WYD Stations of the Cross director still looking for Jesus

Sydney, Australia, Feb 21, 2008 / 04:15 am

World Youth Day officials organizing the live depiction of the Stations of the Cross are still looking for an actor to play Jesus, the AM show on Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio reports.

The re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross, which will be broadcast globally, will be directed by Father Franco Cavarra, who has directed operas in Australia and other countries.

Father Cavarra told the AM show that actors had been selected for all the other parts, such as Mary, Mary Magdalene, Judas, the rest of the twelve Apostles, and Roman soldiers.

 “We've been able to cast some very good people tonight as Roman soldiers. We've got all of the people that we need as the 12 Apostles. We've got some very good Judases and some excellent good thieves and bad thieves and I have to say, we've seen one or two people for Jesus, but we are still looking,” he said.

“Still looking for Jesus. Sounds like a good title for a book, doesn't it?” he continued.

Father Cavarra said he was looking for an actor between his early 20s and early 30s, preferably a tall one.  “I suppose the physical presence is important - someone who dominates in some ways, someone who presents strength and gentleness and vulnerability at the same time,” he said.

At least 200,000 people are expected to attend the World Youth Day events in July, which will conclude with a papal Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI.