0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- 888
0:00:14 > 0:00:16- 888
0:00:21 > 0:00:23- 888
0:00:29 > 0:00:30- It was awful.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- Seeing it on Friday - will be terrible.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- It's part of God's design, - unfortunately.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44- He saved the world by sending - his son to die for our sins.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- It's awful, but that's what happened - and what I believe.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- Ultimately, - it's a theatrical experience for me.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- But subconsciously, - I hope to renew my faith...
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- ..in the crucifixion - and the resurrection.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- The experience - of seeing the crucifixion...
0:01:18 > 0:01:23- ..will outdo films - such as The Passion Of The Christ.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- It's live theatre.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- It happens to a real person...
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- ..just as people stood on Calvary - when Christ was crucified.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47- Oberammergau is a village - in the Bavarian Alps.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- Its once-a-decade Passion Play - attracts thousands of visitors.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57- This year, - a coachload from Clwyd is going...
0:01:57 > 0:02:02- ..to see a theatrical performance - of Christ's final week on earth.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- The Reverend Wayne Roberts - organized a complete experience.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- A great friend of mine - was a staunch chapelgoer.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- I remember him saying, - "We need religion and chips."
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- We'll have fun on this journey too.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30- It's an event on people's tick list.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- Most people will be inspired.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- It'll be interesting - to see how some react.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- I want to go - because of what it means.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50- I admire the people and why - they did it in the first place.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- The bubonic plague - had ravaged their society.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- They vowed that if they were - saved from the plague...
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- ..they would commemorate - the crucifixion forever.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- I admire that.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- The first Passion Play - was staged in 1634.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21- The tradition lives on, - as does the villagers' dedication.
0:03:21 > 0:03:27- It's a tradition that everyone - who takes part was born there...
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- ..or has lived there - for at least 20 years.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- It's true to this day.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39- People stop working for 18 months. - The men promise not to shave.
0:03:40 > 0:03:41- They're very serious.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- There is a stand-in for Christ - if the main actor is taken ill.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- They must live as Christ lived.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- They promise to be pure.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- I'm sure it's a worry for them.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- They have to become Jesus Christ. - I couldn't say I'm like that.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- I'm a minister and live my life - as best as I can...
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- ..but I couldn't say I resemble - Jesus Christ in my life.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- Wayne lives in Llanrhaeadr, - between Ruthin and Denbigh.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- As well as looking after - eleven parish chapels...
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- ..he arranges regular tours - for members.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35- Many outside his parish - expressed an interest in this trip.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- I knew it was happening this year.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- Silver Star Holidays - told me when they were going.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- Someone mentioned a minister - who was arranging a trip.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- She eventually remembered his name - and phoned me.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- I knew of him - and phoned him immediately.
0:04:57 > 0:05:03- I was so pleased because everyone - praises his trips.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- I knew and respected Wayne - as a minister and shepherd.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- I only know half a dozen of them.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- They appear to be members - in Wayne's churches.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- It's lovely to be around them.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- I'm expecting the unexpected.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- Something unlike anything - I've experienced before.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- I expect to see a great crowd...
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- ..creating tension...
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- ..and passion.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- Over the years, Brian Morris - has acted and written scripts...
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- ..for local drama companies.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- Many have a religious theme.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- But since his wife's death, - Brian has questioned his faith.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07- I lost a partner and wife. - We were together for 46 years.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- That's the biggest part of my life.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- Like everyone else who has - experienced a loss, I ask questions.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- Why her? - But that's the order of things.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- We have to accept it.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- But anyone who has been - in my situation...
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- ..if they're honest...
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- ..will question God's workings.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- My Father...
0:06:40 > 0:06:45- ..cannot this cup be taken away?
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- My Father...
0:06:48 > 0:06:53- ..don't abandon me.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- We kept the buses in this garage.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- We once had - a dozen and a half buses.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- I can take a back seat - now that the buses have gone.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- I have time to go to places - I should have visited years ago.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- It's not a pilgrimage. - It's up to the individual.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- It's not confined - to chapel members.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- There are people - from as far afield as Colwyn Bay.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- OK, thanks.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- Llinos, my sister, is a partner - in the Pentre Motors business.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- I was excited - when I heard about Wayne's trip.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51- I've always wanted to go, - but the timing was never right.
