passion-play

Definition

Noun: - A dramatic performance depicting the suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, typically presented during the Easter season. - By extension, any theatrical representation of the events of the Passion of Christ, often performed in a religious or community setting.

Usage Examples

• (A religious drama reenacting Christ's final days.)
• (A dramatic work about the Passion of Christ.)

Advanced Usage

• "to stage a passion-play": to produce or perform such a dramatic work.

  • The local church decided to stage a passion-play for the first time in decades. (They organized a performance of the Passion story.)

• "passion-play tradition": the historical or cultural practice of performing these plays.

  • The Oberammergau passion-play tradition dates back to 1634. (The custom of performing this drama in that village has a long history.)

Variants and Related Words

• Passion (n): the suffering and death of Jesus Christ; also, strong emotion.
  • The passion of Christ is central to Christian theology. (His suffering and death.)
• Play (n): a dramatic work or performance.
  • This passion-play is a type of religious play. (A performance with a religious theme.)

Synonyms

• Religious drama: a play with a sacred or spiritual subject.
• Easter pageant: a public performance celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
• Sacred representation: a theatrical depiction of holy events.

Related Idioms

• "play the passion": to perform in or produce a passion-play (less common).
  • They will play the passion in the town square this Good Friday. (They will perform the passion-play.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Play out: to unfold or be performed.
  • The passion-play plays out the final hours of Christ's life. (The drama presents those events.)