FULLERTON : Resurrecting Passion Play for All the Ages

Sister Marie Therese Solomon knows that when times are bad, faith may wear thin. But determined to inspire those around her, she has written and produced a Passion play being performed tonight at Fullerton’s Plummer Auditorium.

Passion plays depict the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ and were performed during the Middle Ages so European villagers could participate in the drama of Jesus’ last days on earth.

“We hope the play will touch people’s hearts,” said Solomon.

The play is based on a format popular in the late Middle Ages and performed today in cities throughout the world.

This is the first time in a decade that Solomon has produced her play. And it’s the only Passion play being performed in a non-church setting this season in Orange County, according to the Catholic Diocese of Orange.

The production, featuring an amateur cast of more than 80 people, still had some glitches during Thursday night’s dress rehearsal. But the purpose of the play, said Solomon said, is to inspire the audience more than to awe them with technical perfection.

She first decided to produce the play about six months ago, and has overseen all aspects of its progress for the last three months--right down to tying the armor on a Roman soldier and reminding actors not to miss their cues.

A native of Trinidad, the nun has been with the Sisters of the Company of Mary for nearly 50 years. For more than two decades, she has taught youngsters and tended to Orange County’s sick and poor.

In 1979, she founded the Lestonnac Free Clinic in Orange, where she works five days a week providing free prenatal care, immunizations and other services to the poor. More than 30 doctors volunteer their help.

“They’re so poor, they come with their spirits all down,” she said of the patients. But in addition to healing the body, Solomon said her clinic lifts the spirit. “You let them feel that somebody cares,” she said.

All proceeds from the play will be contributed to the clinic. The performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $10 for students to $18 and are available at the door.