Trafalgar Square Passion Play “in no way is meant to be antisemitic”
from Religion Media Centre:
Concern at the historical association between Passion Plays and antisemitism has led to widespread calls for producers to remove anything in the words, costume and set that could be perceived as antisemitic.
In a Religion Media Centre briefing, a panel of faith leaders and academics explained that the plays date from the Middle Ages and have a historical association with antisemitism, through including texts blaming Jews for killing Jesus.
At a time of rising antisemitic attacks and community tension, the briefing was told that it is difficult to put on this play without it feeling antisemitic to Jews. The producer of the Trafalgar Square Wintershall Passion of Jesus, Charlotte de Klee, said she plans to address the audience before the play starts, with a statement affirming that in no way is it meant to be antisemitic: “We are all guilty of crucifying Jesus, even today”, she said.
The Wintershall script has been revised to replace the word “priest” with “authority” and costumes have been moderated. Rabbi Debbie Long-Somers, of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue, said: “One of the challenges is that most people who see a Passion Play will never knowingly meet a Jew in the UK, so what is said about them is a huge responsibility”.
View the briefing on our YouTube channel here
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