"Passion Plays" At Ober-Ammagan.

tbe reserved seats at the back alone having a wooden I roof . The stage itself is open , measuring from wing to Aving about thirty-five yards . At each iving is an entrance , through Avhich the chorus comes in from both sides . There are two entrances , made to represent streets , forming most effective entrances for large crowds . In the centre is the real Theatre , with curtain and

scenery complete , in Avhich the tableaux are represented , and the principal parts of the play acted . Tho piece consists of sixteen acts , each formed of ono or more tableaux from the Old Testament , supposed to refer in some cases somewhat remotely to what is acted ouf of tho New , Avhich . follows . Thus the last act , the Resurrection , is preceded by Jonas thrown on shore from the

Avhale's mouth , and another of tbe Israelites crossing the Eed Sea . The action of tbe play commences Avith Christ ' s entrance into Jerusalem seated on an ass , ending with the Ascension . Of the tableaux I will only mention the woT-chosen attitudes of tbo characters as in Adam aud Eve expelled from Paradise , and Cain , struck Avith remorse ; and to tbe one representing the Miracle

of Manna , in ivhicb not one square inch of the stage is unoccupied . Crowds of children , admirably managed , fill tho foreground , Avhile men and women complete the scene , Avith Moses in the centre . Although the curtain is raised for some time , whilst tho chorus , consisting of the leading man and six Avomen , and twelve women explain the subject , I could not detect a move in any of

the people ; and remember these are nob actors , under the command of a clever stage manager , but simply tho poor village people , acting with a devout sense of what they are doing . One of the brightest ornaments which England boasts in actresses was a not unmoved spectator of this ivondcrful representation , and agreed that , under the sternest sway of a loud-voiced manager , she had never seen such crowds so Avell grouped , or acting Avith

such stirring earnestness . The only two scenes to which I particularly wish to draAV your attention are tbe Eoad to the Cross and the Crucifixion . In tho former the chorus , still in their bright and singularly harmonising colours , retire slowly off at each wing . The stage represents a rocky road , Avith Jerusalem in the centre . On the left street aro some of the disciples , tbo Virgin Mary ,

& c ., lvaiting anxiously . Simon appears up stage centre , ancl comes slowly down . Prom the street on the left a large crowd enters , composed of Jewish rabble , tho High Priest , Levites , and , finally-, a guard of Eoman soldiers guarding Jesus and tho two thieves , each carrying his cross . Jesus is unable to boar the weight ofhis , and at a command from tho officer , Simon is seized , and

forted to boar tho cross . All this is enacted in the most natural and artistic manner possible . Tbo women surround Jesus , and lie wipes his face on one of their handkerchiefs . The procession slowly moves on , and exits up stage . Curtain . The chorus appear in black , and after the usual explanation , sing a doleful lament and retire . The curtain rises , discovering the two

thieves tied , their arms over the back of their crosses . Jesus is on His cross , divested of tho purple robe , but still with the crown of thorns , ou the ground . An order comes from the governor to affix tho inscription to his cross , which is done amid the laughter of the executioners and the indignation of tho Jews . The cross is then raised . How Mayer , the representative of Jesus ,

supports the fatigue of being attached to the cross for seventeen minutes I cannot explain . The nails when removed seem to pierce his hands , and there can be no support for bis feet . The story is accurately followed . The soldiers cast lots for his coat ; he promises the thief ou his right forgiveness ; vinegar is given him , and then , having uttered the four words , his head drops on his chest . A peal of thunder is heard , & c . The thieves ' bodies are broken , after the old manner of breaking a

"Passion Plays" At Ober-Ammagan.

man on the wheel , and a soldier thrusts his sword into Jesus , on which blood spurts out , and a stain is seen . Joseph and others bring a cloth , which is passed across the part of the body , over the back of the arms of the cross . Two men at the back then slowl y lower the body to a man on the ladder , and thus ib is conveyed to the Sepulchre . Anything more perfect than these two scenes ,

with their many well-executed details , it is impossible to imagine . Let me , in conclusion , just revert to the chief character in the piece , J . Mayer , who is by trade a baker , and , Avh . cn last year he had to join the army , received permission to wear his hair long . He acts the part Avith a dignity and a force perfectly marvellous . Every word

he says is as distinct as if ono was in a small covered theatre . His every action is full of grace , and particularly in tho trial scene his acting was magnificent . The other characters , though well acted , pale before this wondrous impersonation . I advise anyone who has the opportunity of going to Ober-Ammagan this year not to lose the chance , it may

be the last , of seeing this great sight ; how in a little Bavarian village a set of simple peasants represent scenes familiar from childhood to every spectator , in a way Avhich makes them forget for eight hours any sense of weariness . This applies to all . The simple country people in the front rows of tho seats were not a whit more moved than the Prince and Princess of AVales in

tho more comfortably covered ring . I only wish some of our actors and actresses could see Avhat real feeling and earnestness in their parts , rather than an intense and apparent wish to find out if any intimate friends compose the audience , could effect . —Baden-Baden correspondent of the " Era , "

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . LIEUT .-COLONEL ATKINS BOWYER . In a recent number ( August 5 th . ) we noticed the death of Bro . Lieut .-Colonel Atkins Bowyer , and promised a more lengthened account of his Alasonic career . But we may first state some particulars of his famil y and connections . He was a member of the younger branch of the family of Sir Geoege Bowyer , Hart ., of Radley , and his father , by his marriage with

the daughter and heiress of Sir Richard Atkins , 3 art ., succeeded to large family property at Clapham , of which parish , Colonel Bowyer was Lord of the Manor , and Patron of the valuable Rectory . He was educated at the Royal Military Co ) lege , Addiscombe , and afterwards pursued his studies at Trinity College , Cambridse , when he took the degrees of B . A . ancl M . A . He subsequently held a commission in the 14 th Light Dragoons , and was always considered a high authoritin all matters of military etiquette .

y In 1833 he married Isabella , eldest daughter of James Hodges Byles Esq ., and has issue , I-Ienrv Atkins Bowyer , late Captain 10 th Huxsnrs , Fitzwilliam A . Bowyer , of Clirists Clinrch College , Oxford , Rector of Chingford , Essex , and one daughter . On taking up his resilience at the Grange , " Steeple Aston , Oxoii , he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the County , and subsequently a . Magistrate . He became an incorporated member of the University of Oxford in 1 S 57 , at Brasenose College , where

his brother , the Rev . AA ' cntworth Bowyer , Rector of Clapham , ancl Past Grand Chaplain , was educated . He was elected Captain Commandant of the Oxford City Rifle A oluuteers on the first formation of the Carps , and was subsequently gazetted Lieut .-Colonel of the Oxford University Rifles . Colonel Bowycr ' s Masonic career commenced on the 16 th of July , IS'l-l , when he was initiated in the Lodge of Harmony , 255 , ( then 317 ) at Richmond , and was installed AV . M . of that Lodge in 1 S 50 .