Aaron Krogman celebrates third and final year in Jesus role

Laureen F. Guenther
Times Contributor

 

Aaron Krogman, a Rosebud graduate who performed in Rosebud Theatre’s Diary of Anne Frank, Barefoot in the Park, and May and Joe, plays Jesus for the third time in the 2015 Badlands Passion Play.
Krogman joined the Passion Play in 2011 as the Jesus understudy – ready to step in if the actor was unable to perform. He took over the main role in 2013. “It’s kind of humbling,” he said. “I’m not going to be able to represent every single person’s version of Jesus. … We’re just trying to tell a story the best we can.”
The uniqueness of that story has kept Krogman coming back. “The scale is huger than any other show I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of,” he said. “The content is unique as well. It’s such an important story in that it has all kinds of impact on today, in the modern context.”
Even after five years, the script hasn’t gotten old. “There’s been little tweaks in the script that have streamlined it,” he said. “I’m really excited for the chance to go at it again with the insight of four years, and the insight that the directors have had too. … It constantly gets better and better, and really, the fifth year is kind of The Version.”
The Passion Play will introduce a new script in 2016. Krogman is also moving on, taking a Master’s degree at Regent College. “It’s a degree in Christianity and the Arts and that intersection, and it’s really become hugely interesting to me,” he said. “That’s one impact being part of the Passion Play has had on me. It’s given me a hunger to engage in that (discussion).”
After the degree, he’ll may explore teaching, film work, directing theatre, and writing for stage and film, but he’ll miss many things about the Passion Play. “I’m going to miss this family. It’s such an amazing community that makes this thing possible,” he said. “There’s been a lot of friendships and working relationships that have had quite a bit of time to develop and to establish.”
He’ll also miss the “size and scope and spectacle” of the story, which, he said, is a great reason to come see the show even if we aren’t interested in the religious aspects of the story.
“It’s just amazing to sit in an amphitheatre with 2,500 people and watch 200 people be choreographed on a five-acre set. Where else are you going to see that?” he asked. “It’s like climbing a mountain. It gives this perspective that you couldn’t have gotten any other way.”
On the other hand, “If you want to come because you want to have a fresh take within the context of your personal relationship with Jesus, that’s a great reason (too),” he said.
“We’re not just telling a Christian story for Christians,” he said. “We’re just trying to tell a story the best we can.”
The 2015 Canadian Badlands Passion Play presents nine weekend shows in Drumheller, July 10 to 26. Get tickets at canadianpassionplay.com or 1-888-823-2001.