New Jerusalem Theater
| New Jerusalem theater | |
|---|---|
 The theater's external walls | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Location | Brejo da Madre de Deus, Pernambuco, Brazil |
| Coordinates | 8°10′56″S 36°11′36″W / 8.1822°S 36.1932°W / -8.1822; -36.1932 |
| Construction started | 1968 |
| Technical details | |
| Size | 100,000 square metres (1,100,000 sq ft) |
New Jerusalem Theater (Teatro Nova Jerusalém) is a city theater located in Brejo da Madre de Deus, in the district of Fazenda Nova, approximately 180 kilometers (110 m) from Recife. Established in 1968, it is known for hosting an outdoor performance that showed the sufferings of Jesus Christ every Easter. The New Jerusalem Theater is considered the largest open-air theater in the world.[1] It has artificial lakes, 9 stages, a 3500-meter wall, and 70 towers.[2]
History
The inception of New Jerusalem dates back to 1951, when Epaminondas Mendonça, a marketer, conceived the idea of reenacting Jesus's life, death, and resurrection on the streets of Fazenda Nova during Holy Week. Mendonça sought to bring a similar event to his community through inspiration by Passion plays. The theater was completed in 1968, with Plínio Pacheco serving as its director until his passing in 2002.[1]
Events
Passion of Christ
Every evening during Holy Week, New Jerusalem hosts a reenactment of Jesus's final days, lasting for approximately two hours. Spectators travel through nine stages as they learn about the footsteps of Jesus and his disciples through 'Rural Pernambuco'. The production showcases 60 actors and 500 side-actors, including many from Rede Globo. The annual performance at the New Jerusalem attracts a large audience. The theater set a record audience in 2008, welcoming many spectators from 23 Brazilian states and 11 countries.[3]
Stages and Scenes
- 1 - Sermon (Prologue, Temptation in the desert and sermon on the mount scenes)
- 2 - Jerusalem Temple (Discussions in the temple and the supreme council)
- 3 - The Upper Room (The last supper/dinner)
- 4 - The Garden (Agony in the garden, Judas's betrayal, and Arrest of Jesus)
- 5 - Herod Palace (Herod's bacchanal/orgy and Jesus against Herod)
- 6 - Roman Forum (Pilate against Jesus, Scourging and Condemnation of Jesus)
- 7 - Via Sacra (Meeting with Mary, Women of Lamentations, and The Cirino)
- 8 - Calvary (Despair of Judas, Crucifixion and death on the cross, the descent of the cross and Mater painful)
- 9 - Sepulcher (The burial, resurrection, Three Marias (Mary's), Angel of Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus)[3]
References
- ^ a b Ko, Praskovia. "New Jerusalem Theater (Estrada para Nova Jerusalém)". 7toucans | Share your travel experience. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
- ^ "Qual é o maior teatro do mundo?". Super (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-03-03.
- ^ a b "New Jerusalem Theater in Brejo de Madre de Deus City – Brazil – Tourist Spots Around the World". Retrieved 2024-03-13.