ONE of the most important events in the Christian calendar was marked in Brynmawr as around 100 people witnessed a re-enactment of the crucifixion.

The Valleys Family Church performed their 10th Passion Play in the town which gave the audience an insight into the Easter story.

Around 20 volunteers from the church took part in the play, beginning with the Last Supper at the top of Beaufort Street, the betrayal in Market Square and finally Jesus’ crucifixion on the top of the hill by Asda.

More volunteers in hi-vis were on hand to stop traffic to help the parade make its way through the shopping centre.

The audience grew as Jesus dragged the cross past busy shops up to the site of the crucifixion.

Stuart Wheatman, pastor of the Valleys Family Church, reprised his role of Jesus.

He said: “It went very well, we had a good crowd and there was some excellent acting. I think we managed to get the message across.

“It’s very important that we continue to tell the story, especially for the younger generation coming up, to understand the reasons why Jesus died.”

Following the play, the pastor reassured children that the nails, blood and crown of thorns, used in some of the more graphic scenes, were all fake and invited them to look at the propos.

“The appeal of performing in the open air is that it makes it more accessible to everyone", he added. "It brings it to life.

“There’s something about the visual that’s very emotive, it’s very arresting. Many people said how moved they were by it.

“We always have very positive responses.”

 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/6BQ6O7aFivc