The Devout Passion-Play
'Senakulo' is a dramatic performance to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ. It was taken from the Spanish word 'cenaculo' which literally means the ''Upper Room''. In Christian tradition, based on Acts 1:13, the "Upper Room" was not only the place of the Last Supper (i.e. the Cenacle), but the usual site where the Apostles stayed in Jerusalem, and according to the Catholic Encyclopedia "the very first Christian church". Senakulo (pronounced as sen-na-kuh-lo) has long been a part and parcel of the traditional practices being done by Filipinos during the Holy Week. It is actually a Lenten play that depicts events from the New Testament's 4 gospels-- related to the life, sufferings, and death of Christ.
In many urban areas all over the Philippines, the modernized versions of the senakulo run for only one or two hours. They may be presented in different types of venues: on the traditional stage, on the streets, in a chapel, in a large room, or out in the open. Comedy, romance, and special effects may be incorporated in the said plays. Also, the modern versions of the senakulos tend to focus not on Christ’s submissiveness to the Father, but on his reason and resolve in bravely standing up for the oppressed or the downtrodden against their oppressors, perhaps suggesting how current problems may be resolved.
People near the church wait excitedly to watch the reenactment. Locals act as Roman soldiers with their menacingly painted masks and armors, pounding on doors to look for Jesus. Most anticipated among the episodes in a senakulo are the judgment of Jesus, the Crucifixion and His Seven Last Words. Spectators may range from devotees to the merely curious bystanders. For some, it is the time to reflect on the life of Jesus, while others take it as a chance to spend time with family, relatives, associates, fellow-church members and friends.
In these pictures the bystanders and spectators watched the senakulo up to the last scene of the play. The senakulo here happened in front of the Saint Martin de Porres Parish at San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines. The play included songs, dialogues and dances from the actors, singers and dancers who took part in the play. The play happened yesterday- Good Friday, April 6, before the Mass for the Seven Last Words of Jesus took place inside the Saint Martin de Porres Church. Microphones and loudspeakers were used so that the spectators can hear the dialogues and songs of the play's cast members. The crowd actually enjoyed the play since 'senakulos' are now rare in urban areas here in the Philippines.
The Flow of the Play:
Philippines is widely known for its customs and traditions which, as recorded on History books, are mostly inherited from our Spanish colonizers. Most, if not all of the old traditions during the Spanish occupation are still being practiced in different occasions by Filipinos especially those that are influenced by religion.
Senakulo is an oral tradition that depicts different stories from the Holy Bible. Because of its religious feat, it is easy to declare that this practice originated from Spain. It is a nine-night presentation that reenacts the story of creation, the life story of Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel and every biblical-written experience of Jesus Christ. This is being performed using the combined artistry of dancing, singing, acting and chanting every summer particularly during Holy Week.
And here is how the play goes:
The first night of this nine-night show is allotted for the presentation of people behind the tradition.
The director dictates the lines behind a telon.
The actual play begins with the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Kids as little as 5 years old participate every year to play as the angels.
The Devil is a devil! He scares the kids and wins the heart of the adults.
The Last Supper never fails to bring silence among the curious audience.
The audience abidingly learns from the moving lifestory of Mary Magdalene.
The confrontation act between Claudia and Pontius Pilate always brings joy to the young at hearts.
Everybody is tempted with the beauty that Salome possesses.
Judas Iscariot’s betrayal makes him the main antagonist of the show.
The passion of Christ is one of the most breathtaking scenes that breaks the heart of all spectators
Christ’s resurrection, the show’s final scene, reaches until dawn of Easter Sunday. This allows people to go directly to church and participate on the initial service as they reflect on the biblical events shown during our nine-night presentation.
credits to pictures: Hazel Antonio
Video On The Passion-Play(Sinakulo)
"Senakulo" sa Daan - 2014 - Aurora Street Pasay City
The Tectonic Influence of our Christian Life
Sinakulo, much of it's history and origin, is not just a religious play that depicts Jesus' life of simplicity and sufferings. The play also emblematizes the significance and importance of the true essence as a Christian. Sinakulo delineates the pellucid ways of Jesus Christ as he ventures the physical world before joining his Divine Father at the spiritual realm. An instance of His importance to us is that Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior. His Atonement makes it possible for us to be resurrected and to repent and be forgiven so we can return to our Heavenly Father’s presence. In addition to saving us from our sins, the Savior also offers us peace and strength in times of trial. He sets the perfect example for us, and His teachings are the foundation for happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. And through the theme of the time-honored Sinakulo, it reminds us, Christians, of how Jesus walked into a thorny path and still thrives to make our world a peaceful one. And that alone, gives us the strength and inspiration to live a God-fearing life."For God so loved the World that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
- 2004's The Passion of the Christ (produced and directed by Mel Gibson) had a plot similar to that of Passion plays.
- 1989's Jésus de Montréal (directed by Denys Arcand) presented the staging of a very unorthodox Passion Play while the players' own lives mirrored the Passion.
Relevant Links(See Also)
- Arrest of Jesus
- Crucifixion of Jesus
- Christian drama
- Dramatic portrayals of Jesus
- Easter Drama
- Gospel
- Jesus Christ
- Morality play
- Mummers Play
- Mystery play
- Resurrection of Jesus
- Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy
- Sanhedrin trial of Jesus
- Ta'ziya — a Shiite Muslim Passion Play (ta'zieh) commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn bin Ali
