Our Story
Passion Play Ministries Cape Town is a non-profit organisation that presents the passion play entitled “He’s Alive”, a dramatic presentation of Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
Every year that the Passion Play has been presented, discipleship for a new generation of leaders has been provided. After more than two decades of steady growth we recognize the greatest work of the ministry still lies ahead.
Our strategy for continued growth is to “train up” leadership in host communities where there has been an expressed desire to build up the body of Christ and to reach the lost with His message of hope.As the ministry enters its third decade our focus is on equipping these leaders to continue the mission of this ministry for years to come.
Our History
When Stan Burgett was 15 years old, he witnessed the passion play presented for the first time at his church in Iowa, and the seed for Passion Play Ministries International (PPMI) was planted. He became actively involved in reaching out to the community through that small production.
When Stan, Linda and their son, Tyler moved to Denver, their passion for telling the story of the gospel in drama came with them. Stan’s church family agreed to host an expanded version of the play that he had developed entitled, “He’s Alive.” The reenactment of events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus attracted cast members from 30 churches. In 1985, two thousand people came to see the first production which was held at the Jefferson County fairgrounds. The play has been performed in Denver every year since then in several different venues.
On the final night of performances in 1994, Garry Knight was turned away from a full house. Just before he turned to go, a seat was found for him in a remote corner. Garry strained to see the incredible events unfolding on the stage but shortly after returning to his home in Las Vegas, Nevada He called Stan to see if it would be possible to produce the play there.
Multiple cities, hundreds of churches and thousands of people have since become involved both nationally and internationally reaching tens of thousands annually with the greatest news the world has ever known – “He’s Alive!”