On Easter weekend in 2011, a 72-hour non-stop theatrical performance took place across Michael Sheen’s hometown of Port Talbot, Wales. Michael played The Teacher in a play inspired by the passion of Christ, where the focus is on the town itself and its people. The play was based on a novel by Owen Sheers, who wrote the script, and was co-directed by Michael Sheen and Bill Mitchell. Michael was also creative director of the play, which he worked on for several years before the one-off performance.
In 2011 BBC Wales produced a two part documentary on the play.
Passion in Port Talbot – The Town Tells Its Story (BBC Wales) (05-06-2011):
Passion in Port Talbot – It Has Begun (BBC Wales) (12-06-2011):
A film, The Gospel of Us, was made from footage taken during the play’s performance and released the following year.