This can a number of meanings.

(1) the name for a theatrical concept (i.e. a particular kind of play)

(2) Specific religious plays/performances across the globe, about the crucifixion of Christ

(3) the metaphoric title for a 1981 play by Peter Nichols .

Passion Play as a concept

Passion play is the term for a play based on the crucefixion of Christ, and is usually performed during Easter.

Specific passion plays

Perhaps the most famous Passion Play is probably the one performed at Oberammergau, though there are a number of others in various countries. (See

Passion plays in South Africa

The Durban Passion Play

The Passion Play was first performed in Durban by the Durban Catholic Players Guild in 1952, after they had obtained permission from the town of Oberammergau in Bavaria to stage an abridged version of their play. It has been staged every five years since then, in latter years in association with the Playhouse Company.

In the 2015 version, the cast consisted of over 130 amateur actors from all religious denominations who volunteered their services and receive no remuneration at all. There was a seven-month rehearsal period and 24 performances.

SOURCES

The Durban Passion Play, artSMart, 04/11/2015[1]

Passiespel, Cango Caves

A passion play put on during Easter in the Van Zyl Hall of the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn. First done in 1991, with a text entitled Só Moes die Liefde Ly, written by Charles Fryer.

SOURCES

http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/1991/04/2/7/8.html

Die Passiespele, Hermanus

The title of a secular stage play: Passion Play by Peter Nichols

This is a 1981 play by British playwright Peter Nichols dealing with adultery and betrayal.

The original text

It was originally intended to open the Royal Shakespeare Company's new Barbican Theatre, but was produced by them at the London's Aldwych Theatre in 1981. Published by Methuen, 1981.