Magdalene: I am the utterance of my name

Silenced as an apostle and framed as a prostitute, Mary Magdalene’s character and story were manipulated in order to undermine women’s leadership centuries ago. Its effects still shape our reality today.

Magdalene: I am the utterance of my name is a work of music-theater that illuminates the myths, beliefs and contradictions that have surrounded Mary Magdalene for over 2000 years. Drawing from ancient texts, artworks, and contemporary writings, the piece centers the revolutionary message from her banned and buried “Gospel of Mary Magdalene”, lost for centuries.

Created by playwright, director, and actor Sylvia Milo alongside composer and percussionist Nathan Davis, the complex work creates a prismatic image of Mary Magdalene that is revealed through seven apparitions. Milo embodies these archetypes as Davis performs his score live onstage using instruments both ancient and modern – hammered dulcimer, harmonium, sand, and water – interweaving the sound design with field recordings from sites significant to the myths. A radiant video projection design by Monica Duncan, movement direction by Janice Orlandi and choreography by Natalie Lomonte and Joanna Kotze expand the space — and our understanding of this essential story.

Equal parts theater and ritual, Magdalene: I am the utterance of my name is a transformative and spiritual experience that wrestles with flawed histories in an attempt to reach true transcendence.