A voice tells Marie that she is about to be pregnant with God. Marie says a prayer to God, in which she expresses at once her shame, her pain and her sense of fulfillment. Then she greets Elisabeth, who praises the light emanating from her. Marie thanks her but she also mentions her pain and the tears she has shed. In the barn, Joseph marvels at the celestial voices he has just heard, and reveals his confusion at Marie’s state, who can miraculously see the star and hear these voices. A group of shepherds comes. Each brings a present (a toy, a jar of honey, bread) and leaves. Once alone with Marie, Joseph wonders whether he is dreaming. Gaspar, Balthazar and Melchior come in. They relate their journey and how the star has appeared to them, and they leave a present (incense, gold, an ornamented staff). Joseph still vacillates from rapture to incomprehension, and he praises their new-found wealth and Marie’s lit up face. But an angel warns them about King Herod’s anger. He advises them to flee to Egypt.

Shadow theatre

Not specified

Bernus Alexander von

Germany

Munich

Printed

Nativity

Annunciation

Visitation Festival

Light

Religious

Lyrical

Karl Thylmann, silhouettes and sceneries for "The Annunciation" in Heiliges Spiel.

German

Voice

Virgin Mary

Elisabeth (Mary's cousin)

Joseph

Shepherd

Caspar

Balthazar

Melchior

Angel

Prayer

Instrumental tune

Chorus

Procession

Heiliges Spiel

Sacred play

Joseph is in love with Mary, but she rejects his clumsy advances. Tchantchès tries in vain to help Joseph. The archangel Gabriel appears to Mary and asks her to go back on her decision. He announces that she will have son and that she will have to call him Jesus. Then Gabriel appears to Joseph and reassures him: he will not be rejected this time. Mary and Joseph leave together for Bethlehem. The journey is a long one, the due date is approaching, and Joseph is looking for a place to rest. Pierre (Peter), the owner of a restaurant, offers them to stay in the old stable behind his establishment. They gladly accept. Three Magi present themselves at Herod’s court: they have heard that the King of the Jews is born and are looking to bring him gifts. Jesus is born in the stable. Tchantchès and Nanesse congratulate the parents. The Magi bring him their presents. Later, Joseph learns about the emperor’s order – all the children under two will be killed. He is scared, but Tchantchès promises to help him. While Joseph and Mary are getting ready to flee, Tchantchès fights the knight who has come to kill Jesus and triumphs over him. Joseph and Marie leave for Egypt with their son.