Being married to a playwright means I get to see lots of theatre: some of it good, some of it great, some of it very, very bad. But every once in a while, we see something so incredible, we're struck mute by it, literally dumbfounded by its impact and beauty. I have an extremely short list of theatrical experiences I've had which have made me feel this way: totally spellbound and electrified and transformed and so, so lucky to have gotten to bear witness to them. As of last night, the searing star that is The Testament of Mary has been added to my personal firmament.
Based on Colm Tóibín's novel of the same name, it's a one-woman retelling of Jesus' story from his mother's perspective. To say more would give too much away, as so much of the power of this play hinges upon the audience's discovery - and re-discovery - that I think it only right that one goes without knowing too much about the evening. But I will say that the art direction has yielded some of the most gorgeous pictures I have ever seen, on stage, wall, screen, or otherwise.
Long-time collaborators Fiona Shaw and Deborah Warner have that rare Lennon-McCartney dynamic that creates masterpieces, and this show is a shining example. Shaw's acting is...well, she's FIONA SHAW. She is tremendous, complicated, and enthralling throughout, telling her tale while attempting to wrestle it to the ground. Warner's direction is nothing short of divine. Weaving symbols - some subtle, some far less so, but all earned - throughout, she leaves a taut thread for the audience to follow, leading us through a labyrinth of myth and fierce reality, worship and wanting, catharsis and splendor. It's gut-wrenching and transcendent at once.
The play also managed to close a pretty astounding synchronicity loop for me, retroactively making our recent trip to Ephesus all the more meaningful. You'll see why in more detail when you read the writer's note in the program, and also when you see three small figurines stage right.
The show is in previews now, and will be up through June 16th (though I would not be surprised if they extend). Do not miss this.
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