The Shepherd’s Play is one of three plays known as the Oberufer plays. For hundreds of years, ordinary people in the small Austrian Village of Oberufer on the Danube gathered in the local tavern at Christmastime to perform these plays for their neighbors. It was a gesture of sacred service; the players pledged a life of abstinence during the time of preparing and performing the play. Since then, the play gradually evolved to incorporate a unique blend of folk humor and profound reverence in their celebration of the birth of Jesus.

The Shepherd's Play portrays the birth of Jesus in a stable where he is sought out by a group shepherds. It is about feeling and light that gives warmth to simple shepherd’s hearts, about empathy, the wisdom of the heart, the caring for one another that the birth of Jesus will reinforce and strengthen throughout the world.

Today, the Oberufer Shepherds Play is being performed year after year at Waldorf Schools and Camphill Communities throughout the world. It is typically performed by the Teachers as a gift to the students and their families and friends. At Camphill School Beaver Run, as well as the neighboring communities, the Shepherds Play has become an important part of the Advent and Christmas tradition.

This year Mosaic Place is very excited to be able to offer the Shepherds Play as a gift to the wider community, friends, families and to the alumni students of Camphill.

Bring your loved ones and warm your heart with humor and reverence.