THE PASSION PLAY.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8162, 17 April 1895, Page 3

THE PASSION PLAY.

In Oborammergm, a libtlo village situated in tho heart of tho Bavarian Alp», thoro is performad ovoty ton years an interesting roligiou? play, indeed tho only play of • ho kind in existence Mr W iltor Bontley has taken this as his subject, and assisted by a series of beautiful picture", deliver* an able and oloquent addreßS describing tho origin of miraclo playa and thoir extinction owing to dogenoia'ion. He explains that this survival wua the result of. a holy vow, carried nut with extreme piety. Mr Bentley exhibits views of the pi ice, portraits of the principal aco'B, nnd representations of tho ROfiiPS of tho pKy. connecting ihom alminbly wi h explanatory remarks and recitals from tho pay. Tho crowded audiences ar Wellington and Ohrlslchurch woro delighted, and, iudied, tho publio «re to bo cotigratulitod that a gnntloman of Mr Bcntley's marked ability Ins taken up a sjbj of nuoh inten>o interest to Chrifltoodom. No doubt the people of Oiimru will show thoir appreciation by a crowded hum*.h urn*. Mr Bontloy has recoivod letters from clergymen of all denominations praising his work, siul as ho Intends to t.iko >hu exhihi i>n round tho wiirld, this will bd tho last time that vro sh .11 havn an opportnnity of hearing his nviH'orly elocirion ullied as it is to a subject of tho deepest impoit to all. By tho way. Max OR ll's latest book, John Bull and Co., spoiking of acting, mentions Mr Walt or Bentloy aa one of (ho best actors ho over saw in Australia.