0:07:51 > 0:07:57- The travel agent said I was - the first to put my name down.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- That's how much I wanted to go, - and I'm going!
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- Usually, our theatre trips - are a maximum of two hours per show.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- The Oberammergau Passion Play - lasts for seven to eight hours.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- I hope to stay awake till the end!
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Although she was born - in the Denbigh area...
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- ..Enid Davies lives in Eglwysbach - in the Conwy Valley.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- She's going on the journey - with her sister, Gwen.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- I'm packing all sorts - in case they come in handy.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- I'll probably end up - putting half of them back!
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- I wanted to go to Israel - and Oberammergau before I die.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- I visited Israel ten years ago.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- I'm going to Oberammergau this year.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- I'd be too old to wait around - for another ten years!
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- But I want to go terribly.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- It's a week's holiday for Enid.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- It'll finish with the realization - of her dream in Oberammergau.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- After travelling from Munich - to the Tyrol...
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- ..they arrive at their hotel - in Seefeld, over the Austrian border.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- Tesco or Asda, is there peace?
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- Peace!
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- Seefeld above Tyrol, is there peace?
0:09:36 > 0:09:37- Peace!
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- Sit in the peace of the Eisteddfod!
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- The week's itinerary - includes Wayne's Welsh nights...
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- ..and a taste of local culture.
0:10:09 > 0:10:15- They'll stay in Seefeld - for the first part of the holiday.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- The popular destination...
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- ..is still important - to Oberammergau pilgrims.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- This is their first morning.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29- Everyone is free to roam - as they wish.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34- Here you are, Brinley! - I'm delivering your wives for you!
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Where are you taking them today?
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- Do you want to know - where I was last night?!
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Seefeld is one - of the Tyrol's main towns.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- It's a very special little haven - north-west of Innsbruck.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- We're surrounded - by the Austrian mountains.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- It's 40 minutes from Oberammergau, - which is very convenient.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- CHURCH BELL
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- Some kept their feet on the ground...
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- ..but Llinos and her friend Sheila - headed for the heights.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- Look!
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- How did they know we were coming?
0:11:35 > 0:11:36- Well, well!
0:11:36 > 0:11:37- Well, well!- - Welcome!
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- It's fantastic here.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- Tomorrow morning - is the highlight of the holiday.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- We'll see the Passion Play.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- We're looking forward to it.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- I'm delighted we had the chance - to come here today.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- I'm thrilled - to have come on this excursion.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- I feel on top of the world.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- It's indescribable...
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- ..looking down - on all of the mountains.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- It might sound odd, - but I feel an inner peace here.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- Since I lost my partner...
0:12:37 > 0:12:43- ..I haven't got any complaints - and I don't bear a grudge.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- I was fortunate - to share Ceri's journey.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- But I feel a nagging doubt...
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- ..like others - who've been in this situation...
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- ..why me and why her?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- She never hurt anyone.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- It's one of life's trials - that we must all face.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- We come to terms with the loss.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- We live in hope...
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- ..and perhaps in my subconscious...
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- ..experiencing tomorrow's - crucifixion and resurrection...
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- ..will inspire me - to believe we'll meet again.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- It will signify to me - that it's not the journey's end.
0:13:33 > 0:13:33- .
0:13:37 > 0:13:37- 888
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- 888- - 888
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- The Reverend Wayne Roberts - leads travellers from Clwyd...
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- ..to Oberammergau - and the holiday's highlight.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- The world-famous Passion Play - is only performed every ten years.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- Is this my Father's house - or a market?
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- There's one important stop - on the way.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- The Pilgrimage Church of Wies.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- I compare it to St Beuno's Church - in Clynnog Fawr.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- Pilgrims to Bardsey stopped there, - and we're stopping here.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- It's an exquisite Catholic church.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- People witness Jesus's suffering.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- They get rid of their sins.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- There are different areas here - to pray or to talk to God.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- It's a special place.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- I lit a candle and said a prayer - for Meinir, my daughter.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- I think about her every day.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- Meinir is usually - my first waking thought.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- I lost her three years ago. - She was 45 and a mother of three.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- She was a lovely girl.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- All parents - say this about their children.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- There is no greater tragedy - than losing a child.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- Everyone would say that.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- It's hard, even with my faith.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- God can't prevent such suffering.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- We all suffer - he who - hasn't suffered hasn't been born.
