The Theatre of the Passion of Nancy opened in 1904, in order to finance the completion of the construction of the church of St Joseph in Nancy. It aimed to represent "The Passion of Christ" on the model and with the authorisation of the company of Oberammergau in Bavaria. The company also performed other works and plays from the catholic imaginary, taking part in many historical parades.
During 1913, a version of Wiseman's 'Fabiola' was staged, asking the painter Raymond Deshays to prepare 28 paintings reproducing the catacombs, all divided in 15 scenes reconstructed by Cécile Fournery-Coquard. The show was produced by Ernest Petit, parish priest of Saint Joseph.
This was one of several shows inspired by the catacombs, which were financed by the Patronage des jeunes filles with the aim of providing Catholic education to a female audience of various age groups.