Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Christ's last week among his disciples brought to life in Good Friday Passion Play

Brent Ruffner News-Bulletin Staff Writer; bruffner@news-bulletin.com

Belen The story of Jesus is coming back to Bethlehem.

This week, the Companions of Jesus of New Mexico will perform a Passion Play in Belen — Spanish for Bethlehem — meant to rekindle thoughts of Christ's final week on Earth.

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The event, in its 10th year, will feature 50 actors and actresses from in and around Valencia County. The performance will start at 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Belen High School. A second show will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the school. The play will also be performed April 11 at the South Broadway Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Admission is free for all shows.

"We want to bring a message that sometimes people need to be reminded of," said director Therese Hidalgo. "It makes people think about making changes in their own lives. It's very moving."

Hidalgo, who has been the play's director since 2000, said cast members have worked on this year's Passion Play since early January.

The non-denominational Companions of Jesus of New Mexico is a group of actors and actresses who travel throughout the state to present the story of Jesus' life, death and resurrection.

Cast members will perform the "Death of the Messiah" version of the play, which scripts were originated by Joe and Pat Brown of Michigan.

The couple, who also founded the group, will be in attendance for the play's 10th anniversary.

"I wanted them to come to see how it has grown," Hidalgo said. "It'll be special."

One change in the play will come from the role of Jesus.

Actor Chuck Kent is set to take the stage for the Passion's toughest role. Kent was hand-picked for the lead role after Hidalgo saw him sing in the play last year.

"He had the physical characteristics of Jesus, and I didn't forget him," Hidalgo said.

Kent, who has no prior acting experience, will play the role of Jesus alongside Robert Kaneshiro. The actors will alternate for each show.

"It was intimidating," Kent said. "The hardest thing was to memorize my lines. But I never backed down, and it started to become very enjoyable."

Kent said Kaneshiro's presence has helped him get through rough spots in the script when he has forgotten his lines.

"He helps me," Kent said. "But it's nice to have the support of the entire group. We all work together."

Louis Chavez of Rio Communities has been in the play since its inception and says he's grown into his role. Chavez plays an apostle in this year's play.

"There are a lot of lines and cues to remember," Chavez said. "It's tough. But I have done a lot of roles and have had enough practice. I like being on stage and bringing this message to the community."

Chavez, who is a board member of the group, said the play has become a tradition over the years and has a family-type atmosphere. His grandson, Andrew, will portray a Roman soldier in the play.

"He took to (acting) like a duck to water," Chavez said. "It's neat to have him there."

Los Lunas resident Jack Sink said he focuses on interpreting his character. Sink plays Caiaphas, the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest. Caiaphas was involved in the trial of Jesus after his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

"The most important part is trying to portray your character in an accurate way," Sink said.

But Sink said having a supporting cast helps each of the actors and actresses get through the performance.

"There are a lot of good people that have been in the play a long time," Sink said. "They are good to work with."

In addition, Sink said Valencia County residents should come to the show for its life lessons.

"It's a good production," Sink said. "But it also has a tremendous moral value. It speaks to us about religion and morality. The hope is that we go away better people."

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