Theatre

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.