The clothes and robes of the disciples, the armor of the Roman legionaries, everything is handmade and sewn. 70 actors and extras set off on the symbolic Way of the Cross, which begins with the Judas kiss. Jesus and his entourage meet Judas and the “henchmen” in a meadow where children usually play. The dialogues are broadcast via wireless microphones for the 4,000 spectators.
Salvatore is Jesus
“There’s awe, I’m a bit nervous about doing something wrong,” says Salvatore Morreale. The 31-year-old embodies Jesus this year. In previous years he was already a disciple, a soldier and also one of the criminals crucified with Christ. But this role is something different. “I know everyone will be looking at me. I want to do this well. For the people, for me, for the mission.”
Traveling in deep faith
That’s what he predicts. Because when the procession starts, everyone is deep in their roles and unresponsive. From the stewards to the helpers to the actors. The procession sets off towards the condemnation scene. Jesus in a white robe in the front, with his head bowed. The rest follows, the congregation sings Italian hymns. An impressive picture. Even the few passers-by who only shake their heads or make hateful comments about all this don’t seem to really notice anything.
Way of the Cross through the city
At the portal of the large Laurentius Church, the crowd decides to release Barabbas, Pilate washes his hands of innocence, then Peter denies being a follower of Jesus. He carries his cross through Elberfeld between the Stations of the Cross. Through commercial streets and across intersections that the police have closed for the procession. Things finally go uphill in the Hardt park. The last station of the Way of the Cross, the crucifixion, is imminent.
Family affair – mother and wife there
Golgotha in Wuppertal. Jesus is crucified, the two “criminals” to his left and right. Everything is symbolic, but also “real”. His mother Mary and his companion Mary Magdalene kneel and mourn in front of the cross. The actresses are Carmela and Elena Morreale – mother and wife of Jesus actor Salvatore. “I want to be with him and show him that we have his back,” Elena said before the procession. In the end, she was also thrilled by the people who followed the path. “I really felt that she was concentrating were. Perhaps many have their own cross to bear in life.”