BANGOR – The sixth annual production of the Bangor area Passion Play opens Friday at the Union Street Brick Church on the corner of Union and Main streets.

This year, the dramatic presentation of the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus is based on John’s Gospel. It portrays God’s plan from Eden to the End Times, and how that plan hinges on Jesus’ sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.

Central to the story is the contrast between Jesus’ love and Judas’ politics – how Jesus’ rejection of earthly power frustrated Judas and ultimately led to his betraying the savior of the world.

Unlike some who have speculated over conspiracy theories between Jesus and Judas, John’s Gospel makes clear that the betrayal was real, even though the sacrifice was necessary to gain God’s forgiveness for a world gone wrong.

The Passion Play tradition goes back many centuries, with some historians suggesting that the story was told in play form as early as the first or second century – years when Christians were persecuted for their faith and hid deep underground in the Roman catacombs. This kind of theater reached its height in the Middle Ages, when troupes of actors traveled by wagon throughout Europe to bring morality plays to enthusiastic audiences.

The cast members come from the congregations of many different area churches. Patrick Gordon plays Jesus, with Flash Kellish in the role of Judas. The play was written and directed by Charlene Kent, with original music by Henry Woods.

The play will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 11, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at the Union Street Brick Church, 126 Union St. Admission is free with refreshments available at intermission.

For information, call 945-9798.