SPECTACLES: Revival

In a little town in Bavaria last week, one of the biggest casting jobs of the 1960 season was under way. Most of the hopeful male actors were already wearing their makeup—full beards. Every candidate knew what was expected of him because the play was a revival: the 34th run since 1634 of the enactment of Christ’s Passion at Oberammergau.

When the 24 members of the play committee met last week in the theater to pick the principals, hundreds of Oberammergau’s 4,600 people were gathered around a big blackboard outside, where the results of each secret ballot were chalked up.

Heads nodded approvingly at the choice for Christ: 47-year-old Anton Preisinger, owner of the second largest hotel in town, who played the part in 1950 and was much praised for his combination of gentleness and physical endurance during 85 eight-hour performances in which he hangs for 30 minutes on the cross. Then the committee turned to youth. Gabriele Cropper, 1950’s Magdalene, who had put off her marriage (though she is 34) because she thought she was in the running for the part of the Virgin Mary, burst into tears when the committee chose Irmi Dengg. a 21-year-old salesgirl. Anneliese Mayr, 20. landed the part of the Magdalene, and Woodcarver Werner Bierling. 28, was named the Apostle John—the only beardless male role. Bearded Bierling promptly visited the barber.