The Recife Passion Play (Paixão de Cristo do Recife) is the creative offspring of José Pimentel, a Pernambuco-born actor and director. More than 100 actors and 300 extras are involved in the play, which is presented every Holy Week at the square around Marco Zero, the marker of Recife's genesis.

A twist in the fate of the Nova Jerusalém Passion Play - a deal with Brazil network Rede Globo - led Pimentel, who played Jesus and was a director in the Nova Jerusalém production, to create his own pageant in 1996.

Production Details

Three stages and ingenious, lightweight backdrops that allow for quick changes in setting; cannons that shoot metallic confetti during King Herod’s bacchanal; sound effects reproducing the earthquake at the time of Crucifixion; and fireworks that go off nightly are some of the technical features of the Recife Passion Play.

Whereas in the Nova Jerusalém play the main roles are all cast by Rede Globo's soap opera stars - a move which has alienated some playgoers as much as it has lured others - the Recife play has allowed José Pimentel over 30 years in his role as Jesus. Other members of the cast - mainly local actors - have been with the production continuously since its debut.

While lacking the semi-arid landscapes which have helped the Passion Play in Nova Jerusalém gain its fame, the Recife Passion Play has traditionally had the dark ocean for its backdrop - the focus of attention is all onstage.

The city of Recife now sponsors the Passion Play, which is included in the city's official calendar.