New Jerusalem Theater
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| New Jerusalem theater | |
|---|---|
 The theater's external walls | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Location | Brejo da Madre de Deus, Pernambuco, Brazil |
| Coordinates | 8°10′56″S 36°11′36″W / 8.1822°S 36.1932°W |
| Construction started | 1968 |
| Technical details | |
| Size | 100,000 square metres (1,100,000 sq ft) |
New Jerusalem Theater (Nova Jerusalém) is a city Theater located in Brejo da Madre de Deus, in the district of Fazenda Nova, approximately 180 kilometers (110 mi) from Recife.
Established in 1968, this theater is renowned as the largest open-air theater globally and is known for hosting an outdoor Passion of Christ performance every Easter.
History
The inception of New Jerusalem dates back to 1951 when Epaminondas Mendonça, a marketer, conceived the idea of reenacting Jesus's life, death, and resurrection on the streets of Fazenda Nova during Holy Week.
Inspired by Passion plays, such as the one held in the German city of Oberammergau, Mendonça sought to bring a similar event to his community.
In 1956, Plínio Pacheco arrived in Brejo da Madre de Deus, eventually marrying Diva Pacheco, who was Mendonça's daughter and a local actress. Plínio assumed directorship of the theater in 1958 and envisioned the construction of the New Jerusalem Theater, a replica of the city of Jerusalem.
The theater was completed in 1968, with Plínio Pacheco serving as its Director until his passing in 2002.
Passion of Christ
Every evening during the Holy Week, New Jerusalem hosts a reenactment of Jesus's final days, spanning approximately two hours.
Spectators journey through nine permanent stages, crafted for the event, as they trace the footsteps of Jesus and his disciples through rural Pernambuco. The production showcases 60 actors, including many from Rede Globo, alongside over 500 supporting actors, portraying the narrative of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection.
The immersive experience is enhanced by technical infrastructure which includes digital sound, pyrotechnics, lighting, and special effects, all within a sprawling 100,000 square meters (1,100,000 sq ft) of Jerusalem, covered with walls and towers.
New Jerusalem's annual performance attracts a diverse audience, with an average daily attendance of 8,000 people. The theater set a record audience in 2008, welcoming 72,000 spectators from 23 Brazilian states and 11 countries.
Stages and Scenes
- 1 - Sermon (Prologue, Temptation in the desert and sermon on the mount scenes)
- 2 - Jerusalem Temple (Discussions in the temple and The supreme council)
- 3 - The Upper Room (The last supper/dinner)
- 4 - The Garden (Agony in the garden, Judas betrayal and Arrest of Jesus)
- 5 - Herod Palace (Herod's bacchanal/orgy and Jesus against Herod)
- 6 - Roman Forum (Pilate against Jesus, Scourging and Condemnation of Jesus)
- 7 - Via Sacra (Meeting with Mary, Women of Lamentations, and The Cirino)
- 8 - Calvary (Despair of Judas, Crucifixion and death on the cross, the descent of the cross and Mater painful)
- 9 - Sepulcher (The burial, Resurrection, Three Marias (Mary's), Angel of resurrection and Ascension of Jesus)
References