The Passion of Ulldecona

A dynamic theatrical performance about the life and work of Jesus, where the sequencing of scenes will immerse the viewer in a story full of tenderness, despair, emotion, tension, joy… that will leave no one indifferent.

More than 500 years of history

In 2012, a unique document dated 1512 was located in the Chapter and Diocesan Archives of Tortosa, certifying that religious performances were already taking place in Ulldecona more than five centuries ago. The document is preserved in the Parish Archive of Ulldecona, within the "Book of Resolutions of the Deposition," which was studied in 1962 by Josep Romeu Figueras and analyzed in his work , *Els textos sobre el Davallament de la Creu a Catalunya* (Texts on the Deposition of the Cross in Catalonia ).

The manuscript is a 248-verse text that was part of a series of scenes or tableaux dedicated to the Passion of Christ. Currently, this text is performed in Old Catalan under the name "L'Acte del Davallament de la Creu" (The Act of the Descent of the Cross).

70 years of performances

Since 1955, the Passion Play of Ulldecona has been performed continuously. Initially, the performances were in Spanish and used different dramatic texts, until the version written by Josep Ma. Junyent Quintana premiered in 1964.

Later, in 1993, the Passion Play was staged in Catalan with the text by Jaume Vidal i Alcover, allowing the two versions to alternate. In 2014, a new Catalan adaptation by playwright Ignasi Roda i Fàbregas, based on the original work by Junyent Quintana, was presented. Finally, in 2016, a unified scenic, structural, literary, and dramatic version of the performance was achieved, in both Catalan and Spanish.

And we continue with the same enthusiasm

Beyond its religious aspect, the life, passion, and death of Jesus also maintain a social dimension that continues to spark interest and inspire studies and artistic creations. With the aim of offering a performance that combines the Gospel narratives with certain dramatic liberties, we present a representation of these events marked by the intimacy, contemplation, and proximity afforded by the dimensions of our stage space.

Added to all this is a deeply moving script, a stage design enhanced with video projections on a cyclorama, and a evocative soundtrack that accompanies the performance. All of this invites the audience to join us on these Sunday afternoons.

We hope you enjoy the performance!