People line up for the Passion play performance in Jaffna
(April 1, 2010) In Sri Lanka, Christian and Hindu cooperation went a long way to
ensuring a passion play in northern Jaffna performed by actors from the two religions
ended as a runaway success. About 15,000 people queued up to watch the two-hour play
staged by the Centre for Performing Arts of Sri Lanka (CPA). It was part of a series
of performances organized by the centre and staged in major cities and church centres
across the country throughout Lent. “Sharing faith stories of other religions is
timely, since people are straying away from goodness,” said Hindu priest Saupakiya
Kumara Kurukkal, 66, of the Sri Balakathirkama Temple in Jaffna. Although there are
differences in our religions, Christianity teaches “genuine concern for one’s neighbours,
sharing the bounties of life with others and simple living.” The music was arranged
with everybody in mind, he said. It helped bring out the drama especially the scenes
leading up to Jesus’ resurrection. The happy ending was enjoyed by all, especially
children in a war ravaged city, he added. Father Nicholappillai Maria Xavier, who
heads the CPA, was pleased with the performance and the turnout. “Our main goal is
promoting peace and unity as well as artistic excellence,” he told UCA News.