The Edinburgh Easter Play has been produced on Easter Saturday each year since 2000 in West Princes Street Gardens and is a different version each year. In 2025, our 25th anniversary, we are producing a new script called “Behold the Man”. Working with Edinburgh University’s School of Theology, we are looking at the masculinity of Jesus and how he is a positive role model of servanthood today. The play brings together a diverse community cast and crew, all working together to tell the story of Jesus and his relevance in today’s society. 

Cutting Edge Theatre are the producers of this play and we create a high-quality production that will be both a theatrical and community experience. This is produced annually, in the open air, free to the audience and in the heart of the city. 

We bring together diverse members of the community to form a cast who will work together towards the finished product, and, in the process, will learn new social and dramatic skills. 

We tell the Easter story in an accessible manner including creating audio guides, access stewards and integrating BSL into every production. 
Passion Plays use theatre to bring the words of the Easter story to life in new, often vivid and startling ways. The term “Passion Play” actually refers to the last part of Jesus’ life from the Last Supper to his Ascension. However, modern Passion Plays often include events from Jesus’ life, such as his teaching or his miracles. This broader scope helps provide context for his trial, death, and resurrection, especially for people who have never heard the story before.

In essence, producing a Passion Play in modern times serves several purposes:

1.    Community Outreach: Passion Plays offer a powerful way to engage with the community and tell the story of Jesus. Just as the early church worked together to create a new community with a common purpose, Passion Plays allow us to reach out to our society today. 

2.    Communication: Theatre has historically been a means for the church to communicate the story of Jesus to the general public. Passion Plays continue this tradition by presenting the story in a compelling and accessible manner.

3.    Contextualisation: Including events from Jesus’ life beyond the Passion itself provides context for his suffering, trial, death, and resurrection. This is particularly helpful for those unfamiliar with the story.

4.    Inspiration and Hope: Passion Plays can inspire hope and encourage audiences to consider themes of redemption, forgiveness, and transformation.

So, producing a Passion Play in modern times bridges the gap between ancient events and our present-day lives, inviting reflection, discussion, and spiritual growth.
 

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For more information please see the Easter Play website by clicking here. 

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