0:15:43 > 0:15:49- With God's support, - we get through it, but it's hard.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- This year is the first time...
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- ..that talking about her - doesn't make me cry.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- Just thinking or talking - about Meinir would make me cry.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- That doesn't happen any more.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- SOBS
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- CROWD SHOUTS
0:16:21 > 0:16:22- CHEERS
0:16:29 > 0:16:30- One.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- We're the Golden Girls.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- Not that we're old!
0:16:44 > 0:16:49- We try our best. - There are no men in our team.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- We had to find men...
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- ..to help us win!
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- This is the man who helped us.
0:16:59 > 0:17:00- He's our mascot.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- But he isn't much cop!
0:17:04 > 0:17:05- Watch it!
0:17:07 > 0:17:08- CHEERS
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- We've come here to bowl tonight.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- It's a great opportunity for us - to socialize and enjoy ourselves.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- Tomorrow is a heavy day.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- We're going to see the drama, - which will be emotional.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29- It's important that we all mix - and have fun.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- It's strong stuff!
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- What's happening tomorrow?
0:17:44 > 0:17:45- What's happening tomorrow?- - No idea.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- We're going on the bus - to Oberammergau.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- We'll have an early breakfast - and be on the bus by nine o'clock.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- We're fortunate - to be going on a Friday.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- It's more significant - because it was a Good Friday.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- The date helps.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- I've been before. - It's an unforgettable experience.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- That's why I've come back.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- They reach their journey's end - on Friday morning - Oberammergau.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- Between May and October...
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- ..more than 250,000 people - will see the Passion Play.
0:18:27 > 0:18:33- For many, like Enid and her sister, - it realizes a lifetime's dream.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- It's a once in a lifetime - experience.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- We'll get a spiritual feeling - out of it.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- I hope we'll enjoy the drama.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- I'm sure the singing will be good.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- We'll try to understand - the odd word of German.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- This is where - the Passion Play takes place.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- We'll be entering - in a quarter of an hour.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- There are thousands of people here.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- It's buzzing with excitement.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- # THE PASSION PLAY #
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- I thought it was amazing - and memorable.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- When the Old Testament tableaux - appeared as a backdrop...
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- ..the choir separated - from the middle...
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- ..framing the tableaux.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- When the tableaux closed, - the choir came together.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- They were so professional.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24- It was very effective. - I felt the pain and suffering.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- It was - an incredibly moving experience.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- I had tears in my eyes.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- The crucifixion was very emotional.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- Everyone knows the story.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- But to see it happening...
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- ..and seeing the blood...
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- ..and how - the blood capsules worked...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- ..it was incredibly frightening.
0:20:57 > 0:21:02- More than 4,000 people - had come from all over the world.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- That was incredible.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- # THE PASSION PLAY #
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- The following morning, - it's time to leave Oberammergau.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- They travel back - to Seefeld for their own service.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- We're a colourful bunch.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43- I didn't know some of them well, - but we've all socialized.
0:21:43 > 0:21:49- Enid, who assists in Welsh churches, - will lead this morning's sermon.
0:21:49 > 0:21:56- Jesus Christ included many women - as his disciples.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01- Enid's sermon concentrated on - the role of women in Jesus's life.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- The Passion Play had naturally - struck a chord with her.
0:22:05 > 0:22:13- Mary's suffering when Jesus - was taken down from the Cross...
0:22:13 > 0:22:18- ..was very powerful and emotional.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- I cried.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27- Brian's main interest - was a theatrical experience.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- Did the Passion Play - have a deeper impact on him?
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- A shiver went down my spine. - It was also uplifting.
0:22:37 > 0:22:44- The opening was so striking - that I was shaken.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- The choir sang - to announce Christ's victory.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- For me, - it was the spirit of eternal God.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- He's alive, he's alive.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- I was there.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- # Ponder anew
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- # What the Almighty can do #
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- The experience - strengthened us as individuals.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- It strengthened my faith.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- It was strong before, I'm sure.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- I was so pleased to be there.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- I'm sure that my faith - is even stronger.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- I hope so.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- # Let the Amen
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- # Sound from his people again
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- # Gladly
0:23:46 > 0:23:52- # For aye we adore him #
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- S4C Subtitles by GWEAD
0:23:54 > 0:23:55- .