For the last 20 years, a group has been performing the story of Jesus Christ's final days.

Oak Valley Productions gave their first Manitoba performance back in 2000, and since that time the event has undergone some changes to become the presentation it is today.

"Especially in the first few years, we kept changing it a little bit," shares Director Belita Sanders, "and in 2011 we did a big revamp. We added more to the story that it started with the angel Gabriel coming to Mary, and from [Jesus'] birth. If you saw it before 2011 and you come after 2011, you'll see a lot of changes."

One of the significant shifts was Bill Thiessen taking up the role of Jesus and has been playing it for 11 years. Playing the role of Jesus is big shoes to fill, and Thiessen says it took him some time to feel comfortable in the role and perform the script which is faithful to the Gospel.

"It may come across as those things come easily, but it didn't, there's a lot to memorize. Sitting in a pew Sunday morning and hearing that read from the pulpit, so much of it does take me on stage; it takes me to the moments there in the performance where those words are being spoken."

Thiessen says the entire cast and crew are like a family and performing this story together is part of their faith journey. Not only is the story a compelling watch, but Sanders says the musical ensemble is enthralling with the score produced by Manitoba musician Mike Janzen.

"We've been using his original score for a while; he also wrote this music particularly for the Passion play ... We've added one new selection from Eric Genesis as well."

A volunteer orchestra performs these musical pieces, and Sanders says it's just beautiful. The 2019 Passion play began with shows on July 6 and 7, and finished their performances this past weekend.