Kruisig mij

In 2026, the 22nd edition of the Passion Plays will take place in Tegelen. This time, 200 actors, singers and extras will portray the final days of Jesus Christ. Directors Michel Sluysmans and Eva Custers of Toneelgroep Maastricht, together with writer Frans Pollux, explore the age-old Passion story in today’s world in *Crucify Me*. In contemporary language, with plenty of humour and poetry, *Crucify Me* paints a moving portrait of a man with a superhuman message, a man who, after his death, would, willy-nilly, become the greatest myth of our time. *Crucify Me* is a human and universal story about dreams and ideals, about hope and love, about friendship and betrayal.

At the beginning of our era, in a land that – even then – hoped for redemption, Jesus and Judas grow up in bondage. The Roman occupiers stand to gain from peace and order, and dissenting voices are stifled. But Jesus and Judas envisage a world in which everyone can flourish freely, without oppression or domination. There is, however, one major difference between these close friends; Judas is an idealist who wants to change the world, whilst Jesus is a humanist who wants to change people. This contrast creates a fatal rift between them, a rift that ultimately causes their friendship to turn into betrayal. Initial reactions to the script: ‘Completely unorthodox’

Director Michel Sluysmans: “It is an honour that Toneelgroep Maastricht has been approached by the Passion Plays to collaborate on the 2026 edition. The Passion Plays have been a household name in Limburg for almost a century and have been included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage for good reason. I find it an exciting challenge to work with writer Frans Pollux and my artistic team to shape a new edition of the Passion Plays and, whilst respecting tradition, to interpret the familiar story and adapt it for a contemporary audience. What do the life, death and legacy of Jesus mean in our time? Was he, as many believe, the Son of God? Or is that a question that doesn’t really matter? Is it God who enriches the lives of so many, or simply faith in Him? Faith and imagination, hope and love – perhaps they are all interconnected and, in any case, indispensable to people in an increasingly polarised world.”

Scriptwriter Frans Pollux: “Retelling the most famous story of all time in an accessible way – that is a wonderful task. As a writer, but also as someone from around here. My passport states that I was born in Tegelen, in the hospital, just a stone’s throw from the De Doolhof Open-Air Theatre. This commission is about writing, history and community – three things that play a major role in my life. It feels like a great honour to be given the chance to try this.”

Text by Frans Pollux
Directed by Michel Sluysmans and Eva Custers, Toneelgroep Maastricht
Set design by Michiel Voet
Costume design by Sabine Snijders
Music by Elisabeth De Loore
Dramaturgy by Paul Slangen
Photographs: Zebra Fotostudio, Jordy Caris