The grass was arrayed in a scene of colorful blankets. Actors marched in between the spectators, clear masks revealing their tearful faces as they watched Jesus carry the cross to Calvary. On Saturday, Apr. 3, Makarios, AUSA, and Proximity collaborated for Easter weekend, hosting the annual Passion Play as well as Sabbath lunch catered by Café Bon Appetit. With the sun shining, and the spring temperature, it was a perfect day to hold an outdoor Sabbath event. Students and the surrounding community gathered together in the soccer field, socially distancing and sitting on picnic blankets to watch the death and resurrection of Jesus play out before their eyes.
Cheryl Anne de Guzman (sophomore, medical laboratory science) commented, “The Passion Play was very touching, because it is not often that we see a real visual representation of what Jesus has done for us. It was very emotional. An SDA student such as myself often gets caught up in homework and the burdens of life, so it was really great to be reminded of the great gift of God sending his Son to die for us.”
By hosting the play outside, the Makarios actors were able to perform with greater safety for both the audience and the actors. The play was put on by Makarios and featured a number of different musicians and singers accompanying the actors’ performances of the scenes from Jesus’s life.
Jel Tamayo (senior, nutrition) said, “I think that Makarios did a really good job. The last song, “They Could Not,” performed by Kristin Ferrer was especially good and fit the emotion of the scene. It made me tear up, I was so touched.”
The play featured a number of songs in different languages. Heeyun Oh (junior, biology) and Kristin Ferrer (senior, biology and public health) came together to sing “Above All” in Korean and English, while Ashley Yabut (sophomore, nursing) sang a rendition of “Via Dolorosa” in Tagalog and English.
Many students appreciated the diversity represented in the music. Glenn Orpiano (senior, nursing) shared, “I liked the diversity of the performances as well as the different languages of the songs. It reflects not only the university but also the mission of Jesus Christ. This was my first live experience of Makarios, so I didn’t really know what to expect, but I really enjoyed it.”
After the play had finished, lunch was provided through Café Bon Appetit. Students were then able to fellowship together and reflect on the message of the play while appreciating the beautiful weather.
Make sure to be on the lookout for sign ups for the Passion Play next year. Visit Andrews Agenda to keep up with the events happening at the university.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.