Mary Magdalene barely appears in the New Testament.
She is described as a disciple of Jesus, but later also portrayed as a sinner (read: prostitute) and sister of Lazarus and Martha.
According to Pope Gregory, it was crystal clear that these were the same woman in each case. Others believe it was a deliberate attempt to smear Mary Magdalene. The pope allegedly forged documents so he could marginalize the role of women within the church.
“In some stories, I committed many sins.
In some, I was erased at the crucial moments.
I was made what could be made of me.
To be honest, I’m not angry.
You may doubt who I was.”
(From Mary Magdalene by Vera Morina)
We know from the various evangelists that Mary Magdalene was a special apostle in the group of men and women who traveled with Jesus and that she was called the apostle of the apostles. She was present at the crucifixion and stood by the empty tomb.
We know little more, but after the discovery of a codex in 1896 containing the Gospel of Mary—dated around 400—there is a strong suspicion that she was more than a woman who traveled with the Savior and the disciples.
“All natures, all forms, and all creatures
exist in and with each other
and they will be brought back
to their own root.”
(From the Gospel of Mary Magdalene)
Inspired by The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, among other sources, Dutch-Kosovar author Vera Morina wrote a story in which Mary Magdalene tells about her personal life and her life with Jesus from her own perspective.
Singer/actress Lucretia van der Vloot will take on the role of Mary Magdalene.
Monique Krüs composed the Passion story According to Mary Magdalene, commissioned by the Netherlands Bach Consort, using both the words of The Gospel of Mary Magdaleneand excerpts from Vera Morina’s text. Her music, written for singer/actress, 8 singers SSAATTBB and organ is interspersed with several excerpts from Meditations on St. Mary Magdalene’s Feast in Nidaros by Norwegian composer Henrik Ødegaard.
According to Mary Magdalene is a musical journey through the life of a woman who lived, worked, and was present at Jesus’ death. A woman with her own voice.
One who had something to say.
Composers in the crosshairs of our attention