When World Youth Day was staged in Sydney last year one of the principal events, the Stations of the Cross, a re-enactment of Christ's last hours, was beamed worldwide.
Months of rehearsal, sweat, blood and tears went into the ambitious production headed up by Father Franco Cavarra, a one-time opera director who joined the Roman Catholic priesthood 10 years ago.
It was his job to bring to life the 2000 year old story of Christ's suffering and death.
"Clearly the responsibilities are very high. And therefore one is almost overwhelmed. Can we possibly do it? Can we bring it off? Can we do justice to it?" he tells the cameras in the opening days.
First up was the task of casting the perfect "Jesus" and "Mary". Eager recruits from across Sydney and beyond turned up for the call out.
All the performers were volunteers drawn to the project because of their faith. But behind the scenes were some highly experienced professionals including Father Franco, and the production designer Michael Scott Mitchell.
Michael was responsible for everything from building the central props - including the crosses (two were needed: one for the street scenes, and one for the crucifixion); to how to keep Jesus warm during the dramatic crucifixion scene down by Sydney's foreshore where icy winds pushed the mid-winter temperature to near freezing point.
On the day (18 July 2008) huge crowds flocked to St Mary's Cathedral, the Opera House and Darling Harbour to follow the three hour open air showcase.
Now, for the first time viewers can see what happened behind the scenes, as well as selected highlights of the final production, in this Compass Easter Friday special.
PRODUCTION DETAILS:
Compass Executive Producer: Rose Hesp. |
