten season, actors would gather in a public area to dramatize Christ’s last days, trial and crucifixion. DuBois Central Catholic’s play follows a similar storyline. The play begins with Jesus’s arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. A student narrator tells the story of each of the fourteen stations of the cross. Actors then act out each scene onstage. It’s an incredibly moving performance acted out beautifully by the students.
“The Passion Play is one of my favorite Central traditions,” says Micknis. “It is not an easy play for any age level, being it is such a serious and somber story. It has literally changed the world. I couldn't be more proud to see the students perform and take ownership of the entire performance.”
Preparations for the play begin in January. Micknis states, “Every year we begin with a sixth grade class, that for the most part, has no experience on the stage. As the weeks go by, I am always amazed at the growth that students exhibit as they begin to really take on their parts with such intensity.”
Snyder adds, “We begin practicing right after Christmas and practice daily through Holy Week. Each and every year, the 6th grade students put their entire heart and soul into re-enacting the Stations of the Cross. The students learn the horrific betrayal and death endured by Jesus, and how his dying on the Cross has saved all of humanity. It is fascinating to see how much the students learn through re-enacting, and how very proud they are to be able to perform 4 times throughout Holy Week.
“Each year I am so impressed with how well the 6th grade students perform. In light of the terrible sadness behind the Passion Play, I have a huge smile for the children. I am truly so grateful that I am able to teach the children about this important life event, and to be a part of the DuBois Central Catholic Teaching Staff.”