Theaterlab Presents:
Little Matchstick Factory’s
Magdalene: I am the utterance of my name – Pre-Premiere
Created and Performed by Sylvia Milo and Nathan Davis
Directed by Sylvia Milo
Jan 14 @ 3PM
Jan 15 @ 7:30PM
Click HERE to purchase!
Silenced as an apostle, framed as a prostitute, portrayed as the wife, mythologized as a hermit and tantric priestess, exalted as Goddess, Mary Magdalene has always been controversial and dangerous to the status quo. Magdalene: I am the utterance of my name is a music-theater piece illuminating the myths, iconography, beliefs, decrees and contradictions that have surrounded Mary Magdalene for 2000 years and which fundamentally shape our reality still today.
Drawing from ancient texts, artworks, contemporary scholarship, and representations in contemporary culture, Sylvia Milo’s portrayal creates a prismatic image of Mary Magdalene in seven apparitions. Nathan Davis performs the rich musical score live onstage using instruments both ancient and modern – hammered dulcimer, harmonium, and hand drums – interweaving the sound design with field recordings from sites significant to the myths. A radiant video projection design and choreography expand the space — and our understanding of this essential story. Created and performed by playwright/actress Sylvia Milo and composer/percussionist Nathan Davis, I am the utterance of my name: Divining Mary Magdalene, is their second collaboration after the critically acclaimed play, The Other Mozart, about the forgotten genius sister of Amadeus. For more information, visit https://utteranceofmyname.com
“a provocative, immersive theatrical experience”
– Morristown Green
“…its ending, with poetry and dancing celebrating Magdalene as a Goddess, had an urgency and a looseness that suggested that what is won by all this questioning is a form of freedom. It was a truly grand finale”
– Jay Lustig, NJarts.net
Meet the Crew:
Script by Sylvia Milo
Music and Sound Design by Nathan Davis
Movement Director: Janice Orlandi
Choreographer: Natalie Lomonte
Additional Movement: Joanna Kotze
Video and Projection Design: Monica Duncan
Costume Design: Magdalena Dąbrowska (Leaf dress and hood by Carlotta Frascara)
Lighting Design: Nick Houfek
Lighting adapted by: Eric Nightengale
Dramaturg: Jess Applebaum
Stage Manager, Hair and makeup: Kodi Lynn Milburn
Produced by Little Matchstick Factory, LLC
COVID-19 policy: In guidance with the city and state COVID-19 policies, we will no longer be requiring masks, but strongly recommend them.