Mr Jennings, 71, died on Good Friday after a battle with cancer.

Last year he directed "They Crucified Him", a Passion play which portrayed Jesus' last days on Earth.

It featured a largely Pacific Island cast.

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And Jesus Christ rose again - in the form of a large Samoan man.

They Crucified Him, a Passion play directed by Ross Jennings and co-directed by Terri de'Ath, portrays Christ's last days on earth but with a Pacific twist.

Manurewa Central Primary School teacher Andrew Malele played Jesus and the performance featured a large Pacific Island cast and a choir that had never acted before. Continue reading

The play, portraying the passion of Christ, will be put on by the southern parishes of Auckland diocese on Saturday, March 28.

The venue at Villa Maria features a natural amphitheatre, being inside the crater of a 20,000 year old extinct volcano.

The three-part event is supported by Auckland diocese and will be free of charge apart from a fee for premium reserved seating.

The first part, beginning at 5.30pm, will be a procession portraying the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, with a Jesus figure riding on a donkey accompanied by crowds waving palms.

This will be followed with time for the audience to have a picnic meal, which they can bring themselves or avail of the many barbecues that will be set up around the venue.

No drinks apart from sealed bottled water can be brought into the venue. There will be beverages available for purchase.

Part three is the passion play itself, starting at 7.30pm.

"They Crucified Him" will be produced and directed by award-winning producer, Ross Jennings, and co-directed by Terri de'Ath.

With music under the direction of well-known Auckland musician Robert Loretz, the performance will feature a large cast and choir and professional lighting, sound and costumes.

Bishop Patrick Dunn has said that this very moving portrayal will be an opportunity for all Christians to reflect upon the meaning of Holy Week.

"With the combined expertise of the team led by Ross Jennings and Robert Loretz and the participation of the parishes of south Auckland, I am confident that this will be a memorable and deeply uplifting and moving experience," he said.

All spectators have to register for the event. Registrations must be completed by February 28.

For more details and requirements for the venue, see the event pamphlet.

Parishes are being encouraged to arrange group transport.

In 2010 the three parishes of Pukekohe, Tuakau and Waiuku combined to perform a very well received outdoor passion play.

Sources

• Auckland diocese
• Image: InfoNews