In Rainbach, professionals and amateurs share the stage

This year, the Rainbach Gospel Plays are presenting the world premiere of the play “Elias” with music by the author and founder of the plays, Friedrich Ch. Zauner (1936-2022). As in the past, in Rainbach, acting talents from the region will be on stage alongside professional actors. Two of them are Franz Glas from Rainbach and Walter Druckenthaner from Reichersberg, both of whom have been part of the Gospel Plays’ regular staff for many years. “The mix of professionals and amateur actors is what makes the plays so appealing to me. That’s what we’re known for. That was always important to my father,” says artistic director Anne Zauner.

Granddaughter plays with

This year, Lea Zauner, the daughter of the artistic director and granddaughter of Friedrich Ch. Zauner, will also be on stage. “Lea stepped in for an ill actor last year and did a good job. However, I did not force her on our director Leopold Dallinger. She was cast by him, just like the other actors, and he found her to be good. But I am very happy that she is taking part,” says Zauner. Music plays an important role in the Rainbach Gospel Plays. This year, the Juvenis Choir, under the direction of Lina Berg, is responsible for the musical accompaniment. “There are so many musical talents in our region. That is why we decided on the Juvenis Choir this year,” says Zauner. Leopold Dallinger is the director for the first time this year. “For me, he is the ideal choice. Leopold comes from a music background, which is very important for us. Among other things, he was a member of the Mozart Boys’ Choir and has also played in operettas. He also has experience in dealing with non-professional actors,” says Zauner. Dallinger has chosen the versatile Viennese actress Alice Mortsch for the title role – a woman, of all people. “This voice of God can also be male or female. That should remain open,” says Dallinger.

Explosive piece

This time, a world premiere is on the program: “Elias.” The play is about the prophet Elijah. He preaches to the powerful of the Kingdom of Israel, who worship the new god Baal and mercilessly persecute the followers of Jehovah, to return to the right path – all against the backdrop of a years-long drought sent by God. The bitter struggle for faith and truth reaches a decisive turning point in the great showdown between the priests of Baal and Elijah on Mount Carmel.

The premiere will take place on Friday, June 14th, at 7:30 p.m. Further performances will take place on June 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd, each at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets and further information are available online at www.rainbacher-evangelienspiele.at