As of: March 28, 2024, 1:46 p.m
By: Diane Kofer
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On March 27, 2024, Kassel's city center will be transformed into a biblical setting - as musicians and actors will reenact “The Passion”. How is the live spectacle received by TV viewers?
Kassel – Two years ago there was a state of emergency in Essen at Easter – because RTL staged “The Passion” there for the first time. This year the live spectacle will take place in Kassel. We've been rehearsing and setting up there for weeks. But is this mega effort even worth it? TV viewers are completely tearing up the biblical musical online.
Ben Blümel as Jesus in “The Passion”: This is how RTL tells the crucifixion story in Kassel
“The Passion” is not simply intended to retell the story of Jesus of Nazareth - RTL wants to recreate the last hours of God's Son in the modern world at Easter. In 2022, Jesus actor Alexander Klaws (40) and his disciples marched through downtown Essen, the bread for the Last Supper was picked up from TV chef Nelson Müller (45) at a snack stand. And this year it is also clear: Ben Blümel (42), the Jesus actor who left the church, Jimi Blue Ochsenknecht (32, plays Judas) and Co. are moving to modern locations.
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As can already be seen in pictures from the rehearsals, these include: train station, bars, beer garden and well-known sights such as the Kassel Hercules. The focus on the here and now becomes clear right at the beginning of the live broadcast: Jesus and his disciples do not travel on a donkey, as was usual in the past, but by train. To the delight of the spectators on site – even on time. The first musical act comes straight away: the celebrity group sings an interpretation of “Days like this” (Die Toten Hosen) while they zoom around the station area on e-scooters.
“The Passion” on RTL: TV viewers laugh at the modern interpretation of Jesus' crossing
But the modern interpretation of the biblical events is less well received by viewers at home. As with the first issue, many people even find the whole thing unpleasant and make fun of it after just a few minutes. Reactions are piling up
on
X
(formerly Twitter). For example, due to the constant rain in Kassel, a viewer writes: “The weather doesn't seem to be happy at times.” “It's a story of suffering watching this in front of the television,” another posted on the platform. Many people are overwhelmed by the terminology. “The cross bearers – I'm going crazy,” someone says.
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On March 27, 2024, Kassel's city center will be transformed into a biblical setting - as musicians and actors will reenact “The Passion”. How is the live spectacle received by TV viewers? © Screenshot: “The Passion”/ RTL (photomontage)
A procession through the city is actually planned - complete with crosses and around 800 participants. “You are carrying the cross again. “I can’t do it anymore,” writes a stunned user. Large parts of the city center are closed for the move - restrictions on public transport are to be expected. While many find the casting of Judas quite fitting, others are not very enthusiastic about the cast. “Jesus is 42 and Maria is 41 years old, a real RTL miracle,” someone jokes about the fact that Maria actress Nadja Benaissa is younger than Ben Blümel alias Jesus.
The comments don't get any better as the show progresses - shortly before the end it says, for example: "The only miracle I experienced today is that I made it through 'The Passion' sober to the end." Also with the viewers Some people on site have pity. “How even the local audience keeps bursting into laughter. “Nobody can stay serious,” someone remarks. You can find all information about “The Passion” in the live ticker.
Sources used:
X, “The Passion”/ RTL