Doug Barry brings the Passion to life

PICKERING, ONT. - When Doug Barry gets to the scourging of Christ in his one-man performance of the Passion, he plays the part of the soldier who wields the whip. The soldier turns to the audience and says, “You sit there thinking you are 2,000 years removed from this in your little, sanitized, religious box.”

The rest of the hour to hour-and-15-minute performance is an elaboration of that one, central point.

“If we do not make that connection — that this was not just an historical event that happened 2,000 years ago — then it’s easier for us to detach ourselves from our sin today,” Barry told The Catholic Register.

“To feel like we were there, or feel like we were part of it, brings in the reality of our action, our behaviours, our thoughts today so they have a more serious impact in our lives. Thus the need to grow in virtue.”

Barry will perform his Passion at Holy Redeemer Church in Pickering on March 19.

This spring will mark the 20th year since Barry began performing his version of the Passion as a way of reaching out to young people.

Over the years Barry’s Passion has acquired a score by Toronto musician Eric Genuis, but it’s never acquired a script. He’s never felt a need to write it down.

“If you watch it one year, you’re going to see essentially the same thing 15 years later,” said Barry. “Meditational points will change depending on the times.”

It all started with an article in SOUL Magazine, a bi-monthly publication of the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima. The article describing a Roman crucifixion from an historical and medical perspective grabbed Barry’s attention.

“I thought, why is this story not being told in more detail?”

Barry went on to found Radix, a ministry that pays particular attention to the role of men. Barry is also host of EWTN’s Life on the Rock.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and free for children under 10. Seats can be reserved by calling Chris at (905) 509-8500.