It all began when Melbourne businessman, philanthropist and Senior Australian of the Year 2009, Pat La Manna OAM, experienced an overwhelming desire to make an outdoor re-enactment of the story of Christ available to the people of Melbourne.

Since its humble beginnings at Rosebud in 1997, the Melbourne Passion Play has grown into a cultural and religious institution. Each year, many thousands of people from all walks of life witness this event.

This is a non-commercial, professionally directed production featuring a large cast of volunteer performers. It is completely free to the public.

For many years, the Passion Play was rehearsed and performed in Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster. Since 2017, the play has been performed live at The Monastery, Holy Cross Centre in Templestowe, Victoria.

In 2019, the Play was in its 23rd year of production. Unfortunately, because of the onset of Corona Virus, it was not possible to have performances from 2020-2022.

Easter 2023 saw the play return in a slightly revamped format over two performances and will continue each year.

From 2025, the Passion Play will be rehearsed and performed at Catholic Regional College: 380 Sydenham Road, Sydenham, Melbourne

Learn more at the performances page