This Thursday evening, Maundy Thursday, many people will be glued to the TV for The Passion. The spectacular Easter story at Omroep MAX will take place in Drenthe this year. Anyone who lives in Volkel can also go there live. Because there they have their own version of The Passion: Paasie for the first time. And the whole environment is ahead of that. Hundreds of residents of the village worry that the 1,400 visitors will be left without eyes and ears.
In a large industrial hall on the outskirts of Volkel it is very busy on Wednesday. The finishing touches are being put into place during the dress rehearsal of Paasie, the Easter spectacle that will be performed on Thursday evening.
Theater association De Vriendenkring and harmony Sint Caecilia are participating. But many more fellow villagers put their best foot forward. In total, more than two hundred enthusiasts are working to give visitors an unforgettable evening.
And all because director Jos Somers had an idea. “I saw The Passion on TV. I’ve had this on mine ever since bucket list stand together with the harmony and create The Circle of Friends. That had to work in Volkel.”
“I started writing a script and one thing led to another.”
Jos’ idea became bigger and bigger. So big that on Thursday evening hundreds of people are busy telling the Easter story to the 1,400 visitors. “I started writing a script and one thing led to another. And look what is now in the background, fantastic,” says Jos as he looks at the full stage during the final rehearsals.
The Passion on TV always takes place in and around an open space in a city. In Volkel the place of action is a warehouse that has been transformed into a theater hall. “We ideally wanted to be on the Schakelplein, but for safety and financial reasons we moved it inside. The square would have been a beautiful picture, but I am happy that we are now inside. The church would also have been an option, but it is being renovated.”
“Volkel is so enthusiastic, it is sold out.”
Videos are shown in the hall, as is also done at The Passion. Films recorded in the local supermarket, the local pub and in even more typical places. It promises to be a true spectacle. “We walk hurriedly through the world. It is good to pause for a moment tonight and show Volkel connection and solidarity and love for each other. And that with beautiful music and beautiful words.”
It doesn’t matter to Jos that The Passion is being shown on TV at the same time as Volkel Paasie is being played. “We don’t feel any competition at all. Volkel is so enthusiastic, we have our own Passion. It is sold out and everything is being filmed so that we can later go to the nursing homes to show the film there.”
Monique van Goor is a musician and helps with the organization. “The most beautiful thing is the connection you see. You see that with an actor and singer who play and sing the stars from heaven, but also with the volunteer who is sweeping the sidewalk. The theme is ‘Together’. We started very small, but little by little it became more and more extensive.”
Almost only residents of Volkel tell the story on Thursday evening. But the main character Jesus is played by Udenaar Jan Graat. “It’s still very surreal now, but I’m really looking forward to it. It’s great that I get this opportunity. I was amazed at how beautiful the music is. The story has been beautifully filmed. All in all, it will be a fantastic show.”
