Vocal Motions Elastic Theatre presentsThe Magdalene Mysteries
Devised by Vocal Motions Elastic Theatre
July 14th 2008 - July 19th 2008
Show starts: 7.30pm
Running time: 90 minutes
"Impressive... a fascinating exploration of patriarchy and Christianity" - **** Time Out
Vocal Motions Elastic Theatre embarks on an epic journey across the different depictions of Mary Magdalene through the ages. A cross-cultural cast of actors, dancers and singers tells the stories of this character through vocal music, contemporary dance and a devised text, based on original historical documents.
WHY MARY MAGDALENE
Traditionally known as the silent repentant sinner of the gospels, the figure of Mary Magdalene has recently inspired popular fascination. Conspiracy theories suggest new, increasingly controversial ideas about this character – not silent, not simply repentant, but a bold and charismatic leader in her own right.
THE COMPANY
Vocal Motions Elastic Theatre is becoming increasingly known for its carefully choreographed, highly stylised and boldly stark productions, presenting theatre in its most naked and direct core.
Elastic in their flexible and inventive use of space, Vocal Motions Elastic Theatre’s productions can best be described as a cross between dance theatre and contemporary opera, exploring cutting edge ideas in the combination of vocal music, devised texts and contemporary dance.
"The work Elastic is producing is unusual, exciting and innovative .... Well worth a look when it opens at the Southwark and keep an eye out for this company as they have an exceptionally promising future producing pioneering and inventive theatre."
Fringe Review
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Creative Team
Original text and direction by |
- Jacek Scarso |
Reviews
Multi-disciplined, cross-cultural and trans-national theatre company Vocal Motions Elastic marks itself out here as one to watch with this new production. Directed by Jacek Ludwig Scarso, it employs song, dance, mime and devised text to tell the story of the eponymous heroine via various depictions throughout the ages.
If you are unfamiliar with the story of Mary Magdalene – the controversy surrounding her relationship with Christ, her little-known 30-year meditation in Marseilles, her disputed position as a religious leader and the destruction of her gospel by the early Church – then read the programme before you watch this. Much of the production is wordless, some of it is sung by an almighty chorus which performs everything from Gregorian chants to spirituals, and the dialogue is based on various historical texts such as the four gospels and ‘Homily 33’ by Pope Gregory I. Despite some obscurity, it’s a fascinating exploration of patriarchy and Christianity.
Aesthetically and sensorily, Scarso’s impressive production draws attention to a woman whose significance has been disowned by history. Three veiled dancers, representing the spirit of Mary, writhe around to the sound of an acoustic guitar in an incense-filled space. Sandra Shirley cuts a powerful and dignified figure as ‘the whore and the holy one, the wife and the virgin’. The mystery still remains, but Vocal Motions shines some light on a fascinating figure.
4 Stars - Tamara Gausi
Time Out Read Full Review
It is well worth catching this intriguing contemporary dance, voice and music theatre production this week at Southwark Playhouse as it arrives at next stop on its tour from Rome and St James's Piccadilly.
Performed by a talented group of actors and superb singers the production takes you on an imaginary journey with Mary Magdalene as the focus.
This performance however is of interest to anyone who is interested in the fascinating fusion of dance, speech, drama and music. To be reminded of Mary Magdalene and the intrigue that surrounds her is a bonus.
Mary is indeed a compelling character and is shrouded in mystery even today. Those who have read Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code' will have a form of compass on the mystery.
This innovative form of theatre is based on stories of Mary Magdalene from early historical documents such as the Gospels in the Bible, Gnostic and medieval texts and later sources.
The imagery, chorus of voices, and atmosphere is haunting yet gracious. It leads the audience to ponder, puzzle and admire.
'Look at me...' spoken by Mary in an early scene is exactly what we are asked to do in this production; in so doing the audience is privileged to realise the truth of 'where the mind is, there is the treasure...' words heard by Mary in the final scenes.
Elizabeth Peasley
LondonSE1 Read Full Review