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The Magdalene Mysteries at Southwark Playhouse

Elizabeth Peasley

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.

The Magdalene Mysteries at Southwark Playhouse

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This innovative form of theatre is based on stories of Mary Magdalene from early historical documents such as the Gospels in the Bible, Gnostic and medieval texts and later sources.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.

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