The Greek Passion

A Greek village in the early 1920s. The residents have just allocated the parts for the upcoming passion play when a group of refugees arrives and desperately asks for help. The characters of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene and the disciples soon become a new reality for the participants and compel them to painful self-reflection: Who am I? Who can I become? And what does it take to become a good person? Manolios, a young shepherd, is increasingly convinced of his role of Jesus Christ. He surpasses himself and finally becomes a martyr. The Greek Passion addresses the most important issues of our co-existence: humanity and altruism. It describes a society that needs to painstakingly assure itself of the practical obligations of Christianity …

Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů wrote The Greek Passion against the backdrop of his own experience of migration and displacement. After spending ten years in exile in the US, he returned to Europe in 1953 and died in Switzerland in 1959. He found the tragic source material for his 15th and final opera in the work of the Greek peace activist Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Alexis Sorbas.

With its great variety of styles, ranging from Greek folk songs and orthodox liturgy via operatic singing to great, oratorio-like choir song, The Greek Passion is one of the most resplendent and powerful operas of the 20th century. As a matter of fact, Kazantzakis intended his work to be seen as a “mass opera” – a reference to the choir who takes on the main role here as the villagers and the group of refugees.

The first version of The Greek Passion is rarely performed, but it will be presented in Hanover. Its modern realism, extreme drama, lively spoken scenes and commentary make it especially captivating. In her new production of the opera, Czech director Barbora Horákova allows an insight into the moral labyrinth of society and the human soul.

In co-operation with Evangelischer Kirchentag (Protestant Church Convention) 2025 in Hanover, the State Opera will host an opera service at Markuskirche on 2 May 2025, featuring music from The Greek Passion. Inspired by the issues raised in the opera, Regional Bishop Petra Bahr will encourage the attending visitors to think about how we live together today; participating artists from the opera production will contribute to the musical programme of the service.

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