Our History

After several years of planning and nurturing by Rosebud School of the Arts, The Canadian Badlands Passion Play Society was formed in 1990. The name Canadian Badlands was deliberately chosen because this Play was to be set in the Badlands because of its topographical similarity to the Isreali country-side around Jerusalem, and was seen as Drumheller’s gift to Canada: The Canadian Badlands Passion Play.

Over the years the amphitheatre seating has increased to hold over 2500 people. The staging area has seen the continual addition of set pieces and props. The first phase of the Jerusalem Wall serves as an anchor for volunteer and guest services, and this summer the upper floor gallery hosts a wonderful display of artwork and interpretive items. The acting company draws in amateurs and professionals from across the province and around the world. Choirs practice in many communities, and Drumheller volunteers mobilize to host this annual event.

Today you will see our progress towards achieving this dream. With the assistance of thousands of volunteers and donors, this barren piece of Badlands has been transformed into a site where the Story of Jesus is brought to life. We are transported back two thousand years to a place and time that changed the course of history and continues to change lives.

The story that we are portraying predates Christianity and the two thousand intervening years that have added an over-burden of religious practices, theological differences, cultural interpretations, and social developments that now separate us from the life and times of Jesus. We have researched the cultures, customs, and writings that are distilled in the stories of Jesus as told by His companions Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In doing so, we have touched, and have been touched by a Mystery and Power that defies verbal description. We have resorted to theatre to bring Jesus’ story to life knowing that our best is but a shadow of that Mystery.

To read the minutes of meeting where the charter was signed, click below:

Sept 17, 1990 Board Minutes