Singer Eva Simons, who plays Maria in this year's production of The Passion, has shared a deeply personal story about her recent miscarriage during rehearsals for the annual Easter event. The live broadcast is set to air from Terneuzen on April 17, 2025, and Simons' experience has added a poignant layer to her portrayal of the biblical figure.
During preparations for The Passion, which has become a staple in Dutch culture and attracts millions of viewers each year, Eva discovered she was pregnant with her second child. "It felt like a miracle: I ask God about Maria and suffering, I get to portray her, and now I’m expecting—how beautiful!" she recounted in an interview with Trouw. However, this joy turned to sorrow when she suffered a miscarriage during a rehearsal, a moment she described as "intensely sad."
Eva, already a mother to her daughter Rosie Nova, born in March 2022, expressed the depth of her loss, saying, "I have never experienced so much love as the love for a child. Now I would get to experience it again with a second. It was intensely sad to lose that." Yet, amidst her grief, she found strength in her faith, stating, "I felt that He was bearing my pain for me. That’s why I sought help and started talking about my miscarriage."
Simons has faced her share of challenges throughout her life, including a difficult childhood and a long battle with alcohol addiction. She shared that her past struggles have shaped her understanding of suffering, especially in relation to her role as Maria. "Suffering is a human experience but not the intention," she reflected.
In an earlier interview, Eva had opened up about her traumatic experience giving birth to Rosie Nova, which she described as chaotic, leaving her feeling "completely out." Her husband was understandably alarmed during the ordeal, as she recounted to Kek Mama.
As she prepares to step into the role of Maria, Simons feels a renewed connection to her faith. She grew up in a religious household but lost sight of God when her grandmother developed dementia, which led to her struggles with substance abuse. "The invitation for The Passion came at just the right time," she said. "Not long before, I had asked God which direction I should go with my life. I was still working in the music industry, but it felt empty. Then, around Christmas, this opportunity arose. I was setting up a nativity scene but couldn’t find Mary. Just after I found her, I got a call asking if I wanted to play the role of Mary. I found that so coincidental; I was looking for Mary, and they were looking for Mary too!"
Eva describes her journey as one of "interning with God," feeling guided step by step toward a more fulfilling life. She emphasizes living more from her heart rather than being driven by money or ego. This role has not only brought her closer to her faith but also fulfilled a long-held dream. "My official name is Eva Maria Simons," she explained. "And you inevitably compare yourself to namesakes. The Passion has brought me closer to God."
As the performance date approaches, Simons expresses her determination to convey the emotional depth of Maria. "I predict that I will be the most emotional Mary ever. When we started rehearsals, I found out I was pregnant. I was afraid of what the Netherlands would think of a pregnant Mary. Ultimately, I had a miscarriage, which is very painful and sad. Through this loss, I understand Maria more than ever; she also lost her child. I hope to stand in peace, not distracted by insecurity or fear. If I get emotional on stage, that’s okay. It comes straight from my heart," she said.
The Passion will air live on Thursday, April 17, at 8:30 PM on NPO 1, promising to be a compelling experience that intertwines personal narratives with the timeless story of sacrifice and redemption.
