Magdalene: I am the utterance of my name

Playwright/performer Sylvia Milo and composer/percussionist Nathan Davis were in residency at PS21 to develop Magdalene: I am the utterance of my name, a music-theater piece about the web of clashing myths, beliefs, symbols, and decrees surrounding the life of Mary Magdalene. The creators of The Other Mozart, about the forgotten genius sister of Amadeus, return this summer to complete work on their new play, with a public performance on July 10.

Equal parts theater, experimental music performance, and ritual, the playwright and composer draw on a multitude of texts and sources—biblical, Gnostic, heretical, medieval, and modern—the drama unfolds in seven apparitions of Mary Magdalene, portrayed by Milo. Davis plays instruments both ancient and modern—hammered dulcimer, harmonium, and hand drums—interweaving the live sound design with field recordings from sites significant to the myths. Tickets: $20 general; $10 for students and youth!