British production of Passion set to rock songs

Published: 2006-03-28

LONDON (CNS) -- Move over Bach, Mozart and Stravinsky: A modern new musical version of Christ's Passion will be performed in England on Good Friday to the sound of rock music. The Manchester Passion will dramatize the final hours of the life of Jesus with songs from local rock groups, including Oasis, Joy Division, New Order, James, the Smiths and M-People. However, in this production, the songs will be accompanied by a 16-piece string orchestra, arranged by Philip Sheppard, cello professor at London's Royal Academy of Music. The play will be produced and televised by the British Broadcasting Corp. The production has been criticized by some Christian groups because of the sex and drugs often associated with the Manchester rock-and-roll scene. The event, however, has the broad support of the mainstream churches, including the Catholic Diocese of Salford. Bishop Terence Brain of Salford said he plans to meet the producers of the play.

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