This is the last theatrical-musical complete works of Tobias Reiser, long-time manager of the Salzburg Advent Singing (died in 1999), developed in collaboration with composer Shane Woodborne. Performed for the first time in 1999 with overwhelming success, this work is now being revised with sensitivity for a new production.

A new, impressive stage setting is to be designed for the arena in front of the iron curtain of the Große Festspielhaus (large concert hall), new approaches will enrich the performances and let a new light shine upon this wondrous story.

Following the introduction consisting of traditional music and the shepherds’ prologue, the dream interpretation of blind shepherd Simeon blends into the miraculous story of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth. The things Joseph and Mary experience on their difficult journey – from the annunciation by the archangel Gabriel to the encounter with the shepherds to the exultation (Gloria) – are performed most impressively by the actors.